• 151-0052 - Let’s gather beneath the second torii gate. Here, the Operator will explain the unique characteristics 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 wish. The Operator will be delighted to assist you!

• Meiji Jingu Kaguraden - We will proceed from the second torii gate to the third. Along the way, the Operator will teach you the proper etiquette for walking along the approach and passing through the torii gates. Many international visitors often perform these rituals incorrectly, which can be seen as disrespectful. By learning the correct manners from the Operator, 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. The Operator encourages you to capture great shots and will be happy to assist you!

• 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. Using the ritual of offering a coin, followed by two bows, two claps, and one final bow, you will express your gratitude to the deities. There are areas where photography is not allowed, and the Operator will guide you accordingly.

• Meiji Jingu Kaguraden - Next, we will move to the Kagura Hall, where you can receive individual blessings.

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 the Operator will assist you thoroughly 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 you can fully appreciate traditional Japanese art.

• Meiji Jingu Kaguraden - Now, we 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 for us. 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—the Operator will be happy to help!

• Translation fees for information and application forms

• Prayer fee paid to the shrine (5,000 yen for personal prayer)
• Amulets, etc. purchased privately

Despite its status as a monumental tourist destination showcasing genuine Japanese tradition, Meiji Jingu shrine can be somewhat challenging for visitors unfamiliar with Shinto practices. Therefore, we have organized this tour to enable you to fully appreciate Meiji Jingu, giving you a sense of tranquility by walking you through Shinto ideologies and rituals, including a personal prayer session where you can experience the Shinto spirit.

During the private prayer, you begin by noting down your prayers for family protection, matrimony, wellness, academic achievement, and so forth. Afterwards, you are ushered into a tatami room where you watch priests in traditional attire cleanse the room with bell sounds, a performance of Gagaku (a UNESCO-recognized ancient court music) using vintage musical instruments and flutes, alongside a dance performance by a Miko (shrine maiden). Finally, feeling purified and rejuvenated, you receive an Ofuda, an amulet imbued with your prayers and the energy of today’s prayer session.

• Not recommended for those who have pain in sitting straight

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.