Meiji Jingu Gaien

Very nice park to walk through. It has a personal sentimental value to me since a certain someone I admire filmed a music video here, but other than that, the area speaks for itself.

Tokyo Christmas market 2024! The market is big and the decorations are super festive! It is crowded, but they provide a lot of tables. Plenty for everyone. Even though, there are a lot of food stalls, the menus are repetitive and not much variety.

It’s been so long since I’ve seen such a beautiful expanse of ginkgo trees. Absolutely stunning and incredibly moving! It’s definitely worth a visit—highly recommended!

Shinto shrine dedicated to the divine soul of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, established November 1920. It is surrounded by a beautiful forest and gardens; around 100,000 trees have been donated from all over Japan and planted by volunteers. The moment you walk in, passing the main gate, you will feel transferred to a different Tokyo- more peaceful, in balance with nature. The smell of trees, gentle cool and humid air and shade in the summer will help to rest from the heat, smell of pine in a winter will ease your breath. Don’t miss the inner garden (gyoen) that existed during Emperor Meiji life. The story says that he actually designed iris garden, small pond and paths for the Empress, to give her ‘fresh energy’. There is also a restaurant, a cafe and the vending machines if you want to stop for a refreshment. I recommend matcha latte (both hot and cold)- as I keep coming back for another one If you want to buy a charm or souvenir, there are 2 places on the grounds, that you can get it- one by the cafe and the other one on a way to exit towards Yoyogi station.

If you find yourself around this area during the fall period, be sure to take a short walk around the park to admire the vibrant autumn foliage and enjoy the cool breeze that mother nature has to offer. That said, I wouldn't purposefully travel here since there are many other spots around the city that are just as, if not more scenic. The park also gets pretty crowded if you come during peak hours.

These pics are taken on December 8, 2024. It’s a warm day and the leaves are starting to falling down. It’s very busy but beauty!

Very nice temple with lots of park to walk around. Highly recommend to put on some good shoes for the terrain. Very well maintained grounds. The shrine itself is very modest and beautiful

Beautiful Gingko tree line. You can take a walk and find a nearby coffee shop to enjoy its beauty. Best time to visit is late Oct- Nov when autumn is around the corner.