Didn’t the Meiji Shrine embody a symbol of resilience in Tokyo? It stands as a testament to history and rebirth. This Shinto shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
Meiji Shrine holds a special place in the hearts of the Japanese. It is a tranquil escape from Tokyo’s bustling city life. The shrine’s story begins after Emperor Meiji’s death in 1912. The Japanese Diet wanted to commemorate his role in the Meiji Restoration. An iris garden became the chosen location. It was a place Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken often visited.
Construction started in 1915. Ito Chuta oversaw the project. The shrine was built in the traditional nagare-zukuri style. Japanese cypress and copper were the primary materials. Youth groups and civic associations contributed labor and funding. Timbers came from Kiso in Nagano and Alishan in Taiwan. Materials came from every Japanese prefecture including Karafuto Korea Kwantung and Taiwan. The construction cost about ¥521900 in 1920. This is approximately US$26 million today. Donated materials and labor significantly reduced the actual cost.
The Meiji Shrine was formally dedicated on November 3 1920. It was completed in 1921. Its grounds were finished by 1926. The interior volume was 650 tsubo. Until 1946 Meiji Shrine was a Kanpei-taisha. It stood in the first rank of government-supported shrines.
During the Tokyo air raids of World War II the original building was destroyed. Public fundraising efforts helped rebuild the shrine. The present iteration was completed in October 1958.
Meiji Shrine has welcomed numerous foreign politicians. These included United States President George W Bush and United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
The Meiji Shrine complex is located in a 70-hectare forest. This evergreen forest consists of 120000 trees. These trees represent 365 different species. People from all parts of Japan donated these trees. Many visit the forest for recreation and relaxation. The entrance leads through the Jingu Bashi bridge. Meiji Shrine is adjacent to Yoyogi Park. Entrances open at sunrise and close at sunset.
The shrine has two major areas. The Naien is the inner precinct. It centers on the shrine buildings. It includes a treasure museum. This museum houses articles of the Emperor and Empress. The museum is built in the Azekurazukuri style. The Gaien is the outer precinct. It includes the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery. This gallery houses 80 large murals. These murals illustrate events in the lives of the Emperor and his consort. The Gaien also has sports facilities. These include the Meiji Jingu Gaien Stadium and the National Stadium. The Meiji Memorial Hall was originally used for governmental meetings. Today it hosts Shinto weddings meeting rooms and restaurants.
Several festivals occur at the Meiji Shrine each year. A ring-entering ceremony by a Yokozuna called Dezuiri takes place in January. The Autumn Grand Festival occurs from October 31 to November 3.
Meiji Shrine continues to be a symbol of peace and tradition. It is a place where visitors reflect on history and appreciate the beauty of nature. The Meiji Shrine stands as a serene reminder of Japan’s rich cultural heritage.