Tokyo Meiji Shrine: Shinto Culture Walking Tour & Rituals

Summary

Walk Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine forest and feel Shinto tradition alive

You’ll step through towering torii gates into Meiji Shrine’s peaceful forest with a local guide leading the way. Learn simple Shinto rituals, see centuries-old traditions up close, and pause among thousands of donated trees right inside Tokyo’s heart. This isn’t just sightseeing—it’s a chance to feel something real beneath all that city rush.

What’s the experience like?

"Try to clap twice—like this," our guide Yuki said, her hands making a gentle sound that somehow echoed under the trees. I’d never been to Meiji Shrine before, and honestly, I was expecting more crowds or noise. Instead, we stepped through that huge torii gate (it’s massive—Yuki said 12 meters tall) and it felt like the city just… faded out. The air smelled like cedar and rain from earlier in the morning. There were these little wooden plaques everywhere, ema I think they’re called, with wishes written in all sorts of languages. Some were funny—one just said “I hope my cat lives forever.”

We walked along the gravel path through what Yuki told us was an “artificial” forest—though it looked ancient to me. She explained how people from all over Japan donated 100,000 trees when the shrine was built. I tried to imagine that many people caring about a place enough to send a tree for it. There were other visitors but everyone seemed quieter here, like they were part of some secret agreement not to disturb things too much. At one point, a wedding procession passed by—white kimono, slow steps—and for a second I felt weirdly emotional. Maybe it was jet lag or maybe just being somewhere that means so much to so many people.

At the main shrine building, Yuki showed us how to purify our hands at the water basin (I definitely splashed myself—she laughed but didn’t make me feel dumb). She pointed out details I would’ve missed: ropes made from rice straw, barrels of sake offered by brewers across Japan lined up in bright rows. We talked about Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken—how they modernized Japan but are still honored here in this very traditional way. It’s wild how you can be in Shibuya one minute and then standing in this quiet green world the next.

I’m not sure I really understood Shinto before this day trip to Meiji Jingu from central Tokyo, but now I get why people come here—not just tourists but locals too. Even if you don’t know exactly what to pray for or how to do every ritual perfectly (I definitely didn’t), there’s something calming about just trying it alongside everyone else. Sometimes I still think about those ema wishes swaying gently in the breeze—it sticks with you longer than you expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Meiji Shrine and Shinto culture

• Enter through towering torii gates
• Walk along forested path with 100,000 trees
• Visit main shrine and observe rituals
• Offer prayers or write wishes on ema plaques
• See largest wooden myojin style torii gate
• Learn about Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken
• Experience peaceful forest in busy Shibuya

Top questions

How long does the Meiji Shrine walking tour take?

The tour typically lasts around 1-2 hours depending on group pace and questions.

Is Meiji Shrine wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both transportation options and paths at Meiji Shrine are wheelchair accessible.

Are infants or strollers allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants can join and strollers/prams are welcome throughout the shrine grounds.

What is included in the Meiji Shrine & Shinto Culture tour?

The tour includes historical insights into the district and guidance from a knowledgeable local guide.

Do we get to participate in any rituals at Meiji Shrine?

You’ll have a chance to try simple rituals like hand purification and offering prayers with guidance.

Where is Meiji Shrine located in Tokyo?

Meiji Jingu is located within a large forested area in Tokyo’s Shibuya district.

Is public transportation available near Meiji Shrine?

Yes, there are convenient public transportation options nearby for easy access.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk through Meiji Shrine’s forested grounds with personal insights from your local guide into Shinto culture and history; everything is designed for accessibility whether you’re bringing kids or need wheelchair support—just meet at the shrine entrance and let yourself slow down for once.