UNESCO Japanese Court Music, Miko Dance & Prayer at Meiji Jingu

Highly recommend

This lovely tour encompasses all the traditions and rituals pertaining to a Shinto shrine. The grounds are beautiful to enjoy on your own for a while before the tour or after. The ritual of the prayer was a lovely connection to the culture of Japan. Explaining what the ceremony entailed was very helpful in understanding the why. Having someone who is knowledgeable is very helpful. Thank you ayumi and her colleague who helped us through the tour.

Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your kind review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed both the prayer ceremony and the beautiful grounds of Meiji Jingu. We believe that understanding the meaning behind a tradition can make the experience even more memorable, so your words mean a great deal to us. We are especially happy to know that our explanations helped you better understand not only what happens during the ceremony, but also why these traditions are important. Thank you as well for your warm words about both myself and my colleague. It was a pleasure meeting you and your wonderful family. Sharing this special experience together was a true joy for us. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your time in Japan and that you will carry many wonderful memories of your visit home with you. Thank you again for joining us.

via Tripadvisor

Hidden Gem

If you are genuinely interested in Japan's traditions and cultural heritage, I highly recommend this tour. Even though it was already my second visit to the Meiji Jingu Shrine, the atmosphere is incredibly unique every single time, and I learned so much new, detailed history. On the way to the main shrine, my tour guides shared a few of Japan's hidden secrets with me that are still unknown to many people. After bowing at the Torii gate and cleansing at the purification fountain, we arrived at the main shrine, where we were even fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of a traditional wedding. Then we made our way to the Kagura Hall. First, we had to fill out an application form and wait in the lounge for the ceremony to begin. At that moment, I was incredibly excited and nervous. After about 5 minutes, a priest opened the door and invited us in. Taking off our shoes and walking toward the altar, the atmosphere was simply indescribable. The hall itself is stunning. I sat on the tatami mats, admiring the magnificent altar up close just as the ceremony began. The drums started playing as the shrine priest performed a purification ritual. Then, the wishes of all participants were recited in a really beautiful-sounding Shinto liturgy (i googled that) by a Shinto priest. A priest guided us through the etiquette perfectly, so we always knew when to bow (such as when the priest passed us with the bells). Then, traditional court music played as the Miko (shrine maidens) slowly entered. Dressed in gorgeous traditional costumes, they gracefully danced with rhythmic movements in harmony with the music. Every step, every movement created an atmosphere of elegance. I was completely mesmerized, drawn into a world of tranquility and spirituality. It was so overwhelming that words can barely describe it, but it truly touched my heart. For me, it was the most impressive part of the ceremony, because it was like immersing yourself in a spiritual world. After bowing twice, clapping hands twice, and bowing again, the ceremony was over and we received an ofuda. To me, this is not just a souvenir — it holds the prayers, blessings, and memories of this unbelievable moment, and I will cherish it with deep respect. We were even offered a small cup of Omiki (sacred sake) at the exit. When the ceremony ended, my guides asked me how I felt, but I couldn't find that much words. I was honestly speechless. There were so many profound impressions to process. It was an amazing, unforgettable experience, and I am so incredibly glad I booked it. This tour is far more than just a tourist attraction; it's an opportunity to experience Japan's cultural heritage firsthand. It allows you to not only witness ancient rituals but to truly become a part of them. Because of all the wonderful, detailed information my tour guides shared with me, and understanding the deeper meaning behind the ritual (the purification, the amazing Kagura dance, the Shinsen), Japan is no longer just about the good food for me — it's about these beautiful details. That's why I love and am so interested in Japanese culture. Also a huge thank you to my amazing tour guides! You were incredibly friendly and did such a wonderful job. You could feel that they put so much heart into this experience. Thank you for an unforgettable day, and I truly hope we can explore more of this Hidden Gems of Japan together in the future. It was a pleasure meeting you!

Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed review. Your words truly touched us. We are delighted to know that the ceremony, the Kagura dance, the music, and the atmosphere of Meiji Jingu resonated so deeply with you. I was especially moved by the part where you wrote that you had no words immediately after the ceremony. Some experiences touch us so deeply that they are difficult to express right away, and I am grateful that you shared those feelings with us. One of my hopes is to show visitors that Japan is not only about famous landmarks or delicious food, but also about its traditions, spirituality, and the small details that often go unnoticed. When I read your words, “Japan is no longer only about good food for me,” I felt incredibly happy. Those words were very special to me. We truly enjoyed spending time with you as well. Your curiosity, respect for Japanese culture, and genuine desire to learn made the experience meaningful for us too. We feel very fortunate to have met someone like you who values and appreciates Japanese traditions. Encounters like this remind us why we love what we do. It was an honor to meet you, and we hope to see you again someday. There are still many hidden treasures of Japan waiting to be discovered, and we would be delighted to explore them together with you. Thank you again for your kindness and for sharing such a memorable experience with us.

via Tripadvisor

Very disappointed

We tried to call the greeter 30 minutes in advance that we were going to be 8 minutes late. We also called viator and spoke to a representative. The greeter did not answer his phone or respond to a text we were going to be 8 minutes late. . We had a difficult time navigating through Tokyo station for the first time. It was an absolute ball of human chaos. Ran to the second Tori and it was over just like that. 8 minutes later. No one to meet us and 160 USA dollars spent. We were looking forward to this event. No refund .. nada zip zero. For first timers in Tokyo be beware. We left the place we were staying in Asakusa 2 hours early. Still didn’t not help. We proceeded to the temple and still did all things that was one the agenda to do. My wish still remained the same peace, kindness , gratitude to us all…

Response from the operator: We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused. The person in charge misunderstood the schedule, and on the day of the event, a serious personal issue arose, preventing them from promptly noticing phone calls and messages. This was entirely due to our mistake. We deeply regret that this situation occurred, especially considering that you traveled such a long way to Japan and were looking forward to our tour. We are also very sorry for the time and effort you spent traveling from Asakusa. Of course, we have already refunded the full amount you paid. Moving forward, we will do everything we can to ensure that such an incident never happens again. We truly apologize for the trouble this has caused. Did you get the email? (I'm sorry if it didn't arrive.) If you are still in Tokyo, please contact us. We would be happy to guide you around other places, aside from Meiji Shrine, free of charge. Furthermore, if you visit Japan again in the future, we would like to offer you a free tour, so please let us know. Once again, we sincerely apologize for everything. Thank you very much.

via Viator

Traditional Japan

Didn't really know what to expect for the tour. It was pretty awesome. You go inside a shrine area to receive blessings on your choice of what you care most about (health, safe travels, etc.). The interpreter for the tour came down with the flu so communication was a little difficult, but Ayumi, our guide, did a wonderful job. If you're interested in traditional Japan, this tour is highly recommend.

Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the other day, and I truly appreciate your prompt review as well. Your kindness, always responding with a smile despite the lack of communication, was such a comfort to me. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused. Even so, I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed experiencing the deep-rooted traditional Japanese culture within the sacred grounds of Meiji Shrine. Please take care for the rest of your stay. If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’ll be there right away. Thank you again.

via Viator

Unforgettable experience

My visit to the Meiji Jingu shrine was a special experience for me and is one of the most unforgettable parts of my trip to Japan. As I bowed at the Torii, cleansed my hands and mouth at chozuya and stepped into the precincts of the shrine, I felt a pleasant sense of tension. As I made my way down the approach to the main shrine, I felt a sense of tightening, but at the same time, I also felt a sense of security. As I watched the worshippers clasping their hands together in unison, I was naturally able to calm my heart as well. The personal prayer in the Kagura hall was really the essence of this visit. In stark contrast to the precincts crowded with worshippers and visitors, the Kagura hall is an oasis of tranquility and serenity. When I arrived at Kagura hall, I was overwhelmed by its beautiful architecture and sacred atmosphere. The ceremony starts soon after. The ancient Japanese court music, despite being exotic, firmly conveys a sense of tranquility to my heart. The rhythmic movements of the Shinto maidens, dressed in vibrant traditional costumes, mesmerized me as they gracefully danced in harmony with the music. Their every step and gesture seemed to embody a profound spirituality, connecting the earthly realm with the divine. As the ceremony progressed, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of reverence. The sacredness of the moment enveloped me, and I found myself swept away by the beauty and grace unfolding before my eyes. It was as if time had stood still within the walls of the Kagura hall, allowing me to be fully present and immersed in the spiritual essence of the shrine. After the ceremony, an ofuda was bestowed upon me. It is not just a physical object; it held the prayers and blessings of the shrine, a tangible reminder of the spiritual experience I had just undergone. As I carefully tucked the ofuda into a secure place, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. My visit to Meiji Jingu shrine was not merely a tourist attraction; it was a transformative experience that touched my heart and soul. It allowed me to witness the power of faith, the beauty of ancient rituals, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Meiji Jingu shrine stands as a testament to the enduring spirituality of Japan and serves as a sanctuary where visitors can find solace, inspiration, and a connection to something greater than themselves. As I reflect on my visit to Meiji Jingu shrine, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have experienced its sacredness and to have been a part of its rich tapestry of traditions. It is a place that will forever hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the profound beauty and spiritual essence that exists in the world around us.

via Tripadvisor