Meiji Shrine is one of Tokyo’s most iconic spiritual sites, hidden in plain sight near the bustling streets of Harajuku and Shibuya. This peaceful Meiji Shrine location, surrounded by a forest of 100,000 trees, feels like a natural world tucked into the heart of the city. Sometimes referred to as Meiji Temple, the shrine invites families to slow down, breathe in the quiet, and explore timeless traditions together. Visiting Meiji Shrine with kids is like stepping into another world, one where giant torii gates tower above, wishes hang from wooden ema plaques, and the city’s noise fades into the crunch of gravel under your feet. It’s the perfect Tokyo stop for a meaningful, shaded, and stroller-friendly family walk.
As you plan your trip to Tokyo with kids, this guide is a great place to start! For comprehensive information on where to stay, how to get around, and what to eat with kids, begin with our Tokyo Family Travel Guide. You can then visit the Tokyo with Kids Hub to find all our guides, adventure stories, and age-specific tips conveniently in one easy place.
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Why Meiji Jingu Shrine is Great for Families with Kids
- The forested path feels like an adventure trail through the city’s “secret woods.”
- Kids love walking through the massive torii gates and spotting barrels of sake and wine.
- The open grounds and calm atmosphere are great for letting little ones explore at their own pace.
- It’s a peaceful, shady walk, perfect for warm or overstimulating Tokyo days.
Parent Insight: Shrines and sacred places offer a powerful contrast to busy city life, and an opportunity for kids to experience stillness. Invite them to take part in simple rituals like bowing, clapping, or writing a wish. Participating respectfully helps them understand that culture isn’t just observed, it’s experienced.
Best Things to Do at Meiji Jingu Shrine with Kids
- Grand Torii Gate Entrance: Pass under one of the largest wooden torii gates in Japan, even adults feel small walking beneath it.
- Forest Walkway: This wide, stroller-friendly gravel path winds through cool shade and quiet nature, creating a relaxing sensory walk.
- Sake & Wine Barrels Display: Kids love seeing the colorful sake barrels and the massive wine casks, perfect for fun family photos.
- Main Shrine Area: Visit the main offering hall and let kids observe traditional rituals like hand-washing, bowing, and offering a coin with a wish.
- Ema Wishing Plaques: Write a family wish on a wooden plaque and hang it with others, a simple and meaningful memory to take home.
Practical Tips for Visiting Meiji Jingu Shrine with Kids
- Cost: Free
- Best Age Range: All ages
- Stroller-Friendly? Mostly yes, gravel paths are wide but bumpy; a baby carrier may be easier for small infants
- Rest Areas: Benches along the path; shade throughout the forest
- Food: No food inside shrine grounds, but Harajuku and Yoyogi Park have tons of snack options nearby
How to Get to Meiji Jingu Shrine with Kids
- By Train: 3-minute walk from Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line) or Meiji-Jingumae Station (Tokyo Metro).
- By Bus: Multiple local buses stop near Omotesando and Harajuku. Use Yoyogi Park as a landmark if needed.
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Make a wish at the ema wall and draw a tiny picture next to your message! It’s a fun way for kids to personalize their hopes!
Family-Friendly Hotels Near Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo
- Luxury
- Trunk Hotel Tokyo Cat Street – 14-minute walk from the shrine. Chic, modern design with large family-friendly suites and an unbeatable Harajuku location.
- Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Premier Grand – About a 22-minute walk or 18 mins train from Meiji Jingu Shrine. This upscale, family-friendly hotel features themed rooms (including Hello Kitty), spacious layouts, multiple dining options, and an outdoor pool.
- Mid‑Range
- Tokyu Stay Shibuya – About 29 minutes on foot or 21 mins by train. Spacious rooms with kitchenettes, perfect for families wanting a little extra space.
- Budget
- APA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoemmae – Approximate 22‑minute walk or 19 mins train from Meiji Jingu Shrine. A clean, reliable business-hotel style option offering compact family rooms and consistent quality without stretching the budget.
As you finalize your Tokyo plans, you might be considering your accommodation options. Our Tokyo Hotel Guide features top-rated family options across every budget, whether you’re planning to stay near Shibuya, Asakusa, or Disneyland. After securing your stay, explore our Best Things to Do in Tokyo with Kids guide for ideas on epic museums and neighborhood gems, from the vibrant streets of Harajuku to the scenic bay area.
FAQs: Visiting Meiji Jingu Shrine with Kids
Looking for answers about visiting Meiji Shrine with kids? These family-focused FAQs cover everything from stroller access to shrine hours and location.
A: Meiji Jingu Shrine is known for its massive wooden torii gates, tranquil forest setting, and traditional Shinto rituals. It’s one of Tokyo’s most iconic spiritual landmarks and a peaceful escape right next to busy Harajuku.
A: Meiji Jingu Shrine is located in central Tokyo, directly next to Harajuku Station and a short walk from Yoyogi Park and Shibuya. It sits within a large forested park in the Shibuya Ward.
A: To get to Meiji Jingu Shrine, take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station or the Tokyo Metro to Meiji-Jingumae Station. Both stations are just a 1–3 minute walk from the entrance.
A: Meiji Jingu Shrine opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. The exact hours change seasonally, so check the official website for the current schedule before your visit.
A: Plan to spend about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours at Meiji Jingu Shrine. Time depends on your pace and whether you visit the Inner Garden or write ema (wish) plaques.
A: Meiji Jingu Shrine is mostly stroller-friendly. The wide gravel paths are accessible, though a baby carrier may be easier for small infants due to the bumpy surface.
A: Yes, public restrooms are available near the main entrance and shrine area. However, baby-changing facilities are limited inside the grounds.
A: No, eating is not allowed inside Meiji Jingu Shrine. But just outside the grounds, Harajuku and Yoyogi Park offer plenty of child-friendly food and snack options.
A: Yes, Meiji Jingu Shrine is a great place to visit with kids. Its giant torii gates, forest paths, and hands-on activities like ema wish plaques make it peaceful and fun for all ages.
A: Visiting Meiji Jingu Shrine with kids is free. Entry to the shrine grounds costs nothing, though the Inner Garden and Treasure Museum charge a small fee.
Until Next Time…
Meiji Jingu Shrine isn’t just a stop on a Tokyo map, it’s a forest adventure, a peaceful walk, and a place to make a quiet wish together as a family. Whether your kids remember the massive gates or the feeling of calm in the trees, this is one Tokyo memory that lingers long after you leave.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
