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Offered languages
- English
Discover the spiritual heart of Japan through a formal Shinto prayer at Meiji Jingu.
While millions visit Meiji Jingu every year, very few have the opportunity to participate in a formal Shinto prayer ceremony.
During the ceremony, experience Gagaku, Japan's oldest court music recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, and a traditional Miko (shrine maiden) dance performed before the gods. The solemn atmosphere, enchanting traditional music, and beautiful Miko dance will create unforgettable memories.
Before the ceremony, you will write your wishes and prayers. At the end, you will receive an Ofuda carrying your prayers and wishes.
The ceremony is conducted entirely in Japanese, but your private English-speaking guide will support you with the prayer application, your wishes, shrine etiquette, and each step of the experience.
More than sightseeing, this is a meaningful way to take part in a living Japanese tradition, not a staged tourist experience.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meet under the Second Torii Gate at Meiji Jingu Shrine. The guide will be waiting for you with a board displaying your name.
After the prayers are completed, the group will disperse at the exit of the Kaguraden.
Itinerary
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1Meiji Jingu
① Meet Your Private Guide & Introduction Meet your private English-speaking guide at Meiji Jingu. Before entering the shrine, your guide will explain the experience, basic Shinto customs, and what to expect during the formal prayer ceremony.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
② Purification & Shinto Etiquette Learn the proper shrine etiquette and purification ritual before approaching the sacred area of Meiji Jingu.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
③ Prayer Application & Personal Wishes Your guide will help you complete the Japanese prayer application and choose and write your personal prayer request.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Meiji Jingu Kaguraden
④ Formal Shinto Prayer Ceremony Enter the Kaguraden and take part in an authentic formal Shinto prayer at Meiji Jingu. This is an actual shrine ceremony, not a staged tourist performance.
20 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
5Meiji Jingu Kaguraden
⑤ Gagaku Court Music & Miko Dance During the prayer ceremony, experience traditional Gagaku court music and a sacred Miko dance performed before the gods.
20 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
6Meiji Jingu Kaguraden
⑥ Receive Your Sacred Ofuda After the ceremony, receive an Ofuda carrying your prayer and wishes. Your guide will explain its meaning and how it is traditionally kept.
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommended for those who have pain in sitting straight
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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