Meiji Jingu is an important shrine in Japan. Located in a scenic and beautiful park in down-town Tokyo. Meiji Jingu was built in 1920 as a Shinto shrine to honor Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. The emperor led Japan during the time of modernization, called the Meiji Restoration.

 

This shrine celebrates the emperor who helped Japan leave behind isolation and adopt modern ideas. The original shrine was destroyed in World War II air-raids but was rebuilt in 1958 with the help of public donations.

 

A Peaceful Sanctuary in a Busy City

 

Meiji Jingu is located between two of Tokyo’s busiest districts, Harajuku and Shibuya. The shrine is surrounded by 70 hectares of evergreen forest, which helps block out the sounds of the city. It’s because of this that Meiji Jingu offers a quiet escape from the city’s noise.

The forest is considered sacred and has been left untouched since it was first planted. The shrine also has a beautiful garden with flowers and the Kakuun-tei teahouse. The garden was created in the 1600s by Lord Kumamoto, making it older than the shrine itself.

 

Join in Japanese Cultural Activities

 

Visitors to the shrine can take part in common religious and cultural practices. One practice is washing your hands at a special basin to purify yourself which is called Temizu. Another is making a donation, known as Sampai, which involves bowing and clapping.

Visitors can also take part in the Ema and Kiganbun rituals, which are ways of expressing wishes or thanks. Omamori, charms for protection or good fortune, can be purchased at the shrine. These charms are often tied to objects related to their purpose, like a pencil case for a charm meant for studying.

 

A Martial Arts Dojo at the Shrine

 

In 1973, a martial arts training hall called Shiseikan was built at Meiji Jingu. It offers classes in Judo, Kendo, Aikido, and Kyudo. The dojo encourages people to become better members of society by following a set of guiding rules called dojokun. The Shiseikan also holds regular talks where members can discuss martial arts topics.

 

More Than Just a Shrine

 

In addition to the garden and Shiseikan, there are two museums on the shrine grounds. Unfortunately, the old treasure museum is closed for repairs after an earthquake caused damage. The newer Meiji Jingu Museum opened in 2019 and showcases artifacts related to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

 

Access and Services

 

There are three main entrances to Meiji Jingu, all close to train stations. The southern entrance is near Harajuku station and has a restaurant and cafe.

The Meiji Jingu Museum is also near this entrance. The Northeast entrance is close to the Tokyo Metro Kita-Sando subway station.

The Northwest entrance can be accessed from Sangubashi station.

 

Meiji Jingu is a must-see on your Japan Itinerary

 

This fascinating shrine is an important part of Japanese culture. It has a long and storied history. It is of great spiritual and historic significance to the people of Japan. A visit to the shrine will let travelers take part in important cultural practices and get to take in the beautiful living history of Japan.

 

 

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Signature Honshu Tour

 

Otaku Express

 

Bushido – The Warrior’s Way