Meiji Shrine is one of Tokyo’s most significant Shinto shrines, located in the Shibuya ward. Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, it was completed in 1920, eight years after Emperor Meiji's death and six years after Empress Shoken's. The shrine was destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in 1958. It sits in an evergreen forest that covers 170 acres, consisting of 120,000 trees donated by people from all over Japan. The Meiji Jingu Treasure House, built in the Azekurazukuri style, holds articles belonging to the Emperor and Empress.
The Torii gates at Meiji Shrine are among the largest in Japan, made from 1,500-year-old cypress wood. A notable feature is the Meiji Jingu Inner Garden, which includes a well named Kiyomasa’s Well, a popular power spot believed to bring good fortune. The shrine is also famous for its traditional Shinto weddings, which are often witnessed by visitors, and for the annual New Year’s visit, which attracts over three million people.
Dogenzaka, meaning "Dogen Slope," is a renowned area in Shibuya known for its nightlife and entertainment. The name derives from a 12th-century Buddhist monk, Dogen, who traveled the slope. It is home to Love Hotel Hill, an area filled with short-stay hotels catering to couples. Dogenzaka is also a bustling shopping and dining district, with numerous izakayas, cafes, and boutiques. Shibuya 109, a landmark fashion building, is located here and is a trendsetting hub for young women's fashion.
Shibuya is a major commercial and business center in Tokyo, famous for the iconic Shibuya Crossing, reputedly the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. It sees thousands of people crossing at once during peak times. Nearby is the statue of Hachiko, the loyal dog who waited for his owner every day for nearly ten years after his owner's death. Shibuya is also a key area for youth culture and fashion, with numerous department stores, music stores, and nightclubs.
Shibuya is home to the Shibuya Hikarie, a high-rise complex that includes offices, shops, and a theater. Another notable spot is Yoyogi Park, which is adjacent to Meiji Shrine and a popular venue for events, picnics, and cherry blossom viewing in spring. NHK Studio Park offers interactive exhibits about broadcasting. The Shibuya Stream complex, opened in 2018, revitalized the area with new office spaces, hotels, and restaurants.
Each of these locations offers a unique glimpse into Tokyo’s rich cultural tapestry, blending traditional elements with modern urban life.