明治神宮 (Meiji Jingū) is one of Tokyo’s most famous and important Shintō shrines. It is dedicated to Emperor 明治天皇 (Meiji Tennō) and Empress 昭憲皇太后 (Shōken Kōtaigō).
Despite its immediate proximity to 原宿 (Harajuku), the shrine stands in the middle of a vast sacred forest covering approximately 70 hectares. Its long wooded approaches and great torii gates create a gradual transition between the bustle of the capital and the shrine’s spiritual environment.
The site offers visitors an opportunity to discover the main customs associated with a Shintō shrine: purification at the 手水舎 (temizuya), prayer in front of the main buildings, making offerings, writing wishes on 絵馬 (ema) and obtaining protective amulets.
The grounds also include the inner garden 明治神宮御苑 (Meiji Jingū Gyōen) and the 明治神宮ミュージアム (Meiji Jingū Museum), which is dedicated to the history of the shrine and objects connected with the imperial couple.
明治神宮 (Meiji Jingū) is dedicated to Emperor 明治天皇 (Meiji Tennō) and Empress 昭憲皇太后 (Shōken Kōtaigō). Emperor Meiji, who ascended the throne in 1867, is associated with the political, social, industrial and cultural transformations that profoundly modernised Japan during the Meiji era.
Following the emperor’s death in 1912 and the empress’s death in 1914, a movement emerged to establish a shrine dedicated to them in Tokyo. The Yoyogi site was selected, and the shrine was officially consecrated on November 1, 1920.
The forest surrounding the shrine is not an ancient natural forest that previously existed on the site. It was designed as a sacred woodland intended to develop sustainably and become self-sustaining. Approximately 100,000 trees from different regions of Japan were donated for its creation.
The main shrine buildings were destroyed during the bombings of the Second World War. They were subsequently rebuilt through a nationwide fundraising campaign, and the reconstructed buildings were completed in 1958.
Today, 明治神宮 (Meiji Jingū) is one of the most visited shrines in Japan. It attracts particularly large crowds during 初詣 (hatsumōde), the first visit of the year to a shrine or temple.
Overview : These imposing gates symbolically mark the entrance to the shrine’s sacred space and the transition between the city and the forest.
Practical tip : Photograph them early in the morning, when the approaches are still quiet and less crowded.
Overview : Long paths lined with trees gradually lead visitors from the different entrances to the shrine’s main buildings.
Practical tip : Allow approximately 10 minutes to walk from each main entrance to the heart of the shrine.
Overview : The spiritual heart of the site, where visitors make offerings, pray and take part in the shrine’s main rituals.
Practical tip : To pray, bow twice, clap your hands twice, make your prayer and finish with one final bow.
Overview : Wooden plaques on which visitors write their wishes before hanging them within the shrine grounds.
Practical tip : Take time to observe the many messages written in different languages while respecting the personal nature of the wishes.
Overview : A historic garden associated with the Imperial Family, featuring wooded paths, the 隔雲亭 (Kakuuntei) teahouse, the 清正井 (Kiyomasa no Ido) well and a renowned collection of irises.
Practical tip : The garden is especially popular in June, when the irises are generally in bloom. A separate maintenance contribution is required for entry.
Overview : A museum displaying objects connected with Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, as well as exhibits on the history of the shrine and the Meiji era.
Practical tip : Check the exhibition calendar and closing days before your visit.
City :
Shibuya City (渋谷区)
Address :
1-1 Yoyogikamizono-chō, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan
Type :
Shinto shrine