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Meiji Jingu (Meiji Grand Shrine)
〒151-8557 東京都渋谷区代々木神園町１−１
Meiji Jingu is a shrine located in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, Japan. The enshrined deities are Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It was founded on November 1, 1920 (Taisho 9), following the death of Emperor Meiji. Its former official rank was Kanpei Taisha (Grand Shrine under Imperial Patronage), and it is designated as a Chokusaisha (Imperial Festival Shrine).
Enshrined deities
Emperor Meiji
History
Following the death of Emperor Meiji in 1912 (Meiji 45), the decision to found the shrine arose from the people's wish to enshrine his spirit. Construction began in 1915 (Taisho 4), and the dedication ceremony was held on November 1, 1920 (Taisho 9). The forest within the precincts is an artificial woodland created from 100,000 trees donated from across Japan and overseas. The main hall was destroyed by fire during wartime damage in 1945 (Showa 20) but was rebuilt in 1958 (Showa 33).
Blessings
As a shrine dedicated to praying for the prosperity of the Imperial Family, the flourishing of the nation, and world peace, it is widely known for blessings such as family safety, warding off misfortune, and the fulfillment of wishes. It is a popular site for prayers related to life rituals such as Hatsunomikoide (first shrine visit for infants), Shichi-Go-San (festival for children aged seven, five, and three), and weddings. In recent years, many visitors also come to pray for good marriage prospects and matchmaking.
What visitors say
Meiji Jingu is highly regarded as a power spot that feels like a separate world, enveloped in quiet and clear air despite being in the city center. Visitors appreciate that the noise of the city disappears upon passing through the torii gate, allowing them to relax surrounded by a mysterious forest and nature. Its convenient access, being close to Harajuku Station, is also considered a major attraction.
Annual events & festivals
- January 1 onwardHatsumode (first shrine visit of the year)
The New Year's first visits, which typically attract the highest number of worshippers in Japan.
Enshrining Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, the shrine begins the year with the Saitansai (New Year's rite) in the early morning of January 1. The number of visitors during the first shrine visits is consistently the highest in the country. Worshippers pray for peace and safety in the new year within the vast forest grounds in the heart of the city.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Highest number of New Year visitors in Japan
- ・Grand Torii gate on the South Approach
- ・Garden featuring the Kiyomasa Well
- February 11Kigen-sai (Founding Festival)
A festival celebrating the founding of the nation, praying for Japan's prosperity and world peace.
This rite commemorates the sacred act of founding the nation by Emperor Jimmu. Held on National Foundation Day, it is a ceremony dedicated to praying for the development of the country and world peace.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Held on National Foundation Day
- ・Prayers for national prosperity and world peace
- Around May 2-3Haru no Oosai (Spring Grand Festival / Devotees' Grand Festival)
A spring grand festival during Golden Week featuring dedicatory offerings of traditional performing arts.
Centered on the Devotees' Grand Festival, various Japanese traditional performing arts are offered as dedicatory performances within the shrine grounds. These include Bugaku (court dance), Noh theater, Japanese music, Sanqu (traditional narrative music), and Satsuma biwa (three-stringed lute).
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Dedicatory performances of Bugaku, Noh, and more
- ・Held during Golden Week
- June 30Ooharae (Great Purification Rite)
A Shinto rite to purify the sins and impurities of the past six months.
The sins and impurities of the first half of the year are transferred to paper effigies (hitogata) and purified, while prayers are offered for health and safety in the second half of the year.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Purification using paper effigies
- ・Prayers for health and safety
- November 1Autumn Grand Festival (Chinza Kinen-sai)
An autumn grand festival commemorating the enshrinement of the deities. Dedictory performing arts are offered.
A festival commemorating the enshrinement in the 9th year of the Taisho era. Dedictory performing arts, such as Bugaku (court music and dance) and Noh theater, are offered, continuing a series of events rich in cultural atmosphere.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Commemorative events for the enshrinement
- ・Dedictory offerings of Bugaku and other arts
- November 3Reisai (Annual Grand Festival)
The most important festival of the year, held on the birthday of Emperor Meiji.
The most important festival of the year, held on the birthday of the enshrined deity, Emperor Meiji (Culture Day). Imperial envoys are dispatched from the Imperial Palace to attend.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Held on the birthday of Emperor Meiji
- ・Attendance of imperial envoys
- ・The most important grand festival
Dates can shift from year to year. Please check the official information before you go.
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