Jul 14, 2014 - 1 min read

Meiji-Jingū

Tokyo’s popular Shinto shrine

By Imogen Riethmuller

Community writer

Torii (the Shrine Gates), made from Japanese cypress

A popular tourist destination, the Meiji Shrine provides a dramatic and impressive backdrop for photos

At every entrance to the shrine are ritual cleaning fountains, at which worshippers rinse their hands and mouths

On the trees are hanging ‘ema’, votive tablets for special personal prayers and gratitude toward the deities enshrined in Meiji-Jingū. You can write your wishes on the tablets and have them hung on the divine tree, to be offered to the deities by priests at mikesai, the daily morning ceremony.

Children’s messages being tied to branches, to be displayed at the shrine. This is a special event happening around the Tanabata Festival (July 7th every year)

Photographs of the shrine itself are not allowed, and guards are on patrol to enforce this

If you enter via the Harajuku Station entrance, then on the way to the Temple you will pass these barrels of sake wrapped in straw. They are offered to show respect to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who encouraged Japanese industries.

These are barrels of Bourgogne Wine for Consecration at Meiji-Jingū. Emperor Meiji promoted modernization by embracing western culture, and enjoyed wine with his food. The barrels also represent friendship between France and Japan.

The Shrine itself is not the only place for reflection. Some favor the abundant gardens of Yoyogi Park around the Meiji temple over the temple itself

One of Tokyo’s most popular shrines is Meiji-Jingū, a Shinto shrine in the Harajuku area. Shinto is called Japan’s ancient original religion, with no identifiable founder or sacred text, and is based rather on the value of harmony with nature and the virtue of ‘Magokoro’, or sincere heart.

The Meiji Shrine is dedicated to the souls of Emperor Meiji (1852-1912) and his consort, Empress Shoken (1850-1914): both leaders who are held in high esteem to this day by the Japanese people. Emperor Meiji is considered one of the founders of modern Japan, due to the encouragement he offered to various modern industries and the support he showed for technological development, while still dedicating himself to preserving Japanese identity. Empress Shoken both supported the Emperor and devoted herself to promoting national welfare and women’s education.

The original shrine, completed in 1920, was destroyed in WWII. The current structure dates from 1958, and it is one of the most popular destinations for travelers to Tokyo.