Meiji Shrine | Tokyo

The Meiji Shrine (明治神宮, Meiji Jingū) is a monumental Shinto shrine located in the heart of Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, who played crucial roles in transforming Japan into a modern industrialized nation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here is a more detailed look at various aspects of the Meiji Shrine:

Historical Background:

Emperor Meiji (1852–1912): Emperor Meiji was the 122nd Emperor of Japan, reigning from 1867 until his death in 1912. His reign marked the beginning of the Meiji Restoration, which ended centuries of feudal rule under the Tokugawa shogunate and restored imperial power to Japan. This period was crucial for Japan's transformation into a modern, industrialized state and its rise as a world power.

Empress Shōken (1850–1914): Empress Shōken was the consort of Emperor Meiji and supported her husband’s efforts in modernizing Japan. After Emperor Meiji's death, she continued her efforts to advance Japan's cultural and educational programs, as well as promoting women’s roles in Japanese society.

Foundation of the Shrine: After Emperor Meiji's death in 1912, a decision was made to build a shrine to honor him and Empress Shōken. The Meiji Shrine was completed in 1920, and it stands as a symbol of the respect and gratitude the Japanese people had for their transformative emperor.

Location and Size:

Location: The shrine is situated in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo, within the dense urban environment of the capital. It is a short walk from Harajuku Station or Meiji-Jingumae Station and is nestled within a vast forested area called Meiji Jingu Forest (明治神宮の森). This contrast of tranquil nature within a bustling city makes the shrine a serene oasis.

Size: The grounds of the Meiji Shrine cover about 70 hectares (170 acres), and the surrounding forest contains over 100,000 trees that create a peaceful, natural environment. The forest includes various species of trees, including ancient cedars and cypress trees, many of which were donated by people from across Japan.

Architecture and Design:

Torii Gate: The large torii gates mark the entrance to the Meiji Shrine. These gates are constructed from massive Japanese cypress, and the largest one at the main entrance stands at an impressive 12 meters (39 feet) tall. The torii gates symbolize the boundary between the sacred and the profane, marking the transition from the everyday world to the spiritual world of the shrine.

Main Shrine (Honden): The central structure of the shrine is the Honden, the main hall where offerings and prayers are made to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. The shrine follows the Shinto architectural style, which is characterized by its simple and natural wooden structure. The Honden is built in a style called shinmei-zukuri, which is a style of shrine architecture used for the most sacred shrines. The building is made of cypress wood, and its thatched roof is an important feature that conveys the connection to nature and the spiritual world.

The Inner Shrine (Kōtai Jingu): This is the part of the shrine where the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken are enshrined. Access to this inner area is restricted to priests and the imperial family, and only special ceremonies are held there.

Visitor Experience and Rituals:

Purification Ritual (Temizuya): Before entering the main area of the shrine, visitors typically stop at a temizuya (a purification fountain) to wash their hands and mouth as a symbolic act of purification. This is part of the Shinto practice of ritual cleanliness before approaching sacred spaces.

The Offering: Visitors to the Meiji Shrine can participate in a simple ritual. After passing through the torii gates, visitors make a small donation at a wooden box, bow twice, clap their hands twice, and bow once again as an offering to the spirits of the shrine.

Ema (Wooden Plaques): Visitors can write their wishes or prayers on small wooden plaques called ema and hang them on racks near the shrine. These wooden plaques are often inscribed with personal prayers, hopes for the future, or gratitude.

Omikuji (Fortune Slips): The shrine offers omikuji, which are paper fortunes that provide guidance and predictions. Visitors can shake a container to draw a numbered stick, which corresponds to a fortune that is written on a slip of paper. If the fortune is bad, visitors can tie it to a tree or a designated area to leave the bad luck behind.

Seasonal Events and Festivals:

New Year’s (Shōgatsu): The Meiji Shrine is one of the most popular spots for the New Year's Hatsumode, which is the first shrine visit of the year. During this time, millions of people visit to pray for health, happiness, and success in the coming year. The shrine holds a special atmosphere with crowds of people, traditional performances, and food stalls.

Autumn and Spring Festivals: The Meiji Shrine holds various festivals throughout the year. For example, the Meiji Shrine Spring and Autumn Grand Festivals celebrate the changing seasons with traditional Shinto ceremonies, including offerings and prayers for harvests.

Weddings: The Meiji Shrine is a popular venue for traditional Shinto weddings. Couples often wear kimonos and take part in a Shinto wedding ceremony on the shrine grounds. The sight of couples in traditional attire surrounded by the peaceful forest is a beautiful sight for visitors.

Meiji Jingu Gardens and Other Areas:

Meiji Jingu Outer Garden: Just outside the main shrine area is the Meiji Jingu Outer Garden, which includes Kiyomasa's Well—a famous historical site associated with Kiyomasa Kato, a samurai warrior. The outer garden is filled with walking paths, seasonal flowers, and a large Gingko Avenue lined with ginkgo trees that turn golden in autumn.

Meiji Jingu Inner Garden: A peaceful, scenic garden with a traditional Japanese tea house, beautiful seasonal flowers, ponds, and walking paths. The Inner Garden is an ideal place for visitors to enjoy a quiet moment in nature.

Significance and Cultural Importance:

Spiritual Center: The Meiji Shrine is not just a tourist destination but also a deeply spiritual place for the Japanese people. It remains an important site of Shinto practice, where people come to pray for various blessings, including health, family harmony, and personal success.

Symbol of Modern Japan: The Meiji Shrine stands as a symbol of Japan's transition from a feudal society to a modern state. Emperor Meiji is seen as the father of Japan’s modernization, and the shrine serves to honor his legacy.

Visiting Tips:

Hours: The Meiji Shrine is open year-round, though the shrine is busiest during New Year’s and other major festivals. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon can help you avoid crowds.

Dress Code: While there is no strict dress code, visitors are encouraged to dress modestly and respectfully when visiting the shrine.

Access: The shrine is easily accessible via Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line) or Meiji-Jingumae Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda and Hanzomon lines).

In summary, the Meiji Shrine is not just a historical site but a living, breathing part of Tokyo's spiritual and cultural life. Its combination of history, nature, and Shinto tradition offers visitors a peaceful retreat and an opportunity to connect with Japan’s past and present. Whether you’re seeking a spiritual experience, a peaceful walk in nature, or a deeper understanding of Japan’s transformation into the modern era, the Meiji Shrine is an essential destination.