UNESCO Japanese Court Music, Miko Dance & Prayer at Meiji Jingu Discount Tickets

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Get your discount tickets for the UNESCO Japanese Court Music, Miko Dance & Prayer at Meiji Jingu, save up to 9% !

Overview

Discover the spiritual heart of Japan. While millions of people visit Meiji Jingu every year, very few have the opportunity to participate in a formal Shinto prayer ceremony. During the ceremony, you will experience Gagaku, Japan's oldest court music recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, as well as a traditional Miko (shrine maiden) dance performed before the gods. The solemn atmosphere reminiscent of Japan's ancient imperial court, the enchanting sounds of traditional music, and the beautiful Miko dance performed right before your eyes will create unforgettable memories. Before the ceremony, you will write down 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 we will guide you every step of the way. This is more than a sightseeing tour. It is an opportunity to explore the deep spirituality of Japan that many travelers never experience.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Meet under the Second Torii Gate at Meiji Jingu Shrine. The guide will be waiting for you with a board displaying your name.

End Point

End point

After the prayers are completed, the group will disperse at the exit of the Kaguraden.

Language Offered

English-GUIDE

Itinerary

1. 151-0052
Let's meet under the second torii gate. Here, I will guide you through the details of the torii's unique features, the displays of sake barrels and wine barrels nearby, as well as the waka poem prominently displayed at the front. It's a great spot for taking photos, so feel free to capture as many as you like. I'll be happy to assist you!
Duration: 15 mins
2. Meiji Jingu Kaguraden
We will walk from the second torii gate to the third torii gate. Along the way, I will teach you the proper etiquette for walking along the approach and passing through the torii gates. Many foreign tourists mistakenly perform these rituals incorrectly, which can come across as quite disrespectful. By learning the correct manners from us, you will gain the favor of the deities. I will also guide you through the waka poems and buildings we encounter along the way. Feel free to take photos at all these locations. I encourage you to capture great shots, and I'll be happy to assist you!
Duration: 15 mins
3. Meiji Jingu Kaguraden
At the purification fountain, cleanse your hands and mouth before proceeding to the main shrine area. First, let's experience the same method of worship as the general public. Using the ritual of offering a coin, followed by two bows, two claps, and one final bow, you will express your gratitude to the deities. There are areas where photography is not allowed, and I will guide you accordingly.
Duration: 10 mins
4. Meiji Jingu Kaguraden
Next, we will move to the Kagura Hall, where you can receive individual blessings. First, you will fill out an application form at the entrance. On the form, you’ll indicate your prayer intentions, such as world peace, household safety, travel safety, recovery from illness, business success, finding a good match, safe childbirth, or academic achievement, along with your address and name. Once completed, submit the form along with the offering fee (starting from 5,000 yen) to the shrine priest to complete the process. The forms are available only in Japanese, but we will assist you thoroughly to ensure everything is handled smoothly. Once registration is complete, you’ll wait in the lounge for the ceremony to begin. This lounge is also a beautiful space where you can fully appreciate traditional Japanese art.
Duration: 20 mins
5. Meiji Jingu Kaguraden
Now, we proceed to the altar in the Kagura Hall, where the ceremony will take place. The sound of a drum resonates as shrine priests, dressed in traditional Japanese attire, use sacred tools to perform a purification ritual for us. This cleansing brings a sense of peace and fulfillment. Following the purification, traditional court music known as gagaku is performed, accompanied by a dance by shrine maidens (miko). Gagaku, a musical tradition played on elaborately decorated drums and flutes from ancient times, has been designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The shrine maidens, adorned in traditional costumes, dance gracefully, creating an atmosphere of elegance. Watching this performance, you’ll feel as though you’ve become royalty in a grand palace.
Duration: 20 mins
6. Meiji Jingu Kaguraden
After the ceremony concludes, the ritual is completed by receiving sacred offerings (shinsen) and drinking sacred sake (omiki). Shinsen refers to the offerings presented to the deities during the ceremony, which are later shared with participants as a souvenir. It is often in the form of nori (seaweed) and is meant to be enjoyed at home. Omiki is sacred sake offered to the deities, a portion of which is shared with participants. At the exit, you will receive a small cup, and a shrine maiden will pour the sake for you to drink on the spot. It is believed that items offered to the deities are imbued with spiritual power, and consuming these offerings is a way to pray for good health and protection from illness. This marks the end of the tour. While photography inside the Kagura Hall is strictly prohibited, you are free to take as many pictures as you like outside. Please feel free to ask for assistance—we’ll be happy to help!
Duration: 10 mins

Inclusion

Information and application form translation fees

Exclusion

Prayer fee paid to the shrine (5,000 yen for personal prayer)

Amulets, etc. purchased privately

Cancellation Policy

Check mark icon Refundable tickets

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
  • 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

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

Supplied by 明治神宮 古代祈祷ツアー Meiji shrine ancient prayers tour

Reviews

4.2

★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 5 reviews

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