Description

Essentials about the Meiji Shrine in brief

The Meiji Shrine is probably the most important Shintō shrine in Tokyo. It is dedicated to the deified souls of Meiji-tennō (Emperor Meiji) and his wife Shōken-kōtaigo. The Meiji Shrine belongs to the so-called “Chokusaisha”. These are the most important Japanese Shintō shrines, which are visited on important festivals by a special emissary of the Japanese emperor. Together with the neighboring Yoyogi Park, the Meiji Shrine forms a beautiful wooded green area in the sea of houses of the Japanese metropolis.

The history of the Meiji Shrine

Meiji was the first emperor of modern Japan. Born in 1853, he ascended the throne at the age of 15, after Japan’s feudal period came to an end and Imperial Japan returned to power. During Meiji’s tenure, Japan fundamentally modernized along Western lines and developed into a world power by the early 20th century.

After the death of the Meiji-tennō in 1912 and his wife two years later, construction of the shrine began on land that had most recently served as the secondary residence of the chancellor of the Tokugawa Shōguns. On November 1, 1920, the shrine was dedicated. Since then, this day has been observed as the shrine’s anniversary, which is also the date of the Great Autumn Festival. In 1945, the shrine was destroyed during American bombing raids, but was rebuilt after the end of the war with the help of thousands of volunteers. The buildings of the Meiji Shrine that can be seen today date from 1958.

The complex of the Meiji Shrine

The shrine grounds consist of three areas. Naien, or the inner district with the shrine buildings; Gaien, or the outer district with a painting gallery commemorating Meiji as well as some sports facilities; and the Meiji Memorial Hall. These areas are covered by an evergreen forest of 120,000 trees of 365 different species, which were donated by people from all parts of Japan when the shrine was built. This 70-hectare forest is visited by many people, both for religious reasons and as a recreational area in central Tokyo.

Celebrations and activities in the Meiji Shrine

Meiji-tennō and Shōken-kōtaigo are honored with special ceremonies on the days of their deaths. The shrine’s most significant festival, however, takes place on the Meiji-tennō’s birthday on November 3 and lasts a full five days. Millions of visitors take part in the hosted games and competitions, including traditional dances, singing and music, poetry, Nō, Sumō, yabusame, movies, exhibitions of art, chrysanthemums and flower arrangements, samurai arts, storytelling, tea ceremonies, torchlight processions, cakes, firecrackers and fireworks. In addition, during the first days of the New Year, several million Japanese make a pilgrimage to Meiji Shrine to offer their first prayers of the New Year.

Throughout the year, visitors to the shrine can participate in typical Shintō activities, such as making offerings, purchasing amulets, or writing a wish to the deities on an ema (a one-sided painted wooden tablet with pre-printed images). In addition, the Meiji Shrine is often used by brides and grooms for a traditional Shintō wedding. As of 2019, the Meiji Jingu Museum is located on the grounds of the Meiji Shrine and features exhibits from the shrine’s collection, including personal items of the Meiji-tennō and his wife.

Website

meijijingu.or.jp

Opening hours

Opening hours Meiji Shrine:

Admission fees

Meiji Shrine:

free

Meiji Jingu Museum:

Adults: 1.000¥

Children and teenagers: 900¥

Location

Getting there

By public transport:

Train line Yamanote: Stop Harajuku

Metro line Odakyu: Stop Sangubashi

Metro line Oedo: Stop Yoyogi

Metro line Fukutoshin: Stop Kita-sando

By car:

Around the Meiji Shrine there are a number of parking facilities.