Tokyo: Meiji Shrine Historical Tour by Japanese Guide

Exploring Tokyo’s iconic Meiji Shrine with a knowledgeable Japanese guide offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and cultural significance of this revered Shinto site. Over two captivating hours, visitors can wander through the serene forested pathways, marvel at the majestic wooden torii gate, and gain insights into the Imperial System and centuries-old Shinto practices. The personalized attention in a small group setting enhances the culture, leaving guests eager to discover more about this fascinating aspect of Japanese tradition.

Key Points

• Guided tour of Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, led by a Japanese guide, providing insights into Japan’s 2,600-year-old Imperial System and Shinto practices.
• Exploration of the shrine’s rich cultural heritage, including the largest wooden torii gate in Japan, crafted from 1,500-year-old Taiwanese cypress.
• Opportunity to experience Shinto rituals, such as purification at the shrine’s fountain and purchasing protective charms (omamori) and fortune-telling poems (omikuji).
• Serene ambiance within a lush forest of over 100,000 trees, enhancing the overall culture.
• Access to on-site amenities, including a café, gift shop, and the purchase of traditional Japanese items to commemorate the visit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Meiji Shrine Historical Tour is a 2-hour activity that takes visitors through the serene grounds of Tokyo’s iconic Meiji Shrine.

Priced from $26.23 to $24.92 per person, with a 5% discount available, the tour is limited to just 10 participants.

Exploring the site in English or Japanese, guests will discover the largest wooden torii gate in Japan, learn about Shinto practices, and have the chance to purchase protective charms or fortune-telling poems.

The tour departs from the JR Harajuku Station, a 5-minute walk from Meiji-Jingumae Station, and provides access to a beautiful Japanese garden.

Highlights of the Experience

Visitors on the Meiji Shrine Historical Tour will encounter the largest wooden torii gate in Japan, standing 12 meters tall and crafted from 1,500-year-old Taiwanese cypress. This grand entrance symbolizes the transition from the mundane to the sacred. Beyond the gate, the tour explores Shinto practices and Japan’s 2,600-year-old Imperial System. Participants can purchase protective charms or poems by Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, adding a personal touch to their experience.

Meiji Shrine Highlights
Largest wooden torii gate in Japan	Shinto practices & Japan’s Imperial System	Purchase omamori & omikuji
12 meters tall, 1,500-year-old Taiwanese cypress	Explore 2,600-year-old traditions	Add a personal touch to your visit
Symbolizes transition to the sacred	Gain insights into Japanese culture	Keepsakes from the historical tour

Exploring Meiji Shrine

As visitors cross through the towering wooden torii gate, they find themselves immersed in the serene and verdant surroundings of Meiji Shrine.

Situated within a lush forest with over 100,000 trees, the shrine complex is a peaceful oasis amidst Tokyo’s bustling cityscape.

Visitors can stroll along the tranquil pathways, listening to the soothing sounds of birdsong and the crunch of gravel underfoot.

At the heart of the shrine stands the majestic main hall, where they can observe Shinto rituals and learn about Japan’s 2,600-year-old imperial system.

The experience offers a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage.

The Significance of Shinto Practices

While visiting Meiji Shrine, travelers can observe the significance of Shinto practices that have been integral to Japan’s cultural identity for over 2,600 years. Shinto, the indigenous faith of Japan, emphasizes harmony with nature and reverence for the divine. The shrine’s rituals and offerings reflect these core Shinto principles:

Practice	Meaning
Torii Gate	Marks the transition from the profane to the sacred
Purification Fountain	Cleansing the body and mind before entering the shrine
Omamori Charms	Seek protection, success, or healing from the kami (spirits)
Omikuji Fortunes	Receive divine guidance through randomly drawn poems

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Japanese Garden and Natural Setting

Nestled within the lush forest surrounding Meiji Shrine, the peaceful Japanese garden offers a serene escape from the bustling city.

Visitors can stroll along the shaded paths, admiring the meticulously landscaped gardens. The garden features a traditional pond with stepping stones, lush greenery, and a variety of vibrant flora.

Birdsong fills the air, creating a tranquil ambiance. Admission to the garden is included with the tour, allowing guests to fully enjoy the serene natural setting.

The combination of the shrine’s history and the garden’s natural beauty provides a truly enriching cultural experience.

Onsite Amenities and Offerings

The Meiji Shrine tour offers visitors more than just a glimpse into Japan’s rich history and culture. On-site, guests can indulge in Japanese tea and light snacks at the charming Mori no Terrace café. The gift shop features unique souvenirs, including eco-blocks made from Japanese camphor and miniature sacred sake barrels. This adds to the immersive experience, allowing visitors to fully embrace the serene setting.

Amenity	Description
Mori no Terrace Café	Offers Japanese tea and light snacks
Gift Shop	Features eco-blocks, miniature sake barrels
Omamori Charms	Protective amulets available for purchase
Omikuji Fortune Poems	Poems by Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken

Customer Feedback and Ratings

How has the Meiji Shrine historical tour been received by customers?

Based on 16 reviews, the tour enjoys an impressive 4.6 out of 5 rating. Customers praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, who provide insight into Shinto practices and Japan’s imperial history.

Visitors describe the experience as relaxing, appreciating the serene forest setting near bustling Harajuku. The tour also allows participants to purchase traditional charms and fortune poems.

Flexible booking and a generous cancellation policy further enhance the overall experience. With high customer satisfaction, the Meiji Shrine tour offers an immersive cultural adventure in the heart of Tokyo.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

For those interested in booking the Meiji Shrine historical tour, the process is straightforward.

The tour offers a flexible booking option, allowing visitors to reserve their spot and pay later. Should plans change, the tour provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This policy provides peace of mind and flexibility for tour participants.

Key details on booking and cancellation are:

1. Flexible booking: Reserve now, pay later option available.
2. Free cancellation: Up to 24 hours in advance for full refund.
3. Group size: Limited to 10 participants.
4. Cancellation deadline: 24 hours prior to tour start.

Things To Know

Can Participants Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, participants can take photos during the tour. The tour allows visitors to snap pictures of the impressive Meiji Shrine and its tranquil Japanese garden setting, capturing the experience to share with others.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there is an option to extend the tour duration. Participants can upgrade to a longer 3-hour tour that includes additional stops and more in-depth exploration of the shrine and gardens for an additional fee.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions. Participants of all ages are welcome to join the 2-hour Meiji Shrine Historical Tour, which explores the shrine’s rich history and spiritual significance.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour can be customized for private groups. Organizers can adjust the group size, language, and itinerary to suit the needs of the party. There’s flexibility to tailor the experience for a more personalized Tokyo sightseeing tour.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

There are discounts available for this tour. Seniors and students can receive a 5% discount on the per-person price, which ranges from $26.23 to $24.92. The tour organizer offers this reduced rate to make the experience more accessible.

Sum Up

Enjoy the rich history and cultural significance of Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine with a knowledgeable Japanese guide. Explore the serene forested pathways, witness the majestic wooden torii gate, and discover Shinto practices that date back centuries. Enjoy opportunities to purchase protective charms and fortune-telling poems, enhancing your cultural experience in this iconic site.

You can check availability for your dates here: