Tokyo: Meiji Jingu Walking Trail – A Power Spot with a Forest in the Heart of the City

An oasis in metropolitan Tokyo, the power spot Meiji Jingu has many charms besides worship. Meiji Jingu is an urban forest, introducing its charming strolling paths.

Charms of the Urban Oasis & Power Spot “Meiji Jingu Stroll”

Ground That is Larger Than Imagined: “Meiji Jingu”

An oasis in the city, green-rich grove and forest that is Meiji Jingu, is one of the tourist attractions you definitely want to go to as part of sightseeing when coming to Tokyo. Worshiping at the shrine is of course wonderful, and from there enjoying the forest lush with trees uncharacteristic of Tokyo through a stroll is also good; let’s stroll through Meiji Jingu, filled with the goodness of Japanese shrines. It is larger than imagined.

The Journey from Harajuku Station to Meiji Jingu is Already Deeply Emotion-Stirring

There are several nearest stations to Meiji Jingu, but the easiest to understand is Harajuku Station, a station on the JR Yamanote Line. Getting off the station, there is a bridge (Jingu Bridge) leading directly to Meiji Jingu. In the Showa era of the past, there was a time of the “Takenoko-zoku” (Bamboo Shoot Tribe) where youths rushed with boomboxes (boxes that play music) to Jingu Bridge, sat down, and cropped up out of nowhere like bamboo shoots after rain. However, in the Reiwa era of today, it is extremely peaceful, so you cannot do bamboo shoot hunting.

Paying respects in front of the Otorii of Meiji Jingu, which comes into view right after crossing the bridge, you worship at the shrine. Feeling a dignified beauty at Meiji Jingu, worshiping with a mind that feels like it has a firm core running through it.

Since I came all the way to Meiji Jingu, I thought I’d walk grandly right down the middle of the approach, but by the time I realized that walking down the middle of the path gets gravel in your shoes, gravel had already gotten into my shoes. Let’s walk quietly on the edges paved with stone tiles. Everyone is walking on the edges.

Walking along a path covered by trees so tall you have to look up, a refreshing breeze containing the comfort of nature flows through, feeling great.

Truly, it is a pleasant feeling like walking through a forest tunnel while feeling the bright sunlight, but if you go into the trees, you will surely get lost, so be careful! (I won’t go, lol)

Meiji Jingu Museum and Forest Terrace

Walking for a while, the sign for Meiji Jingu Museum (General: 1,000 JPY) comes into view. I thought I wanted to see the museum, but on the way there I am full of desire to go to the main hall, so thinking of stopping by on the way back, I leave the museum behind and head toward the main hall.

As I walk, a restaurant sign comes into view. (Too many temptations!) I certainly want to eat soft-serve ice cream too, and I feel like beer is calling me, but with unwavering determination, I advance down the path toward the main hall.

Dedicated Japanese sake is lined up right in front of my eyes! Searching for sake from your home prefecture here is an absolute requirement.

Strongest Power Spot: “Meiji Jingu Main Hall”

At the main hall, two large round trees are enshrined on the left and right. This tree, what tree, curious tree~, since it’s a tree whose name I don’t even know~♪

I don’t know the name, but the trees are huge.

Properly worshiping at the main hall. There is something that deeply touches and sinks into you!

Vast Grounds, Strolling Through Meiji Jingu

Advancing past the main hall, there is a path where you can feel the natural breeze enveloped by trees. While it is a path where you can stroll pleasantly, please note that the path is longer than imagined!

Most people do not come this far, so it is not well known, but at Meiji Jingu there is a greenery-filled lawn. (It’s a hidden gem spot)

There is also a pond. (It’s a hidden gem spot)

Beer at Forest Terrace is the Best

Walking slowly through everything for an hour, after strolling through Meiji Jingu, drinking beer at the Forest Terrace Restaurant that you stop by on the way back! It’s delicious☆.

Location and Access of “Meiji Jingu”

Location

Meiji Jingu is located in Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, a green-rich oasis in the city center.

Access Methods:

• JR Yamanote Line: Right from “Harajuku Station” or “Yoyogi Station.”
• Tokyo Metro: Right from “Meiji-jingumae Station.”

Within walking distance from each station, optimal for visiting together with Omotesando or Harajuku sightseeing.

Information of “Meiji Jingu”

Meiji Jingu was founded in 1920 (Taisho 9) to enshrine Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The man-made forest created from about 100,000 trees donated from all over the country has passed 100 years of time and is affectionately known as the “Eternal Forest.”

Item	Details
Deities Enshrined	Emperor Meiji, Empress Shoken
Main Blessings	Family safety, physical safety, good matchmaking, warding off evil, business prosperity
Worship Hours	Gates open at sunrise and close at sunset, so hours differ every month. May : 5:00 – 18:10 June : 5:00 – 18:30
Admission Fee	Free (Inner Garden, etc. require a separate maintenance contribution)

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Currently it is the beautiful season of fresh green, so worshiping during the cool morning time slot is especially recommended.

Bonus: Dressing Young at Takeshita Street

Meiji Jingu is in Harajuku; speaking of Harajuku, it’s Takeshita Street. Walking through Harajuku, where midriff-baring girls and middle and high school girls act cheerful, takes courage for an old guy alone, but you must definitely go, you must eat crêpes; this old guy is sitting on the street eating too. A Meiji Jingu stroll that you definitely want to go to on a sunny day.