Things to do in Tokyo：Meiji Shrine

The History and Appeal of Meiji Shrine

Located in the heart of Tokyo, Meiji Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, offering a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Founded in 1920, this shrine is not only a major tourist destination but also a place to experience Japan’s rich traditions. Surrounded by a vast forest, visitors can engage in cultural workshops that deepen their understanding of Shinto rituals and Japanese heritage.

 

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Cultural Workshops at Meiji Shrine

1. Formal Shrine Visit at Kaguraden

At Meiji Shrine, visitors can participate in a Formal Shrine Visit (known as “Harae”) at the sacred Kaguraden Hall. This ritual involves purification, prayers, and the offering of a sacred branch, giving participants a deeper connection to Japan’s Shinto traditions. It’s a rare opportunity to experience a formal shrine visit, led by Shinto priests.

• Participation Fee: ¥5000
• Duration: 30 minutes
• Reservations: Required in advance

2. Sacred Sake Offering Experience

For those interested in unique rituals, the Sacred Sake Offering workshop allows visitors to choose a bottle of Japanese sake and offer it to the gods. Guided by Shinto priests, participants can engage in this traditional act of gratitude and prayer, offering a deeper understanding of Japan’s religious customs.

• Participation Fee: ¥3000
• Duration: 45 minutes
• Reservations: Required in advance

 

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3. Tea Ceremony in the Garden

In Meiji Shrine’s peaceful garden, visitors can enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. Led by experienced tea masters, this workshop provides a calming environment to experience the Japanese art of tea-making. Visitors can savor matcha and seasonal sweets while learning about the cultural significance of tea in Japan.

• Participation Fee: ¥4000 (includes matcha and traditional sweets)
• Duration: 1 hour
• Reservations: Recommended in advance

 

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4. DIY Goshuincho Workshop

For those interested in traditional crafts, the DIY Goshuincho Workshop offers a hands-on experience in creating a personalized goshuincho (a book used to collect temple and shrine stamps). Participants can design their book using Japanese washi paper and fabric, making it a unique keepsake of their shrine visit.

• Participation Fee: ¥3500
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Reservations: Available online

 

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Seasonal Highlights at Meiji Shrine

While Meiji Shrine is most famous for drawing millions of visitors during the New Year for hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the year), it is a beautiful place to visit all year round. In spring, visitors can enjoy lush greenery, while autumn brings stunning yellow foliage. The shrine’s natural beauty transforms with each season, making every visit a new experience.

 

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Visitor Guide

• Access: 5-minute walk from JR Harajuku Station, or 3-minute walk from Meiji-Jingumae Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line.
• Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM (varies seasonally)
• Admission: Free, with separate fees for workshops

Meiji Shrine provides a perfect blend of nature and cultural immersion in the heart of Tokyo. Through its various workshops, visitors can experience the essence of Japan’s spiritual and cultural heritage firsthand.