Culture
Après-midi au Meiji-jingû
Alexandra DoroviciLe Meiji-jingû est l'un des sanctuaires les plus populaires de Tokyo. Achevé en 1926, il est dédié à l'empereur Meiji et à l'impératrice Shoken.
Meiji Jingu is located in technologically advanced Tokyo and only a few minutes from the quirky streets of Harajuku. This famous Shinto shrine is hidden among a thickly forested area, creating an atmosphere of tranquility in the heart of Japan's bustling metropolis. Meiji Jingu is one of the most popular shrines in Tokyo and is visited by millions of people every year. The shrine’s daily ceremonies, incredible architecture, and scenic grounds make it a memorable and rejuvenating destination for tourists and Shinto practitioners alike.
History
The relatively recent shrine was built in 1920 to commemorate Japan’s first modern emperor and empress, Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. In 1867, Emperor Meiji ascended to the throne, effectively marking the end of Japan’s feudal era and the beginning of the Meiji Period. During his rule, Emperor Meiji guided Japan into a more modern and westernized way of life and revamped international relations by building connections with other countries. The shrine was tragically destroyed by 1945 bombings, but was quickly rebuilt in 1958 thanks to public donations.
Today
Meiji Jingu and its surrounding forest stand as a beacon of the Shinto faith, creating an atmosphere of harmony between first-time guests, practitioners, nature, and the past. Given its location in Tokyo, the easily accessible shrine is a common destination for visitors. Meiji Jingu is open every day from sunrise to sunset and has no admission fee.
The shrine has one southern entrance and two northern, all of which are marked by towering torii gates. When visitors pass under the gates, which mark the separation between the sacred and secular world, it is customary to bow. The path to the shrine’s main complex is lined by a lush forest composed of over 100,000 trees and a variety of plant species, many of which were donated to the area from all over Japan. The densely wooded area effectively blocks out the sights and sounds of Tokyo, enveloping visitors in an environment of zen where they can clear their minds as they walk to the main shrine entrance. Once visitors step across the threshold onto the main grounds, they can leave their everyday worries behind and immerse themselves in the shrine’s architectural beauty and Shinto practices.
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Meiji Jingu’s location in Tokyo makes it easily accessible via public transportation and is minutes away from a number of train stations by foot. Please note that the travel times below are calculated using the shrine entrance as the endpoint. It will take about another 10 minutes for visitors to reach the main shrine grounds.
Closest access:
The shrine is a 1-minute walk from either Harajuku Station on JR Yamanote Line or Meiji-jingumae Station on Tokyo Metro Chiyoda and Fukutoshin Lines.
Other nearby stations:
Sangubashi Station on Odakyu Line: 3-minute walk
Yoyogi Station on JR Yamanote Line, JR Chūō Line, Sōbu Line, and Toei Oedo Line: 5-minute walk
Kita-Sando Station on Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line: 5-minute walk
Le Meiji-jingû est l'un des sanctuaires les plus populaires de Tokyo. Achevé en 1926, il est dédié à l'empereur Meiji et à l'impératrice Shoken.
Situé à deux pas de l'immense parc central de Shinjuku, THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku est un hôtel moderne de caractère avec un accès facile à la gare de Shinjuku et au sanctuaire Meiji. Le bâtiment de l'hôtel de 14 étages a été rénové et rouvert sous le nom de THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku en août 2018. La conception de l'atrium spacieux offre une atmosphère détendue et relie le restaurant, le bar, le salon et le hall les uns aux autres. L'hôtel dispose de plus de 400 chambres et 7 types de chambres et au dernier étagent se trouvent des chambres de style occidental offrant une vue sur le parc ainsi qu'une suite avec terrasse récemment ouverte. L'un des points forts de THE KNOT est sa délicieuse cuisine. Vous y trouverez six zonesde restauration, proposant par exemple des grillades au thé noir de qualité ou du pain frais.
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Mame Shiba Cafe offers a unique experience where you can interact with Shiba dogs while enjoying your favorite drinks. You cannot make reservations in advance through phone or online, so it is best to book early in the morning at a store. The cafe requires customers to make a reservation in-store, present their receipt at the reserved time, and then enter the cafe.
B-Flat Commune is an open-air hangout in Omotesandō featuring a variety of stalls and food trucks offering unique drinks, clothing, and bites to eat. Its relaxed vibe and plenty of seating make it an ideal spot for casual meetups and spending time with friends. It's a creative place where people can gather to eat a the open-air dining space or purchase fashion, antiques, product goods and other lifestyle items. Events are sometimes hosted at this community space, and operating stores may change from month to month.
If you're a fan of Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill, there's one Tokyo restaurant that absolutely deserves a spot on your bucket list. While you may not know it by its real name, chances are you've seen it on screen—it’s the unforgettable setting for the iconic, over-the-top showdown between The Bride and the Crazy 88. Known affectionately by fans as “The Kill Bill Restaurant,” this venue offers more than just cinematic nostalgia—it's a vibrant and unique dining experience in its own right. Located in Tokyo’s upscale Nishi-Azabu district, this classic-style izakaya bar is where fiction meets flavor. Though the fake blood and samurai swords have long been cleaned away, the spirit of the film lives on in the architecture and atmosphere. Stepping inside feels like walking onto the set: a grand, high-ceilinged hall with a central open-plan dining space, surrounded by a mezzanine-level balcony—instantly recognizable to anyone who’s watched the movie. But don’t mistake it for just a movie-themed attraction. The Kill Bill restaurant is a serious culinary destination. It offers a wide variety of traditional Japanese dishes, from sashimi and grilled skewers to noodle dishes and seasonal specialties. The menu also boasts creative fusion items like avocado and camembert tempura, which nods to the restaurant’s global popularity and mindset. And for international travelers with specific dietary needs, the restaurant provides vegan and halal-friendly menus (with at least three days’ notice). What makes this spot truly special is its ability to deliver a top-tier gourmet experience while doubling as a pop culture pilgrimage. You can sip sake where Uma Thurman once sliced through waves of enemies—minus the chaos, of course. Whether you’re a die-hard Tarantino fan, a foodie on the hunt for authentic Japanese flavors, or simply someone looking for a unique night out in Tokyo, this restaurant checks every box. Just one tip: Enjoy the drinks and dishes, but leave the swordplay to the professionals. Note: As you’d expect, Gonpachi is a popular restaurant. Same-day reservations are possible, but ideally you’ll want to reserve your table at least two days ahead of your visit, and even earlier if you’re planning to visit at the weekend.
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The Tōgō Shrine was established in 1940 and dedicated to Gensui The Marquis Tōgō Heihachirō shortly after his death. This shrine was destroyed by the Bombing of Tokyo, but was rebuilt in 1964. It is located in Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan. There, The Marquis Tōgō Heihachirō is celebrated as a shinto kami. [Wikipedia]