🕓 2024/4/20
#Culture
Table of Contents
- Overview of Meiji Jingu
- History of Meiji Jingu
- Must-See Spots at Meiji Jingu
- Festivals and Events at Meiji Jingu
- Spiritual Blessings of Meiji Jingu
- Access to Meiji Jingu
Meiji Jingu is one of Japan’s most iconic shrines, nestled within lush greenery right in the heart of Tokyo.
In this article, we explore the historical background and architectural features of Meiji Jingu, as well as the spiritual serenity and peaceful atmosphere that visitors can experience.
The vast grounds and verdant forests of Meiji Jingu offer a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, attracting countless visitors each year.
1. Overview of Meiji Jingu
Meiji Jingu is located in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, and is known as one of Japan’s largest shrines.
The approach from Harajuku Station, which serves as the shrine’s entrance, is known for offering visitors a tranquil experience surrounded by abundant greenery, creating a space that makes you forget the noise of the city.
2. History of Meiji Jingu
The history of Meiji Jingu begins with the Japanese people’s deep reverence for Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It is a grand story spanning the creation of an “eternal forest” designed to endure for centuries, and the shrine’s revival after wartime destruction.
A Shrine Born from the People’s Wishes (Founded in 1920)
Emperor Meiji passed away in 1912, followed by Empress Shoken in 1914. A nationwide desire arose to enshrine the spirits of the two figures who had laid the foundations of modern Japan, and to honor their virtues for generations to come. Construction began in 1915, supported by the volunteer labor of youth groups from across the country—the number of volunteers is said to have exceeded 100,000. On November 1, 1920, the enshrinement ceremony was held in the Yoyogi district, a place closely associated with the imperial couple, and Meiji Jingu was founded.
The “Eternal Forest”: A Design Looking a Century Ahead
The deep forest of roughly 700,000 square meters surrounding the shrine buildings is, in fact, an artificial woodland created from scratch at the time of the shrine’s founding. In 1915, the forestry scholar Dr. Seiroku Honda, the landscape gardener Takanori Hongo, and Keiji Uehara—regarded as the father of Japanese landscape studies—drew up a “forest plan.” Although the Home Minister at the time, Shigenobu Okuma, wished for a solemn forest of conifers like the cedar avenue of Nikko, the three specialists argued that a forest of evergreen broad-leaved trees—one that could sustain itself even without human care—was best suited to Tokyo’s climate. They planted around 100,000 trees donated from across Japan and its former territories, meticulously designing a self-renewing forest that would regenerate through nature’s own power over 100 to 150 years. Just as Hongo’s forecast of forest transition predicted, the woodland today, a century later, has grown into exactly the form he envisioned.
Recovery from Wartime Destruction and the Centennial Enshrinement
In April 1945, air raids during the Pacific War destroyed the central shrine buildings, including the main hall (honden) and worship hall (haiden). Meanwhile, peripheral structures such as the South, East, and West Shinmon gates survived and still convey the appearance of the shrine’s early days. The lost buildings were rebuilt to a design by the architect Takashi Sunami, and the shrine was restored to its present form in 1958. In 2020, Meiji Jingu marked the 100th anniversary of its enshrinement. Today it draws around three million visitors during the New Year period, boasting one of the highest numbers of worshippers of any shrine in Japan.
3. Must-See Spots at Meiji Jingu
The Grand Torii Gate – Japan’s Largest
The Grand Torii gate welcomes visitors with its imposing presence as the starting point for worship.
The torii reconstructed in 1975 using this massive tree stands 12 meters tall, spans 17.1 meters wide, and has pillars with a diameter of 1.2 meters.
The South Approach and Sake Barrels
The South Approach (Minami Sando) is the main pathway at Meiji Jingu that visitors walk along just after passing through the Grand Torii gate.
The sake barrels were donated from breweries across the country and are known as “sake-komodaru.” They are a traditional form of offering to the shrine, with white cloth draped over the barrels as a mark of sanctity.
The Meoto Kusu (Married Couple Camphor Trees) and Kagura Hall
A must-see attraction is the “Meoto Kusu” (Married Couple Camphor Trees) and the Kagura Hall.
Located along the approach to the main hall, these twin camphor trees radiate a special presence that offers visitors comfort and hope.
The Main Hall (Honden)
The Main Hall of Meiji Jingu is the most important and sacred place within the grounds.
The architecture of the Main Hall follows traditional Japanese shrine building styles, and its stately construction deeply impresses all who visit.
Visitors place their hands together and offer silent prayers before the Main Hall.
Kiyomasa’s Well (Kiyomasa no Ido)
After visiting the Main Hall, we recommend stopping by “Kiyomasa’s Well.” As its name suggests, this well is said to be associated with the legendary samurai Kato Kiyomasa, though whether he actually had any connection to this site remains uncertain.
Kiyomasa’s Well is a natural spring, and its water is remarkably clear, having nourished this land for many centuries.
The Iris Garden (Shobu-da)
The iris garden at Meiji Jingu is especially stunning when visited in June, when the vibrantly colored irises bloom in full glory.
Located near Kiyomasa’s Well, the iris garden offers a particularly eye-catching landscape within Meiji Jingu’s nature-rich environment.
The Inner Garden (Gyoen)
The Inner Garden of Meiji Jingu is a natural oasis in the heart of Tokyo, a spacious garden where you can enjoy plants and flowers that change with the four seasons.
Turtle Rock (Kame-ishi)
Located near the North Pond of the Inner Garden, Turtle Rock gets its name from its natural turtle-like shape.
4. Festivals and Events at Meiji Jingu
Meiji Jingu hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, offering special experiences for visitors. From the Tsukinamisai held on the 1st and 15th of each month to the daily Onikkusai offering, prayers never cease at the shrine. Among the most important occasions are the following.
Hatsumode (January)
The New Year’s first shrine visit, hatsumode, draws around three million people each year—one of the highest turnouts of any shrine in Japan. Within the vast sacred forest, countless visitors renew their resolve and pray for a safe and prosperous year ahead.
Annual Grand Festival — Reisai (November 3)
The most important rite at Meiji Jingu is the Reisai, held on November 3—the birthday of the enshrined deity, Emperor Meiji, and now Japan’s Culture Day. The ceremony is conducted solemnly in the presence of an imperial envoy dispatched by the Emperor.
Autumn Grand Festival and Celebratory Events (November 1–3)
Centered on the Reisai, the Autumn Grand Festival held from November 1 to 3 is the shrine’s most significant observance. During this period, numerous traditional arts and martial arts are dedicated to the shrine. In addition to classical performances such as Noh and Kyogen, bugaku (court dance), and sankyoku ensemble music, November 3 features demonstrations of aikido, a classical martial arts tournament, the momote-shiki archery ritual, and Satsuma biwa recitals. The highlight is yabusame (horseback archery). Begun in 1932 and dedicated by the Takeda school, it involves riders galloping down a straight course of about 210 meters while shooting at three targets in succession from horseback.
Seasonal Grand Festivals and Annual Events
Other observances include the Gantansai, held in the early morning of New Year’s Day to pray for the prosperity of the imperial family and the flourishing of the nation; the Kigensai, commemorating the founding of Japan (February 11); the Spring Grand Festival, praying for bountiful harvests from land and sea; and the Autumn Grand Festival (Sukeisha Taisai), attended by members of the Meiji Jingu reverence association. Meiji Jingu is also well known for Shinto weddings; if you are fortunate, you may encounter a bridal procession set against the majestic shrine buildings.
5. Spiritual Blessings of Meiji Jingu
Meiji Jingu is known for its deeply spiritual atmosphere and historical significance, attracting many worshippers throughout the year.
Blessings for Romantic RelationshipsMeiji Jingu is also revered as a deity of matchmaking, and is especially popular among young men and women.
Blessings for Family Harmony and Child-RearingBecause Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken placed great value on family harmony, the shrine is also revered as a deity for family well-being and child-rearing.
Academic SuccessMeiji Jingu also has an aspect as a deity of learning.
Business Prosperity and Career StabilityInspired by Emperor Meiji, who drove the industrial revolution of the Meiji era, business people visit the shrine to pray for business prosperity, career success, and workplace stability.
Physical and Mental Well-Being
The nature-rich environment is believed to have positive effects on physical and mental health, making this a comforting place for those seeking good health and longevity.
Throughout the year, many worshippers visit Meiji Jingu in search of these blessings.
6. Access to Meiji Jingu
Meiji Jingu is located in central Tokyo and can be easily reached by various forms of public transportation.
By TrainThe most convenient way to access the shrine is by train.
By CarVisiting by car is possible, but since the parking lot within the shrine grounds often becomes crowded, the use of public transportation is recommended.
Other InformationBicycle and motorcycle parking is available at each approach entrance.
Summary
Meiji Jingu, with its rich natural surroundings and historical background, is a place that profoundly inspires all who visit. Since its establishment in 1912, this shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken has come to symbolize Japan’s modernization while providing spiritual peace to countless people. Its vast grounds offer a quiet sanctuary from the noise of the city, bringing comfort to the hearts of worshippers.
Meiji Jingu is also known for its cultural events and annual ceremonies, with the New Year’s hatsumode being particularly famous for attracting several million visitors. Worshippers can enjoy many highlights including the Main Hall, the Meoto Kusu (Married Couple Camphor Trees), the gardens, and the Grand Torii gate. Additionally, the surrounding area offers a variety of dining spots, giving visitors the chance to savor Japanese cuisine.
The shrine is also conveniently accessible from Harajuku Station and Meiji-jingumae Station, and is used by many visitors. This sacred place uniquely connects Japan’s traditions with the beauty of nature, making it a worthwhile destination for both domestic and international visitors.
We hope this article has given you a deeper understanding of the charm and significance of Meiji Jingu, and that you will rediscover the value of visiting.
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