Tokyo: Meiji Shrine Walking Tour — Shintoism & Imperial System
Description
Meiji Shrine, located in a lush forest, is the most visited shrine in Japan. On this small-group tour of up to 10 people, a local guide explains Shinto and the Japanese Imperial system. Experience the calm heart of Japanese tradition. [Highlights] ・Small group tour of up to 10 people ・The mysterious forest where noise disappears ・Japan's 2,600-year-old Imperial system ・Visiting the most popular shinto shrine in Japan ・Learn how Japan went from samurai to modern
Tour Options
Itinerary
Enter through the Harajuku gate and walk along a wide path through a peaceful forest toward the main shrine. Along the way, you’ll pass through giant torii gates, see sake barrel displays, visit the purification fountain, and experience the calm of nature in the heart of Tokyo.
Along the path, you’ll pass through one of Japan’s largest wooden torii gates—made from ancient cypress brought all the way from Taiwan. Its size, history, and quiet power leave a strong impression.
At the main shrine, you can offer a prayer, draw a unique type of omikuji, write your wish on an ema (wooden plaque), and explore a variety of omamori (charms). Many visitors say they feel a special kind of energy in this sacred space.
At the end of the visit, there is a cafe and a gift shop near the shrine grounds. The shop offers charms, traditional goods, and Meiji Jingu–exclusive items. The cafe provides light meals and drinks in a quiet forest setting.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(505)
We were able to have our tour be just my partner and I with the wonderful tour guide Airi. She was so patient and friendly. She explained everything so well and it was great to hear it from a local.
Arigato Gosaimasu! The tour was very interesting, and Kodai was very kind and professional. Thanks for everything! Cheers from Brazil and Italy.
The experience was great, I learned a lot and the general vibe was also very nice. I recommend Kodai as a guide and the trip itself.
Kodai was amazing! The tour was a great length of time and I learned so much. It was a very special experience.
Great tour with Kodai. He was super sweet and made our visit to Meiji Jingu better than it would have been on our own.
On August 15, 2026, we visited the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo at 2:30 p.m. Our guide, Mizu, was waiting for us right on time and immediately won us over with her warm and friendly personality. Her fascinating explanations about the Meiji Shrine, Shinto beliefs, Buddhism, and many other interesting details about the shrine and its surroundings made the tour a truly wonderful experience. We would wholeheartedly recommend Mizu for any future tours and would like to thank her very much for this lovely and informative experience! 😊
Informative and Enlightening
We enjoyed so much this tour. Ichi is an experienced guide who made the visit very interesting
Great tour by Ichiro. We learned a lot about the Shrine.
Tomo was definitely great!!!!
