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Highlights
- Experience Meiji Shrine inside its forest, learning how Shinto belief and everyday visits here shape daily life for people in Tokyo today.
- Begin at the main entrance of Meiji Jingu, walk along the forest path to the Inner Garden, then pay the cash fee at the gate before you enter.
- Walk with an English-speaking guide through Meiji Jingu forest, Inner Garden, and the main shrine, learning Shinto rituals, ema plaques, and omamori charms.
- See this shrine through local eyes as you hear how people flock here at New Year, celebrate weddings, and weave visits into their lives in Tokyo.
Your Experience
Walk through Meiji Jingu with an English-speaking local guide, learning Shinto rituals on a group cultural walk.
Getting started
Meet your English-speaking local guide at the designated starting point for this group walking tour in English. After a short introduction to Shinto etiquette, you begin your guided walk toward the Meiji Jingu forest entrance. The group then heads into the shrine grounds at a comfortable walking pace, with your guide explaining how the visit will unfold.
What to expect
Meiji Jingu forest
This sacred forest surrounds Meiji Jingu and forms the tranquil approach to the main shrine buildings. Your group walking tour in English starts its route here, moving from the city into a quieter, wooded path.
Features
- The guided walk through the Meiji Jingu forest takes you along shaded paths, where your guide explains how this man-made forest became a sacred space and why locals visit here for New Year and weddings.
- An expert English-speaking guide leads the group, sharing a cultural lesson on Shinto rituals such as bowing at the torii gate and the meaning of ema plaques and omamori charms before you reach the central shrine area.
Meiji Jingu Inner Garden
Set apart from the main shrine, the Meiji Jingu Inner Garden is associated with the Empress and is known as a quieter corner within the grounds. Entry to the Meiji Jingu Inner Garden is not included in the tour price, and the admission fee of JPY 500 per person is payable in cash at the garden gate if you choose to enter.
Features
- Walking toward the Empress's quiet Inner Garden, your guide points out how this part of the grounds contrasts with the busier shrine precinct, giving you the option to step inside for a more secluded atmosphere.
- If you decide to enter the Inner Garden, you pay the Meiji Jingu Inner Garden admission fee of JPY 500 per person in cash directly at the gate, while your English-speaking local guide continues to provide context on how this garden fits into Meiji Jingu traditions.
Meiji Jingu main shrine
The route continues to the main shrine buildings, where Shinto rituals take place and visitors come to bow, purify, and pray. This is where your cultural lesson becomes hands-on, as you put what you have learned into practice.
Features
- At the main shrine, you join your guide to bow, purify, and pray at the shrine, following the correct sequence at the purification fountain and offering hall as part of your cultural lesson on Shinto rituals.
- Here you can write a wish on an ema plaque and learn how to choose an omamori charm, while your expert English-speaking guide explains the different types and how locals use them during life events such as New Year visits and weddings.
- The guided walk through the main shrine area concludes the cultural lesson on Shinto rituals, ema plaques, and omamori charms, so you leave with a clearer understanding of what you have seen and done during this group English-guided tour.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Guided walk through Meiji Jingu forest, Inner Garden and main shrine
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Cultural lesson on Shinto rituals, ema plaques and omamori charms
- Meiji Jingu Inner Garden admission fee (JPY 500 per person, payable in cash at the garden gate)
- Ema plaques and omamori charms
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
This product offers multiple ticket options. Some items above (like transfers or fast-track access) may only apply to specific options — confirm what's included when you select yours.
Ticket Delivery
- Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
- Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
- Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.