Immerse yourself in the unique experience of personal prayer at Meiji Shrine. Discover the philosophy and practices of Shinto, witness ancient rituals, and receive an Ofuda amulet filled with your wishes.
Immerse yourself in the unique experience of personal prayer at Meiji Shrine. Discover the philosophy and practices of Shinto, witness ancient rituals, and receive an Ofuda amulet filled with your wishes.
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151-0052 - Let’s gather under the second torii gate. Here, the operator will explain the unique features of the torii, the nearby displays of sake and wine barrels, and the waka poem prominently displayed at the front. It’s an excellent spot for photography, so feel free to take as many pictures as you like. Assistance will be gladly provided!
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- 151-0052 - Let’s gather under the second torii gate. Here, the operator will explain the unique features of the torii, the nearby displays of sake and wine barrels, and the waka poem prominently displayed at the front. It’s an excellent spot for photography, so feel free to take as many pictures as you like. Assistance will be gladly provided!
- Meiji Jingu Kaguraden - The journey continues from the second torii gate to the third. Along the way, the operator will teach the proper etiquette for walking along the approach and passing through the torii gates. Many foreign visitors often perform these rituals incorrectly, which can be seen as disrespectful. By learning the correct manners, you will gain the favor of the deities. The operator will also guide you through the waka poems and buildings encountered along the way. Feel free to take photos at all these locations, and assistance will be happily provided!
- Meiji Jingu Kaguraden - At the purification fountain, cleanse your hands and mouth before proceeding to the main shrine area. First, experience the same method of worship as the general public. By offering a coin, followed by two bows, two claps, and one final bow, you will express gratitude to the deities. There are areas where photography is not allowed, and guidance will be provided accordingly.
- Meiji Jingu Kaguraden - Next, proceed to the Kagura Hall, where individual blessings can be received.
First, fill out an application form at the entrance. On the form, indicate your prayer intentions, such as world peace, household safety, travel safety, recovery from illness, business success, finding a good match, safe childbirth, or academic achievement, along with your address and name. Once completed, submit the form along with the offering fee (starting from 5,000 yen) to the shrine priest to complete the process.
The forms are available only in Japanese, but thorough assistance will be provided to ensure everything is handled smoothly.
Once registration is complete, wait in the lounge for the ceremony to begin. This lounge is also a beautiful space where traditional Japanese art can be fully appreciated.
- Meiji Jingu Kaguraden - Now, proceed to the altar in the Kagura Hall, where the ceremony will take place.
The sound of a drum resonates as shrine priests, dressed in traditional Japanese attire, use sacred tools to perform a purification ritual. This cleansing brings a sense of peace and fulfillment.
Following the purification, traditional court music known as gagaku is performed, accompanied by a dance by shrine maidens (miko). Gagaku, a musical tradition played on elaborately decorated drums and flutes from ancient times, has been designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The shrine maidens, adorned in traditional costumes, dance gracefully, creating an atmosphere of elegance.
Watching this performance, you’ll feel as though you’ve become royalty in a grand palace.
- Meiji Jingu Kaguraden - After the ceremony concludes, the ritual is completed by receiving sacred offerings (shinsen) and drinking sacred sake (omiki).
Shinsen refers to the offerings presented to the deities during the ceremony, which are later shared with participants as a souvenir. It is often in the form of nori (seaweed) and is meant to be enjoyed at home.
Omiki is sacred sake offered to the deities, a portion of which is shared with participants. At the exit, you will receive a small cup, and a shrine maiden will pour the sake for you to drink on the spot.
It is believed that items offered to the deities are imbued with spiritual power, and consuming these offerings is a way to pray for good health and protection from illness.
This marks the end of the tour. While photography inside the Kagura Hall is strictly prohibited, you are free to take as many pictures as you like outside. Please feel free to ask for assistance—we’ll be happy to help!

- Translation fees for information and application forms
- Translation fees for information and application forms
- Prayer fee paid to the shrine (5,000 yen for personal prayer)
- Amulets, etc. purchased privately
- Prayer fee paid to the shrine (5,000 yen for personal prayer)
- Amulets, etc. purchased privately
Meiji Jingu Shrine, a renowned tourist destination showcasing genuine Japanese culture, may seem a bit challenging to access for those unfamiliar with Shinto. Therefore, this tour is organized to ensure visitors fully appreciate Meiji Jingu, providing peace of mind by guiding them through Shinto philosophy and practices, and offering a personal prayer…
Meiji Jingu Shrine, a renowned tourist destination showcasing genuine Japanese culture, may seem a bit challenging to access for those unfamiliar with Shinto. Therefore, this tour is organized to ensure visitors fully appreciate Meiji Jingu, providing peace of mind by guiding them through Shinto philosophy and practices, and offering a personal prayer session to truly experience the essence of Shinto.
During the personal prayer, participants begin by writing their wishes to God for family safety, marriage, health, academic success, and more. They are then escorted to a tatami room to observe priests in traditional attire purifying the space with the sound of bells, a performance of Gagaku (ancient court music) on traditional instruments and flutes (recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage), and a Miko (shrine maiden) dance performance. Ultimately, with hearts cleansed and rejuvenated, participants receive an Ofuda, an amulet imbued with their wishes and the power of the day’s prayer.
- Not recommended for those who have pain in sitting straight
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.