Tokyo, Shibuya: Meiji Shrine Tour in KIMONO / English-friendly

Enjoy the enchanting blend of tradition and culture on the Meiji Shrine Tour in Tokyo’s vibrant Shibuya district. Don a stunning kimono, complete with geta sandals and an obi sash, and explore the serene grounds guided by a knowledgeable expert. Explore the rich history and Shinto beliefs that shape the shrine’s significance as you uncover the hidden gems of this captivating experience. Prepare to be transported to a world where the past and present seamlessly intertwine.

Key Points

• Private guided tour of Meiji Shrine in Tokyo with kimono rental and professional dressing assistance.
• Explore the shrine’s cultural significance and history while dressed in traditional Japanese attire.
• Experience includes bottled water and optional ladies’ hairstyling services available for a fee.
• Tour concludes at the original meeting point in Harajuku, with convenient access to public transportation.
• Highlights include an extensive kimono collection, personalized attention, and knowledgeable guides providing cultural insights.

Tour Overview

The Meiji Shrine Tour in Kimono takes place in the heart of Tokyo, located in the Shibuya district.

This private tour allows only your group to participate, with a knowledgeable guide to lead you through the experience.

The tour includes renting a kimono, geta, and obi, with professional dressing assistance. Bottled water is provided, and an optional ladies’ hairstyle is available for a small fee.

The guided tour takes you through the Meiji Shrine, where you can learn about its cultural significance and history.

The tour ends back at the meeting point in Harajuku.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This Meiji Shrine Tour in Kimono includes a guide, bottled water, and the kimono rental service.

However, gratuities, meals, and tickets to the Inner Garden and Meiji Jingu Museum aren’t covered. The tour also excludes any other personal expenses.

The experience highlights include:

• Choose from a collection of kimonos, geta, and obi
• Professional dressing assistance
• Optional ladies’ hairstyles for a small fee
• Guided tour of Meiji Shrine with cultural insights and history shared by knowledgeable guides.

Meeting and Ending Points

According to the tour details, the meeting point for the Meiji Shrine Tour in Kimono is Harajuku Kimono SHIBUI, Room No. 413, located in Jingūmae, Shibuya, Tokyo.

Participants will then take the tour and return to the same meeting point where the experience ends.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.

Guests should look for the designated meeting location near public transportation to begin their cultural exploration of the Meiji Shrine while dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos.

Kimono Experience

As visitors step into the Harajuku Kimono SHIBUI studio, they’re greeted with a captivating array of traditional Japanese kimonos, geta sandals, and obi sashes.

The experienced staff provides professional assistance, guiding guests through the selection and dressing process. Visitors can choose from an array of styles, patterns, and colors, ensuring a truly personalized experience.

During the kimono fitting, the staff offers optional hairstyling services for a small fee, allowing guests to fully enjoy the elegant Japanese aesthetic.

This transformative experience sets the stage for the upcoming Meiji Shrine tour.

• Extensive kimono collection
• Professional dressing assistance
• Optional hairstyling services
• Personalized, transformative experience

Guided Tour of Meiji Shrine

After the captivating kimono experience, guests embark on a guided tour of the revered Meiji Shrine.

The knowledgeable guide shares insightful cultural and historical information about this serene shrine, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken.

Visitors explore the shrine’s expansive grounds, including the Inner Garden, admiring the intricate architecture and seeing the tranquil atmosphere.

The tour highlights the shrine’s significance in Japanese society, with the guide explaining rituals and traditions practiced by worshippers.

This immersive experience offers a deeper understanding of Shinto beliefs and the lasting legacy of the Meiji era.

Cultural Insights and History

The in-depth tour of Meiji Shrine allows guests to gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural insights and historical significance of this revered site.

The knowledgeable guides share fascinating details, such as:

• The shrine’s role as a spiritual and cultural center for Shintoism, Japan’s indigenous religion

• The architectural elements like the torii gates, which symbolize the transition from the mundane to the sacred

• The shrine’s history, dating back to 1920 and its dedication to Emperor Meiji, a beloved figure who modernized Japan

• Insight into traditional Japanese customs and rituals observed at the shrine.

Accessibility and Service Animals

Though the Meiji Shrine Tour in Kimono isn’t wheelchair accessible, the tour does allow service animals to accompany guests.

As the experience involves navigating historical sites and wearing traditional Japanese attire, the tour may pose mobility challenges for some visitors.

However, guests with service animals are welcome to join the experience. The knowledgeable guides are happy to provide any necessary assistance to ensure all guests can fully participate and enjoy the cultural insights and beautiful scenery of the Meiji Shrine.

Visitors are advised to inform the tour provider of any accessibility needs in advance.

Customer Feedback

What do reviews of the Meiji Shrine Tour in Kimono suggest about the overall experience?

The 3 reviews on the tour’s listing, all with a 5-star rating, paint a very positive picture.

Customers highlight the tour’s key strengths:

• Knowledgeable and friendly guides, such as Lena and Mia, who provide cultural insights and history
• A beautiful, well-organized tour of the Meiji Shrine and its impressive architecture
• The unique experience of dressing up in traditional Japanese kimonos with professional assistance
• The tour’s convenient, easy-to-find location near public transportation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can My Friends Join the Tour Even if They Don’t Rent a Kimono?

Yes, your friends can join the tour even if they don’t rent a kimono. The tour is a private experience where only your group participates, so everyone is welcome to join regardless of their attire.

Is There an Option to Take Professional Photos During the Tour?

Yes, there’s an option to take professional photos during the tour. The tour includes a kimono rental service, and participants can pay a small additional fee to have a professional photographer capture photos of them in the kimono at the Meiji Shrine.

Can I Wear My Own Shoes Instead of the Provided Geta Sandals?

Yes, you can wear your own shoes instead of the provided geta sandals. The tour allows for flexibility, and you’re welcome to wear your preferred footwear during the Meiji Shrine visit.

How Long Does the Kimono Rental and Dressing Process Typically Take?

The kimono rental and dressing process typically takes 30-45 minutes. Guests are provided professional assistance to choose and put on the kimono, as well as the traditional geta sandals, ensuring a comfortable and authentic experience.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement for the Private Tour?

The tour has no minimum group size requirement, as it’s a private tour where only your group participates. You’ll have the guide’s full attention and a personalized experience.

The Sum Up

The Meiji Shrine Tour in Tokyo’s Shibuya district offers an immersive cultural experience. Visitors don a traditional kimono and explore the serene grounds of Meiji Shrine, guided by an expert who shares insights into Shinto beliefs and the shrine’s rich history. This unique blend of tradition and modern convenience provides a memorable and comfortable way to discover Japan’s heritage.