Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine (明治神宮 Meiji Jingū) is dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1852-1912) and his wife Empress Shōken. Every New Year’s Day, as many as three million people come here to make their first shrine visit of the year, by far the biggest crowd in Japan.

It is the most important and popular Shinto shrine in Tokyo, hosting many festivals and ceremonies.

Outline
View Point
Access, Hours and Admission

Outline

Meiji Shrine was built in 1920, 8 years after the Emperor Meiji passed away. It was destroyed by fire in 1945 during World War II, but it was rebuilt in 1958 by public donations.

The Emperor Meiji was the first emperor of modern Japan. He ascended the throne at the peak of Meiji Restoration when the emperor lost the power.

He promoted friendship with overseas countries by opening Japan’s door to the outside world. During the Meiji period (1868-1912), Japan was modernized and westernized.

The Empress Shōken promoted women’s education and worked for the establishment of the Japan Red Cross.

The shrine is located in a forest that covers an area of 70 hectares (170 acres). This area is covered by an evergreen forest that consists of 120,000 trees of 365 different species, which were donated by people from all parts of Japan when the shrine was established.

View Point

Wooden Torii Gate

Torii is the entrance gate to the shrine. This shrine’s torii is the largest wooden torii in Japan. It is about 12 meters in height, with pillars 1.2 meters in diameter. It is made from hinoki (cypress trees) more than 1,500 years old, which were cut dowon from Mt. Dandai-yama in Taiwan.

If you look at the top of the torii, it’s stamped with the Chrysanthemum Seal (the seal of the Emperor of Japan). Amongst shrines, a stamp from the Emperor is the ultimate status.

Barrels of sake

There are many collection of empty sake barrels. They are called “kazaridaru” in Japanese, which means “decoration barrels”.

In Japan, sake was believed to have a connection between the gods and people. These barrels were donated by sake brewers from around Japan for shrine ceremonies and rituals.

Temizuya

Before proceeding to the main shrine building, you have to stop at “Temizuya” to purify yourself.

At first, you wash your left hand and then your right hand using water from the stone basin. Next, you rinse your mouth using water from the dipper.

Main Shine Building

There is the offertory box. You may throw some small coins into this box. First you bow twice. Then, you clap your hands twice. Your may make a wish while you pray. Finally, you bow once again.

You should not take photos and videos close to the main shrine building. You have to preserve the dignity of this holy place.

Traditional Japanese Wedding

Japanese Shinto wedding ceremonies are held at Meiji Shrine daily. The bride and groom wear Japanese wedding kimono. You can probably see newlyweds on weekends. If you see them, you are lucky!