Experience Shinto rituals at Meiji Shrine
Tokyo, Japan •
Popular
PopularRecommended to Self-explore






Best months to visit
Jan, Apr, May
2°C – 10°C, january in tokyo is cold but generally dry and sunny, high crowds, peak season
2°C – 10°C, january in tokyo is cold but generally dry and sunny, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Wide, flat paths; wheelchair and stroller accessible, seating available along the way.
Wide, flat paths; wheelchair and stroller accessible, seating available along the way.
Value for money
High
Free entry and a serene experience for couples.
Free entry and a serene experience for couples.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity



C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Peaceful Escape
Couples found the shrine's serene atmosphere perfect for a romantic stroll and reflection.
Beautiful Grounds
Visitors loved the expansive forest and the iconic torii gates, ideal for photos together.
Cultural Insight
Couples appreciated the opportunity to witness a traditional Shinto wedding procession.
Gravel Path
Some couples noted the gravel paths could be challenging for a leisurely walk together.
Busy Weekends
Travelers said weekends can be crowded, potentially disrupting a peaceful experience.
Limited Privacy
Couples may find it hard to find quiet spots due to crowds during peak times.
How to book
You can book on the spot
Hours of operation
Monday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
MEDIUM

5-12°C
December is cool and mostly dry. Early in the month is quiet, but crowds swell at the end of the month for New Year celebrations.
December is cool and mostly dry. Early in the month is quiet, but crowds swell at the end of the month for New Year celebrations.
Open
No special restrictions; shrine is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Expect very large crowds around New Year's Eve.
No special restrictions; shrine is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Expect very large crowds around New Year's Eve.
Recommended
December offers a peaceful experience until late in the month, when Meiji Shrine becomes one of Japan’s most visited spiritual sites for New Year's prayers.
December offers a peaceful experience until late in the month, when Meiji Shrine becomes one of Japan’s most visited spiritual sites for New Year's prayers.
January
HIGH

2-10°C
January in Tokyo is cold but generally dry and sunny. Occasional cold winds, but precipitation is rare.
January in Tokyo is cold but generally dry and sunny. Occasional cold winds, but precipitation is rare.
Open
No major restrictions. Open daily with varying hours according to sunrise and sunset.
No major restrictions. Open daily with varying hours according to sunrise and sunset.
Recommended
January is a culturally significant time to visit Meiji Shrine, especially for New Year’s celebrations. After the initial rush, it becomes a peaceful spot with crisp winter air.
January is a culturally significant time to visit Meiji Shrine, especially for New Year’s celebrations. After the initial rush, it becomes a peaceful spot with crisp winter air.
February
LOW

2-11°C
February remains cold but is typically dry, with occasional light rain. Skies are often clear.
February remains cold but is typically dry, with occasional light rain. Skies are often clear.
Open
No major restrictions. Open daily with varying hours according to sunrise and sunset.
No major restrictions. Open daily with varying hours according to sunrise and sunset.
Recommended
February is a calm period to visit Meiji Shrine, offering tranquility and uncrowded paths amid winter scenery.
February is a calm period to visit Meiji Shrine, offering tranquility and uncrowded paths amid winter scenery.
March
MEDIUM

5-15°C
Temperatures begin to rise, and early spring brings a mix of sunny and rainy days.
Temperatures begin to rise, and early spring brings a mix of sunny and rainy days.
Open
No major restrictions. Open daily with varying hours according to sunrise and sunset.
No major restrictions. Open daily with varying hours according to sunrise and sunset.
Recommended
March sees the awakening of spring, with pleasant weather and blooming plants, making it a pleasant time for a visit.
March sees the awakening of spring, with pleasant weather and blooming plants, making it a pleasant time for a visit.
How to get there

Metro
Recommended
Meiji-jingumae 'Harajuku' Station (Chiyoda and Fukutoshin Lines) is near the Harajuku Entrance. Kitasando Station (Fukutoshin Line) is a 5-minute walk from the Takeshita Entrance.

Train
Recommended
Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line) is a short walk from the southern entrance. Yoyogi Station (JR Yamanote and Sobu Lines) provides access to the northern entrance.

Walking
Recommended
The shrine is accessible on foot from nearby districts; it's a 20-minute walk from Shibuya and Shinjuku.

Bike
Designated bicycle parking areas are available near the entrances.

Bus
Several local bus lines have stops near Meiji Shrine, such as the Toei Bus service from Shibuya Station to Kitando.

Car
Paid parking is available for visitors.

Taxi
Taxis offer direct access; a ride from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal takes about 10 minutes.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required

Viator

