Meiji Jingū

by Simone Ottuzzi - Omotenashi Anime

Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) is an important Shinto shrine located in the Shibuya district, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji (Mutsuhito) and Empress Shōken.

Construction began in 1915 to commemorate their influence on Japan's modernization, and it was officially inaugurated on November 3, 1920; work was completed in 1921. The current building, in nagare-zukuri style built with Japanese cypress wood and copper roofing, was rebuilt in 1958 after being destroyed during WWII.

One of the shrine's most fascinating features is its vast wooded surroundings: over 100,000–120,000 trees, belonging to 365 different species, were donated from all over Japan to create a green expanse of about 70–170 hectares in the heart of Tokyo. This natural oasis completely envelops visitors, isolating them from the urban chaos.

The entrance to the shrine is marked by majestic torii (sacred gates), which mark the passage from the earthly world to the spiritual one. The main buildings, sacred and understated, overlook the sandy paths that cross the forest, in one of the city's most breathtaking settings.

The grounds are divided into two main areas:

• Naien (inner precinct): besides the sacred buildings, it houses a museum dedicated to the Emperor and Empress, and a garden of rare beauty known as the Inner Garden, famous in particular for its irises.
• Gaien (outer precinct): home to sites such as the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, Meiji Jingu Stadium and other sports facilities, as well as open spaces and recreational areas.

Meiji Jingū is an active part of Tokyo's religious and cultural life. It's renowned for:

• Daily ceremonies, such as ritual offerings to the divine spirits.
• Seasonal events, in particular:
• Hatsumōde (the first shrine visit of the year), which draws an immense number of Japanese worshippers between December 31 and the first days of the new year.
• Festivals such as the Spring Grand Festival (late April), National Foundation Day (February 11) and the Autumn Grand Festival (November 3).
• Traditional wedding ceremonies, often visible on weekends thanks to the elegant processions of couples in traditional dress.
• Typical Shinto rituals: purification at the fountains (temizuya), writing prayers on wooden plaques (ema), and buying amulets (omamori) and fortunes (omikuji).

The shrine is easily reached on foot from Harajuku Station (JR) and Meiji-jingumae Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda and Fukutoshin lines). From there, a quiet path through greenery leads to the sacred grounds.

Meiji Jingū is much more than a place of worship: it's a shrine immersed in natural silence, dedicated to the memory of iconic figures of Japan's modernization. It offers a unique experience blending traditional architecture, centuries-old rituals and rejuvenating woodland scenery, just steps from the urban rush.

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