Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine are next to each other and only a few minute walk from Harajuku Station or a half-hour walk north from Shibuya Station.
CLICK TAB on right for high-res printable map of Yoyogi Park & Meiji Shrine! (PDF)!
Meiji Shrine is just a minute walk from Harajuku station, is open daily from dawn to dusk and admission is free. The main shrine area is about a 15 minute walk through forest. Built in 1920, the shrine is a memorial to the Meiji Emperor. See below for proper conduct.
Yoyogi Park is Tokyo's largest park and just a few minutes from Harajuku Station. Besides green fields, wooded groves and picnic tables, there are kiosks selling food and drinks, a dog run area, and bikes that can be rented for one trip around the bike path.
PROPER CONDUCT AT MEIJI JINGU SHRINE
1. Before passing through the Torii gate at entrance, it is customary to bow.
2. Food and drink are not allowed. 3. Do not walk off the paths. 4. Rinse hands and mouth at the fountain before the main square. 5. There is a gift shop selling good luck charms. 6. If you would like to pray, the proper method is to first toss a coin into the donation box, bow twice, clap one's hands twice, pray, then bow once more. 7. One can buy a wooden prayer board at the gift shop, write a message or prayer, then post it on the posting board around the right-side tree. 8. Sometimes Shinto wedding processions walk through the main square; photos are allowed but stay quiet and away from their path. 9. It is okay film or take photos in the shrine, but not before or into the prayer area.
