Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu) is Tokyo’s most iconic Shinto destination, located in a lush forest in Shibuya. While photography is generally permitted in the outer grounds, it is strictly prohibited in the inner sanctum. This guide covers the photo spots, including the massive Torii gates and the sake barrel display, plus essential etiquette for photographers.
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Meiji Shrine is in the heart of bustling Tokyo. It’s a place where time seems to slow down. The hum of the city fades into the gentle rustle of leaves. I couldn’t believe I had entered a forest to get to it. Walking through 100,000 trees (no exaggeration) was quite an experience. It took about 10 minutes, from the front torii, past the famous sake barrels, to get to the main halls. Even if you go there in summer, the heat won’t be unbearable as the leaves and branches give relief from Tokyo’s harsh sun.
It’s hard to believe that Harajuku, the world leader in pop culture, is just across the road. This harmony of two opposite worlds, the sacred and the trendy, is what makes a tremendous experience. One friend, on his first visit to Meiji Shrine, said the experience was surreal. So did I on my first visit. I hope others feel the same. Let’s explore it.
Photo spots at Meiji Shrine
Inner Garden: Iris field & Nan-chi pond
Deep in the forest lies the Inner Garden, a serene world of its own that requires a separate entrance fee (¥500). It’s famous for the iris field and the Nan-chi pond where the Empress Shoken liked to fish. For the iris field (best in June), get low to make the flowers fill the frame. At the pond, tripods are not allowed, so try bracing your camera on a stable surface. To capture the clear water, you might want to use a polarizing filter if you want to cut through reflections.
Near the pond, is the Kakuun-tei, a sukiya-style teahouse used by the Empress. Azaleas bring color to the lawn in spring. Some bonsai are also there for lovers of the art. Many visitors also queue to see Kiyomasa’s Well, believing it to be the highlight of the garden and powerspot. Honestly? It’s a small, simple spring. While historically significant, I’d rather spend my time with the flowers or at Nan-chi pond.
As a professional guide at Meiji Shrine, I know it is easy to miss the history behind these gates. If you want a deep-dive experience, this is the private tour I recommend.
Kazaridaru sake & wine barrels
Lining the approach near the main entrance is the massive wall of kazaridaru. These decorative, empty sake barrels are donated annually by brewers across Japan as offerings to the enshrined deities. Directly opposite them stands a surprising counterpart: barrels of Burgundy wine from France, symbolizing Emperor Meiji’s embrace of Western culture.
Photo Tip: These are best photographed in the soft morning light before the crowds arrive. Use a telephoto lens to isolate the intricate calligraphy on specific barrels, or go wide to capture the symmetry of the opposing walls.
Main shrine complex
The heart of the shrine is the Haiden (offering hall) and Honden (main hall). They were made with Japanese cypress and copper in the traditional nagare-zukuri style. The elegant, sloping roof is a key feature to capture, so use a wide-angle lens to set it against the sky. To photograph the intricate details, respectfully wait for worshippers to finish their prayers. Once they are gone, use a zoom lens to capture the wooden carvings and gold embellishments.
Giant torii gates
You’ll pass through several massive wooden torii gates on your walk through the forest. The main one near Harajuku Station is one of the largest in Japan. To capture its immense scale, use a wide-angle lens and try shooting from a low angle for a more dramatic perspective. Also, use the gates to frame a shot looking down the long, forested path.
Little details of the shrine
Don’t forget the many little details around the shrine. There are ema votive tablets, lanterns, crests and temizuya. Temizuya is the place to wash your hands before prayers at the main hall. In this case, it has bamboo pipes from which water drips. Closeups of these can add something extra to your portfolio.
Meiji Shrine seasonal guide
Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms, azaleas.
Summer (June-August): The famous irises, Tanabata festival.
Autumn (September-November): Chrysanthemum displays, Autumn Grand Festival.
Winter (December-February): Serene winter light, and the massive Hatsumode (New Year’s) crowds, Setsubun (Bean Throwing Festival).
Check the shrine’s website for details.
Wedding processions
Meiji Shrine’s wedding processions are famous. Couples in colorful kimonos and hakamas make for superb photos. While they can happen on any day (depending on the Rokuyo calendar), you have a great chance of seeing one on a weekend morning.
Before and after the ceremonies, they cross the courtyard in front of the main hall. The bride and groom, parents, and guests walk in order of importance, following the priest and Miko. Visitors crowd the route to take pictures of it. Read about them in this article. Read my guide to learn more about [Photographing Traditional Weddings at Meiji Shrine].
Photography rules and etiquette
- “No Photo” zone: It is forbidden to take photos of the Inner Sanctum (looking directly into the main temple building where people pray). Furthermore, don’t point your camera at anyone praying. That will bring the attention of the security guards.
- Commercial photography: You need a permit for commercial/model shoots
- Drone policy: Drones are strictly prohibited (but this is standard for Tokyo).
- Closeups of staff (i.e. priests and miko shrine maidens) is discouraged.
Autumn Grand Festival
This is one of the shrine’s major events. The festival commemorates its founding and connection with Emperor Meiji (1867–1912) with three consecutive days of martial arts, sacred rituals and performing arts.
If you have limited time, the best one to watch is yabusame horseback archery, run by the Japan Equestrian Archery Association. The event is free to watch, but be sure to grab a spot early, as space is limited. Sometimes admission can be restricted when the venue reaches capacity.
History and architecture
Dedicated in 1920 to the late Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, the shrine was built on the site of an iris garden the couple adored. Designed by Chuta Ito in the traditional nagare-zukuri style, it was a massive public effort. Though the original buildings were lost in WWII air raids, public fundraising allowed the shrine to be rebuilt. It stands today as a symbol of resilience and respect.
Nearby photography spots
- Harajuku architecture (some great buildings in the area have gone up)
- Miyamasumitake Shrine (a tiny shrine near Shibuya Station)
- Rockabilly dance groups (next door at Yoyogi Park)
- Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku (a department store’s mirror-filled entrance)
- Yoyogi Park
Is Meiji Shrine worth it?
Meiji Shrine is a great Tokyo tourist attraction. It should be on every photographer’s list of places to visit in Japan. There is so much to see and do. You must check out those wedding processions!
As a professional guide at Meiji Shrine, I know it is easy to miss the history behind these gates. If you want a deep-dive experience, this is the private tour I recommend.
