Meiji Jingu Shrine & Forest
About
Dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, Meiji Jingu Shrine sits within a 70-hectare forested park in the heart of Harajuku — directly accessible from Harajuku Station. The forest itself is the shrine's most remarkable feature: 120,000 trees representing 365 species were donated from across Japan and planted by volunteers in 1920, creating a dense woodland that feels entirely removed from the surrounding city.
The gravel path through the forest is 700 meters long from the Omotesando torii gate to the main shrine building. Along the way, giant sake barrels donated by producers across Japan are stacked on one side; wine barrels donated by Burgundy producers on the other — a touching gesture of international friendship from the Meiji era. Arrive early morning for the most serene experience; Sunday mornings sometimes feature traditional Shinto ceremonies.