The historic Meiji Jingu Shrine located in Yoyogi-Kamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, which is the most visited shrine for Hatsumode every year in Japan and can be said to be the most famous shrine in Japan.
It is also known as a place where prestigious events such as the yokozuna ring-entering ceremony of sumo wrestlers are held.
The shrine was built in 1920. The torii gate is the largest Myojin torii in Japan and is made of a 1,500 year old Japanese cypress tree.
The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Dowager Shoken. The deity’s virtues include world peace, domestic safety, physical safety, exorcism of bad luck, prayer for success in school, prosperity of the company’s fortunes, and prosperity of business.
During the New Year’s Hatsumode, a New Year’s Day ceremony is held to pray for the prosperity of the imperial family and the nation.
New Year’s New Year prayers are also held which sees about 3.2 million people visit the shrine.
It is located a few minutes’ walk from Harajuku Station on the JR line and Meiji-jingumae Station on the Tokyo Metro line.
Parking for about 50 cars is available, but it is not available on New Year’s 3rd and the surrounding area is crowded with the most worshippers in Japan, so it is best to use public transportation.
The expansive Yoyogi Park, and Meiji Jingu Gaien are nearby.
| Name | Meiji Jingu Shrine 明治神宮 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Closed | without a holiday |
| Fee | free |
| Address | 1-1 Yoyogi-Kamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo |
| Telephone | 03-3379-5511 |
How To Get To The Meiji Jingu Shrine
- 1 minute walk from Omotesando exit of Harajuku station on Yamanote line
- Or Meiji-jingumae station on Chiyoda line.
