Meiji Jingu New Year Opening Hours 2026

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On January 1, the shrine gates stay open until about 7:00 PM. This is the busiest day for visitors in Japan. Expect very long queues if you arrive during the day. Plan to arrive early or very late to avoid the largest crowds.

From January 2 to January 3, the hours change slightly. The gates typically open at 6:40 AM each morning. They close around 6:30 PM in the evening. These days are still busy but slightly quieter than New Year's Day.

Regular winter hours usually return after January 4. The shrine typically opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. You can check the official Go Tokyo website for any last-minute schedule changes. Always allow extra time for the walk from the gates to the main buildings.

Visiting Meiji Jingu for Hatsumode in 2026

Hatsumode is the first shrine visit of the year in Japan. It is a deeply important tradition for many local people. Visitors pray for health, wealth, and happiness in the coming year. Meiji Jingu is the top choice for this ritual in Tokyo.

You can buy special charms called Omamori at the shrine. These charms provide protection for various parts of your life. Many people also buy Ema wooden plaques to write their wishes. You can see thousands of these hanging near the main buildings.

Food stalls often line the paths leading to the shrine. You can try traditional snacks like yakisoba or grilled squid. Hot amazake is a popular sweet rice drink served during winter. Check out the best shrines for hatsumode in tokyo 2026 for more options.

The walk through the forest is very peaceful despite the crowds. Tall cedar trees line the wide gravel paths to the main hall. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to walk from the entrance. Enjoy the natural beauty as you prepare for your prayers.

Transport to Meiji Jingu on New Year's Eve

Getting to the shrine is easy using Tokyo's excellent train system. Harajuku Station is the closest stop on the JR Yamanote Line. You can also use Meiji-jingumae Station on the subway lines. Both stations are just a short walk from the shrine entrance.

Most trains in Tokyo run all night on New Year's Eve. This special service helps people reach shrines for midnight prayers. You should check the tokyo public transport schedule new years eve before you travel. Frequencies may be lower than during normal daytime hours.

Expect the stations to be extremely crowded during this time. Station staff will guide the flow of people for safety. Follow the signs and be patient with the slow-moving crowds. You can find more travel info on the Tokyo Metro website.

• JR Yamanote Line: Use Harajuku Station.
• Chiyoda Subway Line: Use Meiji-jingumae Station.
• Fukutoshin Subway Line: Use Meiji-jingumae Station.
• Odakyu Line: Use Sangubashi Station for the west entrance.

Essential Tips for Your Meiji Jingu Visit

Tokyo weather in late December is usually very cold. Temperatures often drop near freezing during the night and early morning. Wear many layers and bring heat packs called kairo. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for the gravel paths.

Bring plenty of 5-yen coins for your shrine offerings. The Japanese word for 5-yen sounds like the word for "good luck." Toss your coin gently into the large wooden offering boxes. Follow the local custom of bowing twice and clapping twice.

Security is very tight during the New Year period. Large bags may be checked at the entrance gates. Try to travel light to speed up your entry process. You can learn about other tokyo winter events 2026 to plan your full itinerary.

Respect the sacred space by staying quiet near the altars. Do not take photos of the inner sanctuary buildings. Watch the locals to learn the correct way to wash your hands. This purification ritual happens at the fountain before you enter.