Meiji Shrine in Photos
Meiji Shrine is in the heart of bustling Tokyo. It’s a place where time seems to slow down. The hum of the city fades into the gentle rustle of leaves. This sanctuary of Shinto tradition and natural beauty is nestled within a forest. It’s a hidden gem for photographers. Sake barrels, traditional architecture, and torii gates set the scene for stunning shots. So much is waiting to be discovered. Let’s explore this unforgettable destination!
I couldn’t believe I had entered a forest, the first time I went. Walking through 100,000 trees (no exaggeration) was quite an experience. It took about 10 minutes, from the front torii, past the famous sake barrels, to get to the main halls. Even if you go there in summer, the heat won’t be unbearable as the leaves and branches give relief from Tokyo’s harsh sun.
Some might find it hard to believe that Harajuku is over the road from this serene, sacred place. The world leader in pop culture is next door! Two opposites right next to each other, in harmony. One friend, on his first visit to Meiji Shrine, said the experience was surreal. So did I on my first visit. I hope others will feel the same. Let’s explore it.
What to photograph at Meiji Shrine
- There are many flowers throughout the grounds.
- Inner Garden Kiyomasa’s Well (a local power spot).
- There are two museums.
- Sake (and wine) barrels (found near the main entrance).
- Shiseikan (martial arts training center).
- Shrine architecture.
- Torii gates (maybe the biggest in Tokyo).
Shrine Events
Meiji Shrine has plenty. Here is a partial list of what is on throughout the year:
- January – New Year’s Day (Hatsumode) – It’s the year’s biggest event. Be ready for crowds if you go! It will seem like every Tokyoite is with you.
- February – Setsubun (Bean Throwing Festival)
- June – Iris field in bloom
- July – Tanabata (the Star Festival)
- November – Autumn Grand Festival (including Yabusame)
Check the shrine’s website for details.
Wedding photography at Meiji Shrine
Meiji Shrine is famous for its wedding processions. Couples in colorful kimonos and hakamas make for superb photos. Most weekends will have at least one. They can happen on any day though. It depends on the Rokuyo calendar.
Before and after the ceremonies, they cross the courtyard in front of the main hall. The bride and groom, parents, and guests walk in order of importance, following the priest and Miko. Visitors crowd the route to take pictures of it. Read about them in this article.
When is the best time to visit the shrine?
Those weddings are one good reason for a visit. But they are held every month. Are you looking for a season? Well, I’d choose autumn. That is the time for the Grand Festival (with its yabusame) and chrysanthemums.
Are you a flower lover? The shrine is famous for them. Spring has plum and cherry blossoms. Summer has azaleas and Japanese Irises. Autumn has chrysanthemums. There are plenty to choose from.
Special mention must be given to the irises. They are in the Inner Garden, deep in the forest. There’s a fee to enter, but it’s serenity makes it feel like a secret world. Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken used to visit it.
Even winter has a special offering. The shrine is a major hatsumode spot. Hatsudmode means “first prayers of the New Year”. It’s an important part of Japanese life. Many tens of thousands of people will visit the shrine for it.
Meiji Shrine Facts
- The Meiji Emperor died in 1912.
- The Japanese government passed a resolution to build a shrine for him. The site was near an iris garden in Harajuku, which the couple liked.
- Chuta Ito was the designer.
- Construction began in 1915.
- Japanese cypress and copper were the materials.
- Built it in the traditional nagare-zukuri style.
- Youth groups and civic associations contributed to labor and funding.
- Meiji Shrine was dedicated in 1920.
- Construction completed in 1921.
- The grounds were finished in 1926.
- Until 1946, it was a Kanpei-Taisha (shrines that received huge government support).
- WW2 air raids destroyed many shrine buildings. Luckily, the Meiji Jingu Treasure Museum survived.
- Post-war public fundraising allowed shrine reconstruction.
Where is Meiji Shrine?
Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Closest train stations:
- Harajuku Station (Yamanote Line)
- Kita-Sando (Fukutoshin Line)
- Meij-Jingumae ‘Harajuku’ (Chiyodai and Fukutoshin Metro Lines)
- Sangubashi (Odaykyu Line)
Harajuku Station will be best for most people as the shrine is just outside the gate.
Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset.
Conclusion
Meiji Shrine is a great Tokyo tourist attraction. It should be on every photographer’s list of places to visit in Japan. There is much to see and do. Check out those wedding processions!
The real bonus for this place is that Yoyogi Park, Harajuku, and Shibuya are close. If you went on a Sunday, you could fill an entire day with many great things to do. And most importantly, they would all be picture-worthy! Leave questions and comments below.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
Here are more shrine articles:
External links for Meiji Shrine articles
- A procession of Archers – Meiji Shrine
- Meiji Shrine (official website)