15 Meiji Shrine Tours in Tokyo Worth the Yen

1.Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, Skytree Bus Tour and Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,986 reviews · 10 hours · from $122Our pick

Cover Tokyo’s major sights by air-conditioned coach, from the forested Meiji Shrine to Asakusa’s red lantern and the 350-meter Skytree deck. Your English-speaking guide leads the day, with multilingual audio available. Expect matcha, an optional Japanese set lunch and, on most days, a short Tokyo Bay cruise. Guides have included Aya, Yui, Tsubasa, Hiro and Levin; assignments vary.

“Great tour, a good way to fit a lot into just one day. Our guide Sora was great, knowledgeable and cheery. The only thing I'd change would be to have more time at the Meiji Shrine in the morning and maybe half an hour less at the Sky Tree.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Tokyo Panoramic 1 Day: Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, Odaiba and SKYTREE®

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,222 reviews · from $85

Spend about nine hours crossing Tokyo by air-conditioned bus, with a licensed English-speaking guide, stops at Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Odaiba and Senso-ji, a buffet lunch near Haneda, and admission to the SKYTREE® Tembo Deck. The route suits first-time visitors who want a city overview without handling every train transfer themselves.

“Yumii did an outstanding job. She was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. She checked on us multiple times. She explained everything with detail and did her best to confirm that everyone heard her directions. She did her best to keep Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Meiji Shrine Walking Tour — Shinto & Imperial System

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 266 reviews · 90 - 135 minutes · from $23

This small-group walk takes you from Harajuku Station through Meiji Shrine’s tree-shaded approach to its main sanctuary and Mori no Terrace. An English-speaking guide explains shrine etiquette, Shinto practice, and the Meiji imperial era. Groups are limited to 10, and guides have included Yuuka, Keiko, Ayaka, and Yuuki.

“Nonoka gave us a splendid overview of Japanese history and culture - perfect to set our first visit to Japan in context. She also highlighted the differences between temples and shrines, haiku and waka, and explained shrine etiquette so we knew what to do and more importantly, what not to do so as to avoid disrespectful and offensive behaviour as tourists! We really learned a lot. Thank you also for the great food recommendations, Nonoka!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Meiji Jingu Shrine and Shinto Culture Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 245 reviews · 2 hours · from $19Top rated

Walk from Harajuku into Meiji Shrine’s forest with an English-speaking guide. In two hours, you’ll visit the Imperial Garden, pass the great torii and consecrated sake and wine barrels, then spend an hour at the shrine learning about Shinto rituals and the Meiji period. Small groups make it easier to ask questions; guides have included Maya, Minori, Hoshi, and Yota.

“The tour was great! Many places to see and food to eat. Lots of variety included in this tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Meiji Shrine and Shinto Culture Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 225 reviews · from $18Best value

Spend about two hours exploring Meiji Jingu Shrine and its forested grounds with a guide who explains Shinto customs, the shrine’s history, and rituals such as bowing and ritual cleansing. The group is limited to 15 people. Guides who have led this tour include Sara, Yumi, Haydn, Matt-san, and Benjamin; your assigned guide may differ.

“Our family of four attended the cultural walking tour in June 2025. Sara, our guide, met us on time at the designated meeting point, the Starbucks Coffee With Harajuku. Sara was fun and interactive. Besides informing us about Meiji-jingu Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Meiji Shrine Walking Tour — Shintoism & Imperial System

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 209 reviews · from $21

Meet at Harajuku Station for a 90-minute guided walk through Meiji Shrine’s forest, past its giant cypress torii gate, and into the shrine and imperial garden. Learn about Shinto practices and Japan’s Imperial system, then finish near the café and shop. Guides have included Yuuki, Nana, Keiko, Nonoka, and Nanami.

“A great tour with Yuuki A! He was very patient and explained a lot of things to us! Great for a group or solo 🙌”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.1 Day Bus Tour with Meiji-Jingu,Odaiba,lunch&Skytree

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 156 reviews · 9 hours - 570 minutes · from $83

Ride Hato Bus with an English-speaking guide from Tokyo or Shinjuku to Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace Plaza, Odaiba, Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree. The day includes a Western-style buffet at Haneda Airport and entry to Skytree’s 350-meter Tembo Deck. Guides such as Mina, Aki and Junko have been praised for their clear explanations and good humor, though your guide will vary.

“Get you guide give very good instructions on where the pick up Point is. They communicate with you directly. Would use anyone else. The trip was great as always.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Tokyo Morning Tour : Meiji Shrine, Asakusa and Fish Market

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 102 reviews · from $72

Spend about four hours with an English-speaking guide, starting at Meiji Shrine, then visiting Tsukiji’s outer market and Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple. Expect shrine paths, market food and traditional snacks such as mochi, sweet potato and cutlet. Groups are limited to eight. Guides Shoma Sato and Yosuke are among those praised for clear explanations and a flexible pace.

“What an Amazing experience . Our Guide Shoma Sato was beyond great. He was an excellent at explaining everything we saw . He was patient and made every attempt to cater to everyone on our tour. I highly recommend this tour. I know tour guides make or break a tour so I hope you get Shoma Sato on your next tour . Paul ( Philadelphia)”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Full Tokyo: Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace, Asakusa & Skytree

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 78 reviews · from $39

Start at Shibuya’s Hachiko statue, then travel by train and on foot to Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace exterior, Akihabara, Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree. An English- and Spanish-speaking guide leads the way; Skytree admission and train transfers are included. Choose the lunch option if you want a meal included.

“The places were very nice the tour guys were excellent and they were very helpful with everything you asked them”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Tokyo Morning Tour: Meiji Shrine, Asakusa & Fish Market

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 44 reviews · 4h 30m · from $83

Start outside IKEA Harajuku, then visit Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji Outer Market, and Asakusa in a 4.5-hour English-guided walk. Expect shrine customs and history, market time for sushi and sashimi, and Asakusa snacks such as croquettes and Japanese sweets. Guides named by past participants include Lax, Yosuke, YoYo, Remu, and Ken. Food and about 550 yen in transit fares are not listed as included.

“I would recommend this tour for everyone who is interested in the Japanese religion. Our guide Remu was very nice and gave use a lots of information about schinto and buddhism. The fire ritual is amazing to watch! It was a informative and fun morning for us.”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Meiji Jingu, Harajuku, Shibuya, and Shijuku Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 42 reviews · 4 hours · from $103

Spend four hours with a private English-speaking guide, moving from the forested paths of Meiji Shrine to Harajuku’s fashion streets, Shibuya Crossing, and Shinjuku’s nightlife districts. Public transit and shrine admission are included, along with stops such as Pokémon Center, Don Quijote, Omoide Yokocho, and Golden Gai. Your guide can tailor the route to your interests.

“Our guide, Erica, was the best! She went above and beyond in catering the tour to our desire - and especially for my 12 year old daughter. Her energy was upbeat and passionate and she helped us figure out so many things in Japan on our first full day in the country!”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Full Tokyo: Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace, Asakusa & Skytree

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 16 reviews · 7 hours · from $69

Start at Hachiko Statue, then cross Tokyo by train and on foot, from Shibuya and Meiji Shrine to the Imperial Palace, Akihabara and Asakusa. An English- and Spanish-speaking guide leads the seven-hour tour. Lunch and Tokyo Skytree entry are optional, so check your choices before booking.

“Our guide Oliver did an excellent job showing us around all the sights and because we were there on NYE we also got to see how the locals celebrate at the shrines an temples. Would recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Join a Unique Cultural Ceremony at Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $121

Meet an English-speaking guide at JR Yoyogi Station for a forest walk through Meiji Shrine and a rare chance to witness a Shinto gokito prayer ceremony. Guides have included Alex and Kohei, who explain the rituals in clear, personal terms. The tour also includes access to the ceremony; a Japanese snack has been part of some outings.

“Alex was amazing! His perfect English, engaging sildes, and knowledge of the subject made this a great experience for me. He’s really nice too. And I could’ve never imagined that I would be able to join a Shinto prayer ceremony. Highly recommended!”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.Meiji Shrine Walking Tour with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 9 reviews · from $20

Walk through Meiji Shrine’s forest with a local English-speaking guide, learning shrine etiquette and the story behind the grounds. The route includes the Outer Worship Hall, the Imperial Fishing Platform, and lesser-known details such as the turtle stone and sazare stone. It ends near Harajuku Station, handy for continuing your day.

“We learned about the history of Meiji Jingu, the custom of bowing when passing through the torii gate, and that the central part of the approach is where the gods walk, so visitors should walk on the left side. The guide explained the highlights of the torii and the approach to the shrine, and my interest in Meiji Jingu Shrine grew. The artificially created space of the approach creates a sacred space, and it's really wonderful, and there's no doubt that your heart will be cleansed. The guide showed us the back of the main hall and explained the turtle stone and the sazare stone. I thought that if I…”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.Shibuya Sky, Harajuku & Meiji Shrine Highlights Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9 reviews · 5 hours · from $110

Walk from Hachiko and Shibuya Sky through Shibuya Crossing, PARCO, Miyashita Park, Cat Street and Takeshita Street, ending at Meiji Shrine. Your private guide shares local context and tips in English or Japanese. The five-hour route is on foot, and the listed price is $110 per person.

“The tour was great, Konon showed us around and got her walking through streets and places that otherwise we wouldn’t have visited. We also took advantage to ask her a lot of questions , even questions about products in convenient stores. Very interesting and useful!”

Check availability →Read our full review