Exploring Meiji Shrine from Sangubashi
Located in Shibuya, Tokyo, Meiji Shrine is one of Japan’s most iconic shrines, attracting numerous visitors daily. While the main approach from Harajuku Station is well-known, a quieter and more nature-filled alternative is the route from Sangubashi Station. This path takes you through a serene, tree-lined walkway, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. In about 15 to 20 minutes, you will reach Meiji Shrine.
Starting from Sangubashi Station
After exiting the Odakyu Line’s Sangubashi Station, you will find the entrance to Meiji Shrine’s western approach nearby. Compared to the bustling Harajuku side, this entrance sees fewer visitors and is enveloped in greenery, offering a calm and tranquil ambiance. Passing through the torii gate, you will immediately feel distanced from the noise of the city.
Strolling Through a Beautiful Tree-Lined Path
The western approach is a peaceful walkway surrounded by towering trees, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of nature across all four seasons. In autumn, the vibrant foliage is breathtaking, and on early winter mornings, you may witness a mystical landscape shrouded in mist. Take a leisurely stroll along the sun-dappled path and let the serene atmosphere soothe your mind.
Reaching the Main Shrine
After walking for a while, you will pass through another torii gate and arrive at Meiji Shrine’s main hall. Set within a vast and sacred environment, the shrine is a symbol of Japan’s traditional beauty. Here, you can pray for a safe journey, draw an omikuji (fortune slip), and experience Japanese culture firsthand.
Summary
Despite being in the heart of Tokyo, Sangubashi offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Just a short distance from the skyscrapers of Shibuya, this nature-rich path allows you to enjoy different seasonal landscapes. In spring, fresh greenery flourishes; in summer, the trees form a deep green tunnel; in autumn, the vibrant maple leaves create a stunning backdrop; and in winter, the crisp air adds a refreshing charm to the walk.
This route is not only great for sightseeing but also for finding a moment of tranquility. Be sure to take this peaceful walk and experience a different side of Tokyo.
