Meiji Shrine, a shrine in the forest in the middle of Tokyo

Amid the bustling city of Tokyo, in the crowded Harajuku area, there is a shrine that, once you walk inside, is filled with trees, lush greenery, and tranquility. People come here to pray, stroll, relax, and breathe in the fresh air deeply.
Today, I would like to recommend another way to enter, in case anyone is coming back from Gotokuji Temple and has time to stop by the shrine to pray. Start by taking the Odakyu line from Gotokuji Station to Sangubashi Station, exit East, then cross the street to find the shrine entrance. Walking inside, you will pass a park—I’m not sure of its name—but you can see the NTT Docomo Yoyogi building, which is very beautiful. It’s a great spot to take some photos. This route is not very crowded and quite peaceful. Following the path, you will reach the shrine. Before entering to pray, there is a place to wash your hands on the left side. Inside, it’s very beautiful and lush. I really like the omikuji (fortune slips) here; they are very uplifting for the spirit. If you want some good encouragement, try drawing one.
Another thing I want to recommend is the wooden bell charm, a charm of good luck that is not commonly sold elsewhere. If you want one, just ask the staff. After that, if you want to shop or find something to eat, you can exit through the main path leading to Harajuku. On the way out, the autumn leaves are beautifully changing colors. You can walk around taking photos and eventually come out near the train station. From there, you can walk to Takeshita Street or Omotesando~ On your own.

Post by Memineme | Jul 1, 2025