Walking through the forest of the Meiji Jingu-Shrine, an oasis in the metropolitan Tokyo, and from the Nishisando Entrance, explore Yoyogi area noted as a town of vocational schools.
When you go out of JR Harajuku Sta.
, go to the right and cross Sangu-bashi bridge and go under the first Torii gate. First, drop in Meiji Jingu Museum
, which is on the right, a 2-minute walk from Minami sando. The museum opened in October 2019. It was designed by Mr. Kuma Kengo, known as the architect who designed the new National Stadium. In the museum, Items related to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who are the diety of Meiji Jingu Shrine. Walk towards the North along the Minami-sando, turn left going through Otorii
which is said to be the biggest wooden Torii gate in Japan. Next, Let’s drop in Meiji Jingu Gyoen
. On the left, you will find the entrance of Meiji Jingu Gyoen. This is a beautiful Japanese garden that became a property of Imperial family after Meiji restoration. You can enjoy different landscape depending on the season. Enjoy exploring the garden for about 30 minutes, and finally visit the main hall of the Shrine. Meiji Jingu
is proud of the highest number of visitors in Japan. The precinct consists of 120,000 donated trees is rich in nature, and almost unbelievable that it is a planted forest. Just walking in the precinct makes you feel tranquil. Walk along the path to the north from the main hall, and go through the Torii on Nishi-sando, there is a Yoyogi Pony Park
. It is a perfect spot for families where children can ride ponies or feed them carrots. Go out of the Pony Park, go right, and walk about 300 meters to the North. Turn right at the intersection of Yoyogi Chiiki Anzen Center. Walk towards Yoyogi Station on the wide road. On the way to Yoyogi Sta.
, let’s drop in a good-old shopping street,Chiyodori
as well as Yoyogi VILLAGE
, a commercial facility where trendy shops gather. Before going back to your accommodation or home, how about relax with unique cup of coffee of The Best Butter Coffee
.
Guide of Drop-in Spots
Symbols
見どころ・遊び場 highlight. Entertainment
レストラン・食事処 restaurant
カフェ・ドリンクスタンド cafe
買い物スポット shopping spot
宿泊施設 accommodations
見どころ・遊び場 highlight. Entertainment
レストラン・食事処 restaurant
カフェ・ドリンクスタンド cafe
買い物スポット shopping spot
宿泊施設 accommodations
Harajuku Station
From Omotesando exit or West exit of Harajuku Station, JR Yamanote Line. From A5 exit of Meijijingumae Station, Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line.
The architecture of Harajuku Station looks modern with a spire on the roof and white wall. It is the oldest wooden station in Tokyo.In March 2020, the new strain building has started to be used. The wooden building will be dismantled and be re-used in a commercial facility.
JR Harajuku Station
New JR Harajuku Station
Meijijingumae Station of the subway
From A5 exit of the Subway station
JR Harajyuku Station
Meijijingumae Station of the subway
Meiji Jingu Museum
Beautiful architecture surrounded by nature
As Meiji Jingu shrine marks its 100 years anniversary, the museum was opened October 2019 as part of its anniversary project. Mr. Kengo Kuma, an internationally renowned Japanese architect, designed the museum. It exhibits items related to the shrine’s deities Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
Meiji Jingu Museum
Address
In Meiji Jingu,1-1Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya-ku.
Tel
03-3379ｰ5875
Closed
Thursdays（It is open if Thu is holiday）＆between exhibitions
Hours
10:00-16:30 （Last admission16:00）
Admission
￥1,000（only visiting 1st floor￥300）
Access
6 min walk from Omotesando exit of JR Harajuku Sta.
The model that represents the donating lumber to Meiji Jingu
The carriage that Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken rode in
The portraits of Emperor and Empress (by Edoardo Chiyossone)
The desk that Emperor Meiji used.
The building designed by Mr. Kuma Kengo
The model that represents the donating lumber to Meiji Jingu
Otorii
Tall gate with the height of 12 m
The second Torii gate on the Minami sando, the south approach, is the biggest wooden gate (Myojin Torii gate) in Japan with its height 12m and its width 9.1m. It is called Otorii.
Go through Otorii from Minami-sando
Walk Sei-sando from Otorii
Meiji Jingu Gyoen (Meiji Jingu Inner Garden)
Japanese garden loved by Emperor and Empress
This garden was designed as the private garden for the feudal lord in early Edo period. As it became a property of Imperial family in Meiji era, Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken often visited there. Emperor Meiji made some changes to the garden to please Empress. The tea house（Kaku-un-tei）, fishing platform by the pond , and iris garden were created by the order of Emperor Meiji.
Shrine in a metropolis that marks 100th anniversary
Meiji Jingu is proud of the largest number of visitors in Japan. It enshrines the souls of Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shoken, and was established in 1920. In 2020, some commemorative events are being set as it marks its 100 year anniversary.
Meiji Jingu
Address
1-1Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya-ku.
Tel
03-3379ｰ5511
Closed
No holiday
Hours
Varies according to month and season (Please refer to HP)
Admission
Free
Grand Festival
November 3
Access
To the front main shrine, 15 min walk from Omotesando exit of JR Harajuku Sta.
To shrine buildings, going through the third Torii Gate
Purify mouth and hands at the font
Go through Minami-Shinmon
Worship in front of the worship hall
Go through Minami-Shinmon
Worship in front of the worship hall
A tour of spiritual spots in Meiji Jingu
In the precinct of Meiji Jingu, some spiritual spots attract visitors.
No.１ Kiyomasa’s well
The well where pure water springs is situated in the innermost part of the Inner Garden. It is said that Kato Kiyomasa, a famous feudal load in Edo era built it. It is believed to have a purification effect with the pure spring water. Some people set the photo of the well on smartphone screen for good fortune.
Kyomasa's Well with full of clear water
It is warm in winter due to ground water
No.2 Meoto Kusu
A pair camphor trees on the left side of the main shrine. As the trees look as if they lean on each other, they look like one tree. So, they were named “husband and wife camphor tree”. Many people wish for the well-being of family or matchmaking in front of the trees. This is partly because Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken were happily married.
Meotogusu is the left tree toward the worship hall
The two trees looks like one tree
No.3 Heart shaped pattern
There are heart shaped patterns furnished at various places in the shrine. This is an auspicious traditional pattern called “Inome” which expresses boar eyes. They could be found in unnoticeable places throughout the shrine, so look for them!
There are heart shaped patterns furnished at various places in the shrine.
No.4 Kameishi
Exit the main shrine from Nishi-shinmon and go toward the north. Cross the lawn area diagonally. A huge rock could be found. It was called “Kameishi” or turtle stone, looks like a huge turtle depending on the angle you see it. From ancient era, turtles are believed to be the symbol of longevity and wealthiness, many people visit there for good fortune. Feel free to touch or ride the rock.
You can sit on the rock
This stone is said to bring good luck!
This stone is said to bring good luck!
Yoyogi Pony Park
Have a great time with cute ponies
Here in Yoyogi Pony park, run by shibuya -ward, you can have a great time with pretty ponies. Children can enjoy pony‘s rides and adults also can enjoy brushing and feeding ponies carrots.
Yoyogi Pony Park
Address
4-1Yoyogikamizono, Shibuya-ku
Tel
03-3373-9996
Closed
Monday（Next weekday if Mon is holiday）
Hours
9:00-17:00 Refer to HP about date & time Schedule for a horse riding with a lead rope, a horse riding for parent and child, and feeding & blushing experience.
Admission
Free
Access
30min walk from Omotesando exit of JR Harajuku Sta. 3min walk from Sangubashi Sta, Odakyu Odawara Line.
Look at this good-old shopping street with retro Japanese atmosphere. You can enjoy the backstreet of Yoyogi area, where nice little local restaurants and bars line up. It is such a great fun just looking at it.
Chiyodori
Address
Around 1-42 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku
Access
4mins walk from JR Yoyogi Sta. Soon from Minamishinjuku Sta, Odakyu Odawara Line.
Good old shopping street!
Please look the unique signboard
Shogatei Known for the university lunch set
This is the menu of the university lunch set
Good old shopping street
Please look the unique signboard
Yoyogi VILLAGE by kurkku
Explore the artistic and stylish space
This is a commercial facility which was built on the ruins of Yoyogi Seminar, the major cram school in Japan. Top Japanese artists from various fields gathered to create this place. In the facility, you will find art & lifestyle shop, restaurants, cafes.
Yoyogi VILLAGE by kurkku
Address
Yoyogi 1-28-9, Shibuya-ku.
Closed
Irregular holidays
Hours
That differs depending on each store (Refer to HP).
Access
2 min walk from West exit of Yoyogi Sta, JR Yamanote Line and JR Sobu Line. 1 min walk from A1 exit of Yoyogi Sta, Toei Ooedo Line. 5 min walk from Minami Shinjuku Sta, Odakyu Odawara Line.
Bar ＆ rdiner with outdoor tables, located on the ground floor on the right. You can have 3 choices of Japanese style curry with 15 grain rice.
YOYOGI CURRY
Tel
03-6300-9045
Closed
Irregular holidays
Hours
11:30-15:00、 17:00- 24:00
Lemon & butter Curry with scallop (includes an appetizer and a drink) \1000
Seats on the terrace
Lemon & butter Curry with scallop (includes an appetizer and a drink) \1000
code kurkku
This restaurant serves delicate and tasty Italian food with a beautiful dish up using unique Japanese ingredients. The dining hall has a large window panel and you can enjoy the garden view.
code kurkku
Tel
03-6300-5231
Closed
Irregular holidays
Hours
Weekday lunch Time 11:30 - 15:30（14:00 L.O.） Weekend lunch Time 11:30 - 16:00（14:30 L.O.） Dinner Time 18:00 - 23:00（21:00 L.O.）
The stylish outdoor seats
The entrance with glass
The entrance with glass
The Best Butter Coffee (Saikyo No Butter Coffer)
Let’s complete the walk with the healthy coffee
The Best butter Coffee, Saikyo no butter coffee, is a coffee stand in front of the west exit of Yoyogi station. They say that the creamy coffee with high quality butter is the best coffee which will improve your concentration and memory.
The Best Butter Coffee (Saikyo No Butter Coffer)
Address
1-38-6 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku.
Tel
03-3320-3194
Closed
No holiday.
Hours
8:00-20:00、Sat&Sun&Holi 10:00-18:00
Access
Soon from West exit of Yoyogi Sta, JR Yamanote Line , JR Sobu Line, and A1 exit of Yoyogi Sta, Toei Ooedo Line.
A coffee stand in front of the west exit of Yoyogi station
Saikyo No Butter Coffee(1cup) ￥715
The character of this shop is the strongest dinosaur
The staff are nutritionists who are familiar with wholesome food
A coffee stand in front of the west exit of Yoyogi station
Saikyo No Butter Coffee(1cup) ￥715
Yoyogi Station
To West exit of Yoyogi Station, JR Yamanote Line, JR Sobu Line, To A1 exit of Yoyogi Station, Toei Ooedo Line.
There are numerous vocational schools, so there are many young people. You cannot miss the beautiful lighting up of NTT Docomo Yoyogi building, aka-Docomo tower, which you can see above the station.
We can see Docomo tower right above Yoyogi station
Yoyogi sation intersection
The west exit of Yoyogi station
We can see Docomo tower right above Yoyogi station
