Within a vast forest in the center of the metropolis lies Meiji Jingu (明治神宮, Meiji Jingū), one of Japan's most prominent Shinto shrines. Here, the souls of Emperor Meiji (明治天皇, Meiji Tennō), the 122nd emperor of Japan who ascended the throne in 1867, and his consort, Empress Shōken (昭憲皇后, Shōken Kōgō), are enshrined. Empress Shōken was a supporter of national welfare, women's education, and the International Committee of the Red Cross through the Shōken Fund. While their tombs are in Kyoto, the shrine, established in 1920, commemorates the Emperor and Empress and their substantial contributions to the Meiji Restoration, a series of modernization reforms that laid the foundation for modern Japan. Once you step away from the electrifying roar of the capital and into the tree-lined paths leading to the shrine, the city's hustle and bustle fades into the serene green sanctuary. Every tree was chosen for how it would appear 100 to 200 years in the future under the guidance of Dr. Honda Seiroku (本多 静六, Honda Seiroku), the "father of Japanese parks," who also designed Hibiya Park. The forest was originally landscaped and maintained by volunteers, including members of the youth organization Seinendan (青年団, Seinendan), with over 100,000 trees donated from across Japan. The man-made, self-generating forest was completed on November 1, 1920. The shrine is open daily, with hours that vary by season.
As you approach, be sure to view the numerous sake barrels and Western wine barrel offerings to the deities of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. The north end of the shrine complex is considered a direction where evil spirits are warded off. Near the sake barrels, you can find a café and apparel shop. The shrine complex consists of inner and outer gardens, including the tranquil Meiji Inner Garden (明治神宮御苑, Meiji Jingū Gyoen), once the property of Kato Kiyomasa (加藤 清正, Katō Kiyomasa) (1562–1611), a Japanese daimyo, and later the Ii Clan (井伊氏, Ii-shi) from Tōtōmi Province (遠江国, Tōtōmi no Kuni). During the Meiji period, the garden was frequented by the enshrined Emperor and Empress under the supervision of the Imperial Household Agency. The garden, which is open to the public year-round, features a tea house, gazebo, and iris garden. Be sure to visit Kiyomasa's Well (清正井, Kiyomasa no Ido), a recognized "power spot" believed by locals to offer positive energies and healing properties. It is said to have been dug by the warlord Kato Kiyomasa during the 16th century and is considered lucky if you keep a photo of it on your smartphone. The well is in a quieter section of the garden, often missed by visitors heading to the main complex.
Near the main shrine, prayers are offered to ward off evil spirits. The annual Shichi-Go-San (七五三, Shichi-Go-San) festival celebrates the growth of children aged 7, 5, and 3, with families visiting the shrine to express gratitude through prayer. The nearby International Shinto Cultural Research Institute fosters the international growth of Shintoism, Japan’s indigenous religion centered on kami (神, spirits or deities).
Most of the complex was destroyed in 1945 due to Allied bombings during World War II. However, the forest survived, and the shrine was restored to its original grandeur by 1958. Today, it houses the “Divine Virtues” of the enshrined Emperor and Empress, showcasing their texts, poems, and achievements. Visitors can view artifacts like the Charter Oath in Five Articles, which set forth guidelines for a new Japan, and the Imperial Rescript on Education, which established a national education system.
Though their tombs are in Kyoto, Meiji Jingu was established as a bright place where kami are honored, commemorating Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. A visit to Meiji Jingu offers an escape from the crowded, often gray urban landscape of Tokyo into a realm where traditional rites of passage and wedding processions are frequently observed. Millions visit the shrine annually, with many making it their first shrine visit of the New Year. While adjacent train stations provide easy access to Meiji Jingu, for a luxurious arrival, MK offers a grand entrance to this sacred and revered location.
Check out more info on the MK Guide!
Let MK be your personal guide to Tokyo. Take advantage of our experience and hospitality to ensure your stay is smooth and unforgettable. Try our lineup of luxury vehicles and create a customized sightseeing trip around Tokyo with an English-speaking driver.
コメント