Meiji Jingu: Which Station and Entrance Should You Use?

Meiji Jingu Has More Than One Entrance

You are going to Meiji Jingu in Tokyo.

You see Harajuku Station on the map and may think:

“The shrine must be right outside the station.”

The entrance is close — but the Main Shrine is not.

Meiji Jingu has several entrances, and the Main Shrine is located deeper inside its large forested grounds.

Even after you reach an entrance, it takes at least another 10 minutes on foot to reach the Main Shrine.

So which station and entrance should you use?

The best choice depends on where you are coming from.

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Quick Answer: Which Station Should You Use?

Station	Entrance	Approx. Walk to Entrance
Harajuku Station	Harajuku Entrance	About 1 min
Meiji-jingumae “Harajuku” Station	Harajuku Entrance	About 1 min
Yoyogi Station	Yoyogi Entrance	About 5 min
Kita-sando Station	Yoyogi Entrance	About 5 min
Sangubashi Station	Sangubashi Entrance	About 3 min

Important: These walking times are only from the station to the entrance of Meiji Jingu.

From the entrance, allow at least another 10 minutes to reach the Main Shrine.

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First Visit? Harajuku Is Usually the Easiest Choice

For many first-time visitors, Harajuku Station or Meiji-jingumae “Harajuku” Station is the easiest option.

Both are very close to the Harajuku Entrance.

From there, you enter the forested grounds and follow the main approach toward the Main Shrine.

This entrance is especially convenient if you are also visiting:

• Harajuku
• Takeshita Street
• Omotesando

But remember:

Reaching the entrance does not mean you have reached the Main Shrine.

You still need to walk through the grounds.

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Coming From Yoyogi? Use the Yoyogi Entrance

If you are coming from Yoyogi Station, there is no need to travel to Harajuku first.

Use the Yoyogi Entrance on the northern side of Meiji Jingu.

It is about a 5-minute walk from Yoyogi Station.

Kita-sando Station is also convenient for this side and is about a 5-minute walk from the entrance.

Once inside, continue toward the Main Shrine.

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Coming by Odakyu Line? Sangubashi Is Another Option

If you are using the Odakyu Line, Sangubashi Station can be a convenient choice.

The Sangubashi Entrance is about a 3-minute walk from Sangubashi Station.

This entrance is on the western side of the shrine grounds.

Many international visitors automatically go to Harajuku, but you do not have to.

If Sangubashi is more convenient from where you are coming from, you can enter from this side instead.

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Common Confusion Points at Meiji Jingu

1. Harajuku Station Is Close to the Entrance, Not the Main Shrine

This is probably the biggest misunderstanding.

Harajuku Station is very close to the shrine entrance.

But the Main Shrine is deeper inside the grounds.

So if your map says Meiji Jingu is only a minute away, that usually means the entrance — not the Main Shrine itself.

Allow at least another 10 minutes after entering.

2. Meiji-jingumae Station Does Not Mean the Shrine Building Is Outside the Station

The name Meiji-jingumae literally sounds as if you are directly in front of Meiji Jingu.

You are close to the entrance, but you still need to walk through the shrine grounds to reach the Main Shrine.

3. There Is More Than One Entrance

You do not always need to go through Harajuku.

Depending on your route, Yoyogi, Kita-sando, or Sangubashi may be easier.

Going all the way to Harajuku first can create an unnecessary detour.

4. The Grounds Are Much Larger Than They Look on a Map

Meiji Jingu is surrounded by about 70 hectares of forest.

The Main Shrine is located around the central part of the grounds.

That is why the walk can feel much longer than expected after you enter.

5. You Do Not Have to Leave From the Same Entrance

You can enter from one side and leave from another.

For example:

Harajuku Entrance → Main Shrine → Yoyogi Entrance

This can be useful if your next destination is closer to Yoyogi or Shinjuku.

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How Long Does It Take From Harajuku Station to the Main Shrine?

A simple way to think about it is:

Harajuku Station → Harajuku Entrance: about 1 minute

Then:

Entrance → Main Shrine: at least about 10 minutes

It may take longer if you stop to look around, take photos, or walk at a relaxed pace.

So do not plan your visit as if the Main Shrine were directly beside Harajuku Station.

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Can You Enter From One Side and Leave From Another?

Yes.

You do not need to return to the station you arrived at.

For example, you could:

Enter from Harajuku → visit the Main Shrine → leave toward Yoyogi

or

Enter from Sangubashi → visit the Main Shrine → leave toward Harajuku

This can make your sightseeing route much more convenient.

Check the official precinct map before your visit if you plan to use different entrances.

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Is Meiji Jingu Free to Visit?

Yes.

There is no admission fee to visit Meiji Jingu itself.

However, some facilities inside the grounds, including the museum and other designated areas, may charge a separate fee.

Meiji Jingu is open every day throughout the year.

Opening and closing times change depending on the season because the shrine generally opens around sunrise and closes around sunset.

Always check the official website for the latest opening hours before your visit.

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Japan Life Steps Tip

If this is your first visit and you are already sightseeing around Harajuku, the easiest choice is usually:

Harajuku Station

or

Meiji-jingumae “Harajuku” Station

Then use the Harajuku Entrance.

If you are coming from Yoyogi, use the Yoyogi Entrance instead.

If you are using the Odakyu Line, Sangubashi Station may be more convenient.

The most important thing to remember is:

The station-to-entrance walking time is not the total walking time to the Main Shrine.

Allow at least another 10 minutes after you enter Meiji Jingu.

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Official Information

For current access information:

Meiji Jingu Official Access Guide – English

For the official English precinct map:

Meiji Jingu Official Precinct Map – English

For current opening hours:

Meiji Jingu – How to Visit

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Disclaimer:
Information in this article is based on official information available in 2026. Station exits, walking routes, entrance access, opening hours, facility fees, and other visitor information may change due to seasonal schedules, events, maintenance, or other circumstances. Always check the latest information on the official Meiji Jingu website before your visit.