Tokyo: Meiji Shrine Walking Tour — Shintoism & Imperial System in Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo: Meiji Shrine Walking Tour — Shintoism & Imperial System

Outty Ranking 90 5.0 · 513 traveler reviews1.5 hoursFrom $2000

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$2000
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Outty Ranking

90/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 513 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Tokyo: Meiji Shrine Walking Tour — Shintoism & Imperial System worth booking?

Tokyo: Meiji Shrine Walking Tour — Shintoism & Imperial System is a 1.5-hour experience in Tokyo, Japan, from $2000 per person. It scores 90 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional, based on a 5/5 rating across 513 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
90 / 100
Rating
5/5 (513)
Duration
1.5 hours
From
$2000 per person

Meiji Shrine, located in a lush forest, is the most visited shrine in Japan. On this small-group tour of up to 10 people, a local guide explains Shinto and the Japanese Imperial system. Experience the calm heart of Japan

What you get

  • Sightseeing tour
  • Guide

About this experience

Meiji Shrine, located in a lush forest, is the most visited shrine in Japan. On this small-group tour of up to 10 people, a local guide explains Shinto and the Japanese Imperial system. Experience the calm heart of Japanese tradition. [Highlights] ・Small group tour of up to 10 people ・The mysterious forest where noise disappears ・Japan's 2,600-year-old Imperial system ・Visiting the most popular shinto shrine in Japan ・Learn how Japan went from samurai to modern

What's included

Included

  • Sightseeing tour
  • Guide

What you'll see and do

  1. Enter through the Harajuku gate and walk along a wide path through a peaceful forest toward the main shrine. Along the way, you’ll pass through giant torii gates, see sake barrel displays, visit the purification fountain, and experience the calm of nature in the heart of Tokyo.

    30 minutes here

  2. Along the path, you’ll pass through one of Japan’s largest wooden torii gates—made from ancient cypress brought all the way from Taiwan. Its size, history, and quiet power leave a strong impression.

    5 minutes here

  3. Meiji Jingu Shrine

    At the main shrine, you can offer a prayer, draw a unique type of omikuji, write your wish on an ema (wooden plaque), and explore a variety of omamori (charms). Many visitors say they feel a special kind of energy in this sacred space.

    30 minutes here

  4. At the end of the visit, there is a cafe and a gift shop near the shrine grounds. The shop offers charms, traditional goods, and Meiji Jingu–exclusive items. The cafe provides light meals and drinks in a quiet forest setting.

    15 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Meeting point

Tokyo

Please meet at JR Harajuku Station East Exit 2. It's also a 5-minute walk from Meiji-Jingumae Station on the Fukutoshin and Chiyoda lines. Our guide holding a “Local Guide Stars” sign will be there to greet you.

Hotel pickup

No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

Ends at

Please meet at JR Harajuku Station East Exit 2. It's also a 5-minute walk from Meiji-Jingumae Station on the Fukutoshin and Chiyoda lines. Our guide holding a “Local Guide Stars” sign will be there to greet you.

Before you book

Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Languages
en
Ticket
Mobile Only
Runs on
Every day
Group size
Up to 15 travelers per booking
Operated by
Japan Guide Star

Know before you go

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Photos

Where the torii meets the forest, Japan’s soul begins.You can experience Shinto, Japan’s ancient religion.A wall of tradition, standing quietly in the forest.An experience to remember!Tiny bonsai, timeless beauty.Quiet paths, rich with meaning.

What travelers are saying

Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 523 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

The guide

6 mentions

Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

Knowledge and storytelling

5 mentions

Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

Traveler reviews

523 verified traveler reviews for Tokyo: Meiji Shrine Walking Tour — Shintoism & Imperial System. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

5 star
517
4 star
5
3 star
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0
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0
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647reemaa · August 2026

Ichiro was fantastic during the Meiji shrine tour

The guided tour was fantastic - informative, engaging, and perfectly paced! Ichiro was knowledgeable, friendly, and made the experience truly memorable. Highly recommend it!

via Tripadvisor

891divr · August 2026

Very satisfying learning experience

We had Ichiro San take us through the shrine and we had a great time learning about culture and tradition and how they come together with lifestyle in Japan! Would definitely recommend tours with Ichiro San, he is very knowledgeable and easy to speak to.

via Tripadvisor

Beth_C · August 2026

Amazing spot in Tokyo!

Incredible tour at the most lovely and peaceful place in Tokyo. Our tour guide was outstanding- knowledgeable, friendly and professional

via Viator

emmamK1873XC · August 2026

Beijing shrine walk

Fantastic value for a really interesting and entertaining 2 hour walk. I learnt a lot! Keiko was so kind and helpful

via Tripadvisor

F5756MAlucym · August 2026

Great shrine tour

Great tour and insight ahead of visiting any shrines in Japan! Keiko was very knowledgable

via Tripadvisor

Good to know

Duration
1.5 hours
Free cancellation
Up to 24h before
Minimum age to book
1+
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Every day
Price range
$2000 to $2400
Hotel pickup
No pickup, meet at start point
Booked in 30 days
180
Verdict
Exceptional

Why this scores 90

The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)100
Review evidence (18% weight)88
Booking momentum (14% weight)86
Value for money (12% weight)83
Listing quality (10% weight)82
Local standing (8% weight)70
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

Tokyo: Meiji Shrine Walking Tour — Shintoism & Imperial System: questions travelers ask

Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tokyo.

How much does Tokyo: Meiji Shrine Walking Tour — Shintoism & Imperial System cost?

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Prices start at $2000 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Tokyo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

How long does Tokyo: Meiji Shrine Walking Tour — Shintoism & Imperial System take?

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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Tokyo is not rushed.

Is Tokyo: Meiji Shrine Walking Tour — Shintoism & Imperial System worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 90 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 513 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Tokyo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

Can I cancel or reschedule Tokyo: Meiji Shrine Walking Tour — Shintoism & Imperial System?

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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

Is Tokyo: Meiji Shrine Walking Tour — Shintoism & Imperial System suitable for kids and families?

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The operator sets a minimum age of 1. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 1.5-hour running time when deciding.

How far in advance should I book Tokyo: Meiji Shrine Walking Tour — Shintoism & Imperial System?

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Around 180 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Tokyo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

What should I bring or wear?

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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Tokyo and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

Where does Tokyo: Meiji Shrine Walking Tour — Shintoism & Imperial System start and how do I get there?

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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Tokyo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

What are the best things to do in Tokyo?

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Tokyo is less a city than a stack of neighborhoods with completely different opening hours. A guided food crawl through Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho gets you past the no-tourist curtains, while the day trips west to Hakone and Fuji need an early start to be worth the fare. Our ranking weighs guide quality heavily here, because in Tokyo the guide is the product. On Outty we rank every Tokyo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Tokyo Shinjuku Chopsticks Making Class, Tokyo : Asakusa Chopsticks Making Class, Shinjuku Night Food and Bar Crawl. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

When is the best time to visit Tokyo?

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Late March to May for blossom, October to November for clear Fuji views. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

How many days do you need in Tokyo?

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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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