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Meiji Sai Festival

Guide

Meiji Sai Festival

5 min read

Event Overview

The Meiji Sai is a traditional festival held at Meiji Jingu to honor the achievements of Emperor Meiji. Established in 1920, Meiji Jingu enshrines both Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It is a historic sanctuary widely revered as a place to pray for world peace and national prosperity.

Highlights & Experience

During this season, Meiji Jingu is enveloped in the breathtaking beauty of autumn. The scenery of the Meiji Jingu Garden's ponds reflecting the colorful maple leaves is truly captivating. Through the Meiji Sai, you can witness the profound weight of Japanese traditional rituals and culture. The greatest charm lies in spending a serene moment in a sacred space that harmonizes perfectly with the seasonal nature of the vast forest.

Schedule

The festival is held on November 3.

Venue & Access

The venue is Meiji Jingu. There are several ways to reach the shrine from nearby stations:

  • *Harajuku Entrance**: A 3–5 minute walk from JR Harajuku Station or Tokyo Metro Meiji-jingumae Station (plus about 10 minutes walking to reach the main shrine).
  • *Yoyogi Entrance**: A 3–5 minute walk from JR Yoyogi Station or Toei Oedo Line Yoyogi Station, or Tokyo Metro Kita-sando Station.
  • *Sangubashi Entrance**: A 3–5 minute walk from Odakyu Line Sangubashi Station.

Visiting Tips

Because the Meiji Jingu grounds are vast, we recommend planning your schedule with plenty of travel time to reach specific areas like the main shrine or the garden. For the Meiji Sai, dressing in modest, respectful attire is appropriate to enjoy the traditional atmosphere. Please note that certain facilities, such as the Meiji Jingu Garden or the Treasure Museum, may require separate entrance fees.

Essentials & Etiquette

As Meiji Jingu is a sacred site, please maintain respectful behavior and decorum. While there is no strict dress code, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. It is useful to carry cash (coins and bills) for purchasing charms (omamori) or making offerings. For the latest rules and details, please check the official website.