Why it stays with you
The shrine enshrining Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Year after year it draws the largest number of New Year's worshipers of anywhere in Japan — think of it as the one to go to if you visit a single shrine in Tokyo. Its hours are unusual: they shift every month with sunrise and sunset. In August, for example, it's 5:00 to 18:00; in September, 5:20 to 17:20. In summer you can get in very early, so aim for first thing in the morning and you'll have a quiet, unhurried walk. The location also makes it easy to finish your visit and move on to the next thing while it's still morning.