A walk in Tokyo

Meiji Jingu to Shibuya

明治神宮から渋谷へ

Best early morning

4.1 km, about 2.5 h, 8 stops from Harajuku Station, Omotesandō Exit. Every stop with its Japanese name and what to look for.

Start Harajuku Station, Omotesandō Exit

Offering barrels奉献酒樽
Straw-wrapped barrels from across Japan face barrels from France, all gifts to the shrine.
Ōtorii gate大鳥居
At 12 m, the largest wooden torii of its style in Japan, made of cypress.
Meiji Jingu main shrine明治神宮御社殿
Built in 1920 for Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. The gates close at sunset.
Takeshita-dōri竹下通り
Narrow, loud and busy: youth fashion, trinkets and sweet snacks.
Omotesandō表参道
The shrine's old approach, now a wide avenue of zelkova trees and flagship stores.
Cat Streetキャットストリート
A calmer lane of small boutiques, the grown-up side of Harajuku.
Miyashita Park宮下公園
A park on the roof of a long shopping block. Take the stairs up for a break.
Shibuya Scramble Crossing渋谷スクランブル交差点
When every light turns green at once, cross with the crowd in any direction.

Paths can be steep or slippery, and places close or change their hours. Check before you go.

Plan the rest

Sources

Our summary of the sources below, checked Nov 9, 2026