Meiji Shrine

Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. As one of Japan’s most prominent shrines, it attracts many visitors from Japan and abroad, and it is famous for having the nation’s highest number of New Year’s (hatsumode) worshippers. The grounds span about 220,000 tsubo and have three main entrances. Passing through the torii leads into a vast forested precinct. Although the forest is man-made—created from around 100,000 donated trees from across Japan—it supports diverse wildlife, and you may even encounter animals such as raccoon dogs. After about a 10-minute walk from the entrance, you reach the main sanctuary near the center of the grounds. A recommended omikuji here is the “Omigokoro,” which does not give fortune grades like good or bad luck; instead it features waka poems by Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. There are also facilities such as the Meiji Jingu Museum and the café “Mori no Terrace.” Access is very convenient from Harajuku / Meiji-jingu-mae Station (JR and Tokyo Metro lines), and also possible from Yoyogi, Sangubashi, and Kita-sando stations.