Meiji Jingu Shrine Day Tour
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Meiji Jingu Shrine
Experience Tranquility at the Center of the Bustling City at Meiji Jingu Shrine
To the north of the shrine complex lies the treasure house or Homotsuden, which was constructed after a year of the opening of the shrine. It is the first concrete building of Japan built in Ooyukazukuri (high floor style) of Azekurazukuri Shosoin in Nara. The treasure house has some clothes and other belongings of the Emperor and the Empress. It also has the carriage that the emperor rode to the historic event of the formal declaration of the Meiji constitution in 1889. Besides it, you will also find belongings of other Meiji Emperors and beautiful artwork related to the Taisho and Showa era. The display provides you a great insight into the Japanese culture.
The inner garden was designed by the Emperor himself to please his wife. Known as Minami-ike Shobuda or the Irish garden, the place has around 150 species of irises which bloom during the month of June. Hence, the garden is quite popular at this time of the year. In the garden premises is located Kiyomasa's Well, a well named after the soldier who dug it 400 years back. The well was visited by the Emperor and Empress and thus is a popular spiritual spot often referred to as the 'power spot'.
The shrine is surrounded by a forested area with over 100,000 trees that have been donated from around the world. It is now home to some exotic birds. The place is great to relax, take in the serene beauty of nature and watch people around. Standing in contrast to the densely populated city the park offers much-needed refuge from the hectic life.
To the east of the main shrine building is the Museum Annex Building where temporary exhibitions take place.
How to Get Tickets?
Admission to the shrine is free. However, there are tickets to the treasure house and the inner garden which can be bought at the shrine itself. The cost of the ticket to the garden and treasure house is 500 yen each.
What Should I Wear?
There is no dress code to the shrine. You can wear anything you find appropriate. Wear comfortable shoes as the shrine complex is spread on an area of 170 acres. There is a 15-minute walk from the entrance to the main building of the shrine. Also, you may be required to take off your shoes before entering the main building.
Best Time to Visit
The temple is open every day from sunrise to sunset. The visiting timings to treasure house and garden are shorter likely between 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. the best time to visit the place would definitely be June when you can enjoy the beautiful sight of the garden filled with Irish flowers. Also, you can visit the temple on the first day of the year when it is thronged by devotees who come to offer their first prayer of the year 'Hatsumode'. The shrine would be too crowded during this time, hence come prepared.
Currency
Yen
How To Get There?
Meiji Jingu Shrine lies just next to Harajuku station. Hence the best means to reach the shrine is by taking a train. Take the Yamanote line from the Tokyo or Shinjuku station to Harajuku station from where the south gate of the Meiji Jingu Shrine is a short walk away. The south gate of the shrine is also at a walking distance from Meiji Jingu Mae station.
Additional Info
You are expected to preserve the dignity of the place. Maintain silence while inside the main building. Photography and any kind of filming inside the premises of the main building are not allowed. However, you can click photographs from the outside.