1. How long has Meiji Shrine been a popular destination for entertainment and nightlife in Tokyo?
Meiji Shrine has been a popular destination for entertainment and nightlife in Tokyo since it was opened to the public in 1920, making it over 100 years old.
2. What are some of the most popular bars and clubs near Meiji Shrine?
Some popular bars and clubs near Meiji Shrine include:
1. Shibuya Crossing: This is not exactly a bar or club, but the famous intersection in Shibuya is surrounded by countless bars and clubs catering to all tastes and preferences.
2. Womb: A popular nightclub known for its electronic dance music (EDM) events and international DJs.
3. Trump Room: A trendy nightclub with a vibrant atmosphere, hosting various themed nights such as cosplay parties, rock nights, and more.
4. Jameson’s Irish Pub: A pub with a cozy atmosphere serving classic pub food and an extensive selection of drinks.
5. The Roastery by Nozy Coffee: This coffee shop has a bar on the second floor that serves expertly crafted cocktails.
6. Albatross Craft Beer & Whiskey Bar: This bar specializes in craft beers and has a vast whiskey selection, making it popular among beer and whiskey enthusiasts.
7. New York Bar & Grill: This stylish bar offers panoramic views of the city skyline and serves excellent cocktails, wines, and American-style food.
8. Air Lounge: Located in the Park Hyatt hotel, this elegant bar offers stunning views from its 41st floor location and serves high-quality cocktails and champagne.
9. Benfiddich Ginza: Award-winning bartender Hiroyasu Kayama crafts inventive cocktails using homemade infusions at this cozy cocktail bar.
10. Vow’s Bar Roppongi Hills: Another rooftop bar located on the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hills Tower, offering breathtaking views of Tokyo while sipping delicious cocktails.
3. Can you find traditional Japanese performances or concerts at Meiji Shrine?
Traditional Japanese performances or concerts can sometimes be found at Meiji Shrine, especially during festivals and special events. Some popular examples include taiko drumming performances, traditional folk dances such as Bon-odori, and kagura (sacred Shinto dances) which often take place at the shrine’s outer garden or courtyard. The Meiji Shrine also occasionally hosts traditional music concerts, including koto (traditional Japanese string instrument) performances. It is recommended to check the official website of Meiji Shrine or event listings in Tokyo for specific performance schedules and details.
4. Are there any theme parks or amusement centers near Meiji Shrine?
There are several theme parks and amusement centers within a reasonable distance from Meiji Shrine:1. Tokyo Dome City: This expansive amusement center is located about 50 minutes away by public transportation and features attractions such as roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and a water park.
2. Namco Namjatown: Located about 30 minutes away by public transportation, this indoor theme park offers various rides, games, and attractions based on popular characters from Japanese manga and anime.
3. Toshimaen Amusement Park: This large amusement park is located about 40 minutes away by public transportation and offers a variety of rides and attractions suitable for all ages.
4. Sunshine City Ikebukuro: This shopping complex houses multiple entertainment options including an indoor theme park called J-World Tokyo which features attractions based on popular anime series, such as Dragon Ball Z and One Piece.
5. Kawasaki Warehouse: This unique themed entertainment center is located about an hour away by public transportation and is designed to resemble a post-apocalyptic city with themed rooms, escape games, and arcade games.
6. Yomiuri Land: Located about one hour away by public transportation, this large amusement park features over 30 rides including roller coasters, water rides, and a giant Ferris wheel.
Please note that due to current COVID-19 restrictions, some of these attractions may have limited operations or be temporarily closed. It is best to check their websites or contact them directly for updated information before visiting.
5. Is Meiji Shrine known for its street performers or buskers?
No, Meiji Shrine is not known for its street performers or buskers. It is a Shinto shrine that is known for its beautiful grounds, peaceful atmosphere, and cultural significance. Street performers are not typically seen at traditional Shinto shrines.
6. What is the atmosphere like at night around Meiji Shrine?
At night, the atmosphere around Meiji Shrine becomes peaceful and serene. The sounds of traffic and city life fade away, making way for the gentle rustling of leaves and the occasional hooting of an owl. The path leading to the shrine is dimly lit by lanterns, adding to the tranquil ambiance. The towering trees surrounding the shrine are also softly lit, creating a mystical and enchanting atmosphere. Visitors may hear traditional music played on Japanese instruments or catch a glimpse of a traditional wedding ceremony taking place at the shrine. Overall, the night atmosphere around Meiji Shrine is one of tranquility and reverence.
7. Are there any rooftop bars or restaurants with a view of the shrine?
Yes, there are several rooftop bars and restaurants with a view of the shrine in Tokyo. Some popular options include The Prince Park Tower Tokyo’s Sky Lounge STELLATO, Roppongi Hills Club’s The Moon Bar, and Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills’s Rooftop Bar BeBu. These venues offer stunning views of the cityscape and the famous Meiji Shrine. Reservations are recommended for these spots as they can get busy during peak hours.
8. What are some unique events or festivals held at Meiji Shrine during nighttime hours?
1. “Yozakura”: During the cherry blossom season in spring, Meiji Shrine holds a special nighttime event where visitors can see the illuminated cherry blossoms (yozakura) in the shrine’s forested area.
2. “Toro Nagashi”: On August 6th, Meiji Shrine holds a traditional lantern floating ceremony to commemorate the victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
3. “En-nichi”: On certain nights throughout the year, Meiji Jingu Gaien Park transforms into a bustling fair with food stalls, games, and traditional Japanese performances called En-nichi.
4. “Meiji Jingu Autumn Festival”: Every November, Meiji Shrine celebrates its annual Autumn Festival with special evening events such as musical performances and a parade of portable shrines (mikoshi).
5. “Noh Theater Performances”: Throughout the year, there are special Noh theater performances held at Meiji Shrine’s Shiomidori no Niwa Garden in the evenings.
6. “Torii Light-up Events”: At various times throughout the year, the iconic torii gates along the pathway leading to Meiji Shrine are illuminated for a magical nighttime experience.
7. “Gagaku Performances”: On select nights during summer, visitors can enjoy traditional gagaku music performances – an ancient form of Japanese court music – at Meiji Shrine’s Inner Garden (Dai-monsho).
8. “New Year’s Eve Bell Ringing”: On New Year’s Eve, visitors can participate in ringing one of three large temple bells at midnight to greet the new year at Meiji Shrine.
9. Is it possible to take a guided tour of Meiji Shrine at night?
Yes, it is possible to take a guided tour of Meiji Shrine at night. The shrine offers guided tours for groups or individuals, which can be booked in advance through the shrine’s official website or by calling their office. These tours are typically offered in Japanese but may be available in other languages depending on availability of a guide.
10. Are there any markets or shopping areas open in the evening near Meiji Shrine?
Yes, there are several markets and shopping areas that are open in the evening near Meiji Shrine, including Harajuku Takeshita Street, Omotesando shopping street, and Shibuya Center Gai. These areas offer a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options that are open until late at night. Additionally, the nearby Shibuya Crossing is known for its vibrant nightlife scene with many bars, clubs, and karaoke establishments.
11. Can you participate in any traditional rituals or ceremonies at night at the shrine?
It depends on the specific shrine and its traditional practices. Some may hold nighttime rituals or ceremonies, while others may not. It is best to check with the shrine beforehand to see if they have any nighttime events scheduled.
12. Are there any popular karaoke spots near Meiji Shrine?
There are several karaoke spots near Meiji Shrine, including:
1. Big Echo Shibuya Dogenzaka Karaoke Stadium: This is a popular chain karaoke spot with private rooms and a wide selection of songs.
2. Shidax Karaoke Coronado Kanada-bashi: This karaoke spot has a unique “coronado” theme and offers all-you-can-sing packages.
3. Rainbow Cafe Shibuya: This retro-style cafe features a small karaoke room where you can sing while enjoying snacks and drinks.
4. Karaoke no Tetsujin (Iron Man) Shibuya Dogenzaka: This spacious karaoke bar offers a variety of packages and has an extensive collection of English songs.
5. Pasela Resorts Karaoke Shibuya Mark City: Located in the basement of Mark City shopping mall, this modern karaoke spot offers themed rooms and high-quality sound systems.
6. Botejyu-Karaoke Shibuya Bunkamura-dori Shop: This restaurant combines okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) cuisine with private karaoke rooms.
7. Joysound Tenpo Kongen Mae Japanese Style Karakaoke Shop: Located just outside the Jingumae Gate of Meiji Shrine, this traditional-style karaoke joint offers unlimited singing for one hour at a fixed price.
8. Shibuya Bear’s Graden Shinkan-ten (New Hakubaisho): Known for its bear-themed decor, this casual karaoke spot also serves food and drinks.
9. U-CUBE SHIBUYA TSUTAYA Branch A-Karaoze: Attached to the popular multimedia store Tsutaya, this branch offers convenient access to books, music, games, and other entertainment along with private karaoke rooms.
10. Karashikana – U.S.E.K.: Situated on the bustling Takeshita Street near Harajuku Station, this late-night karaoke spot offers a relaxing atmosphere and reasonable prices.
13. Does the area around Meiji Shrine have a good variety of dining options for dinner and drinks?
Yes, the area around Meiji Shrine offers a good variety of dining options for dinner and drinks. There are many restaurants, cafes, and bars offering different cuisines such as Japanese, international, and fusion. You can also find traditional izakayas and sake bars in the area. Additionally, the nearby neighborhoods of Harajuku and Shibuya also offer a plethora of dining choices for all tastes and budgets.
14. Is there typically a lot of foot traffic and energy around the shrine after dark?
It depends on the specific location and time of year. In general, shrines may have some foot traffic and energy after dark, especially during major holidays or festivals. However, many shrines close in the evening and may not be as busy after dark compared to during the day. Additionally, some people prefer to visit shrines during daytime hours for safety reasons.
15. Can you access the main shrine building after hours, or is it closed off to visitors at night?
It depends on the specific shrine and its visiting hours. Some shrines may have restricted access to the main shrine building after hours for security or preservation purposes, while others may allow visitors to enter at any time. It is best to check with the shrine beforehand to confirm their visiting hours and any restrictions in place.
16. Are there any outdoor movie screenings or theater performances held near Meiji Shrine in the evenings?
Yes, there are outdoor movie screenings and theatre performances held near Meiji Shrine in the evenings. The Yoyogi Park Outdoor Movie Theater, located near Meiji Shrine, screens a variety of films on weekends from April to September. Additionally, the nearby New National Theatre also hosts outdoor theater performances during the summer months. Check their official websites for updated schedules and tickets.
17. Is public transportation readily available to get to and from Meiji Shrine late at night?
Yes, public transportation options are available to get to and from Meiji Shrine late at night. The closest train station is Meiji-jingumae Station, which can be reached by the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line and Fukutoshin Line. There are also buses that stop near the shrine, such as the Tokyo Metropolitan City Bus and the Toei Bus. Additionally, taxis are also available throughout the city for transportation after hours.
18. What types of live music can be found near Meiji Shrine, such as jazz, rock, pop, etc.?
Meiji Shrine is located in Shibuya, a vibrant and popular area known for its lively music scene. Therefore, there are many options for live music near Meiji Shrine, including various genres such as jazz, rock, pop, and more.Some specific locations where you may find live music near Meiji Shrine include:
1. Vuenos: A popular live house (small music venue) that features a variety of acts, including indie rock, alternative, punk, and ska bands.
2. Sound Museum Vision: A multi-level club that hosts both local and international DJs and electronic music acts.
3. Ruby Room: A tiny but popular bar and live house that showcases indie bands and up-and-coming artists.
4. Nagi Shokudo: A cozy cafe with a stage that features jazz musicians during its weekend brunch events.
5. The Watanabes LIVE (at the Music Bar): A small live music venue that hosts various genres of musicians but primarily focuses on indie folk and alt-rock acts.
Overall, there are plenty of options for live music near Meiji Shrine in Shibuya. Additionally, many bars and restaurants in the area often have live performances or host open mic nights as well.
19.Can you experience traditional Japanese tea ceremonies around Meiji Shrine?
Yes, traditional Japanese tea ceremonies can be experienced near Meiji Shrine. The Tea Ceremony Room in the nearby Meijijingu Gaien Park is a popular location for these ceremonies. Additionally, there are many tea houses and cultural centers in the area that offer traditional tea ceremonies as part of their cultural programs. It is recommended to check with the shrine or nearby establishments for more information and reservations.
20.Is it common to see light displays or illuminations around the shrine during certain times of year?
It is common to see light displays and illuminations around shrines during certain times of year, such as major festivals or holidays. These light displays often enhance the festive atmosphere and attract visitors to the shrine. Additionally, some shrines may have permanent lighting installations that are turned on every evening as part of their regular rituals or practices.