Meiji Shrine Accessibility Guide

Overview

Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, set within 70 hectares of forested parkland in the heart of Tokyo. The shrine was built in 1920 and reconstructed after World War II. The main approach from the south entrance is a 700-meter gravel path through a towering forest of 120,000 trees. A paved alternative route exists for wheelchair users, bypassing the gravel approach. The main prayer area has a ramp for wheelchair access. The shrine is free to visit.

Getting There

• Metro: Meiji-jingumae Station (Chiyoda Line and Fukutoshin Line) has a wheelchair-accessible exit. From the station, the south entrance (main torii gate) is about a 3-minute roll on paved sidewalks.
• JR: Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line, Omotesando Exit) is directly next to the south entrance. The station has step-free access.
• Approach: The sidewalks from both stations to the shrine entrance are paved and flat with dropped curbs.

Wheelchair Accessibility

• The main approach path is 700 meters of compacted gravel over dirt. This is the route most visitors walk, but it provides significant resistance for wheelchair users, especially manual chairs.
• A paved alternative route is available. You can reach it by taking a taxi to the shrine's accessible entrance, or by asking staff at the south gate for directions to the paved bypass path. The paved route runs alongside the gravel approach.
• A ramp at the main prayer area allows wheelchair users to get close to the front and see inside the main prayer hall.
• Wheelchairs are available for loan at the entrance to the shrine grounds. Ask shrine staff for assistance.
• The Inner Garden (Meiji Jingu Gyoen) has dirt and gravel paths that are not wheelchair accessible. The garden's iris field viewing area cannot be reached by wheelchair.
• The Meiji Jingu Museum, designed by architect Kengo Kuma, has elevator access and step-free interior routes.

Accessible Toilets

There is one accessible toilet on the shrine grounds, located near the main prayer area. It has handrails and wheelchair turning space. This is the only accessible toilet for the entire site, so plan accordingly.

Tips for Visitors with Disabilities

• The total round trip from the south entrance via the gravel path is about 1.5 kilometers. Using the paved alternative route or arriving by taxi to a closer entrance significantly reduces this distance.
• Visit on weekday mornings to avoid crowds. Weekends and holidays bring large visitor numbers, and the paths can become congested.
• The forested approach is shaded and cool, even in summer. However, the walk is long, so bring water.
• Wedding ceremonies are frequently held on weekends. You may see traditional processions crossing the paths. These are brief and the paths clear quickly.
• The area around Harajuku Station (Takeshita Street) has many restaurants with step-free access if you need a meal after visiting.