Meiji Jingu and Yoyogi Park: A Forest in the City

Our October 2025 visit to Meiji Jingu and Yoyogi Park, with current visitor information and practical planning tips.

Our visit

From Takeshita Street we walked to Meiji Jingu and its surrounding green space. The transition from commercial noise to forest paths was almost immediate.

We passed the familiar sake barrels and continued to the shrine complex. Nearby Yoyogi Park then gave us a more open place to rest before returning to the city’s pace.

What to know

The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken and was established in 1920. Its roughly 70-hectare forest was planted with donated trees from across Japan.

Planning the visit

The main grounds are free and gate hours change with sunrise and sunset. Keep a respectful volume and distinguish the shrine grounds from adjacent Yoyogi Park.

For a wider route beyond the cities, compare transport and car-rental options in advance and decide what the itinerary actually requires.