Tokyo Meiji Shrine Walking Tour: Shintoism and the Imperial System
by Local Guide Stars Shinjuku
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.¥4,800Overview
This 90-minute small-group walking tour visits Meiji Shrine, the most visited Shinto shrine in Japan, located in a forested area of Tokyo. The group, limited to 10 people, follows a local guide who explains Shintoism and the 2,600-year-old Japanese Imperial system. The tour begins at the Harajuku gate, where participants walk along a wide path surrounded by forest. Along the way, the group passes large torii gates, sake barrel displays, and the purification fountain. One stop highlights one of Japan’s largest wooden torii gates, made from ancient cypress timber imported from Taiwan. At the main shrine, the visit lasts about 30 minutes. Visitors can offer prayers, draw omikuji fortune slips, write wishes on ema wooden plaques, and browse various omamori charms. The guide provides information about the shrine’s role in Shintoism and the history of the Imperial system, including Japan’s transition from samurai to modern times. The tour ends with time at a nearby cafe and gift shop, where light meals, drinks, charms, and Meiji Jingu exclusive souvenirs are available in a quiet forest setting.
Highlights
What's included
Itinerary
Harajuku Gate and Forest Path
Enter through the Harajuku gate and walk along a wide path through a quiet forest toward Meiji Shrine. Along the way, pass giant torii gates, sake barrel displays, and the purification fountain while experiencing the calm natural surroundings in central Tokyo.
30 min
Large Wooden Torii Gate
Pass through one of Japan’s largest wooden torii gates, built from ancient cypress trees imported from Taiwan. This gate’s size and history create a strong and quiet presence.
5 min
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Spend 30 minutes at the main shrine where visitors can offer prayers, draw omikuji fortune slips, write wishes on ema wooden plaques, and examine various omamori charms. The guide explains the shrine’s significance and the 2,600-year-old Imperial system.
30 min
Cafe and Gift Shop
End the visit with time at a cafe and gift shop near the shrine grounds. The shop sells charms, traditional items, and exclusive Meiji Jingu products. The cafe serves light meals and drinks in a quiet forest environment.
15 min
Meeting point
Please meet at JR Harajuku Station East Exit 2. It's also a 5-minute walk from Meiji-Jingumae Station on the Fukutoshin and Chiyoda lines. Our guide holding a “Local Guide Stars” sign will be there to greet you.
End point
Please meet at JR Harajuku Station East Exit 2. It's also a 5-minute walk from Meiji-Jingumae Station on the Fukutoshin and Chiyoda lines. Our guide holding a “Local Guide Stars” sign will be there to greet you.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
Tokyo Meiji Shrine Walking Tour: Shintoism and the Imperial System
by Local Guide Stars Shinjuku
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.¥4,800Overview
This 90-minute small-group walking tour visits Meiji Shrine, the most visited Shinto shrine in Japan, located in a forested area of Tokyo. The group, limited to 10 people, follows a local guide who explains Shintoism and the 2,600-year-old Japanese Imperial system. The tour begins at the Harajuku gate, where participants walk along a wide path surrounded by forest. Along the way, the group passes large torii gates, sake barrel displays, and the purification fountain. One stop highlights one of Japan’s largest wooden torii gates, made from ancient cypress timber imported from Taiwan. At the main shrine, the visit lasts about 30 minutes. Visitors can offer prayers, draw omikuji fortune slips, write wishes on ema wooden plaques, and browse various omamori charms. The guide provides information about the shrine’s role in Shintoism and the history of the Imperial system, including Japan’s transition from samurai to modern times. The tour ends with time at a nearby cafe and gift shop, where light meals, drinks, charms, and Meiji Jingu exclusive souvenirs are available in a quiet forest setting.
Highlights
What's included
Itinerary
Harajuku Gate and Forest Path
Enter through the Harajuku gate and walk along a wide path through a quiet forest toward Meiji Shrine. Along the way, pass giant torii gates, sake barrel displays, and the purification fountain while experiencing the calm natural surroundings in central Tokyo.
30 min
Large Wooden Torii Gate
Pass through one of Japan’s largest wooden torii gates, built from ancient cypress trees imported from Taiwan. This gate’s size and history create a strong and quiet presence.
5 min
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Spend 30 minutes at the main shrine where visitors can offer prayers, draw omikuji fortune slips, write wishes on ema wooden plaques, and examine various omamori charms. The guide explains the shrine’s significance and the 2,600-year-old Imperial system.
30 min
Cafe and Gift Shop
End the visit with time at a cafe and gift shop near the shrine grounds. The shop sells charms, traditional items, and exclusive Meiji Jingu products. The cafe serves light meals and drinks in a quiet forest environment.
15 min
Meeting point
Please meet at JR Harajuku Station East Exit 2. It's also a 5-minute walk from Meiji-Jingumae Station on the Fukutoshin and Chiyoda lines. Our guide holding a “Local Guide Stars” sign will be there to greet you.
End point
Please meet at JR Harajuku Station East Exit 2. It's also a 5-minute walk from Meiji-Jingumae Station on the Fukutoshin and Chiyoda lines. Our guide holding a “Local Guide Stars” sign will be there to greet you.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.