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The Meiji Jingu Shrine – by Tokuzo –

Top 10 Astonishing Facts about Meiji Jingu

The Meiji Jingu Shrine also known as Meiji temple is a famous Shinto shrine found in Shibuya, Tokyo. Construction of the shrine began in 1915 and it officially opened in 1920. It is located in the middle of the megacity beside the Harajuku station.

The shrine is also located adjacent to the Yoyogi Park and together they form a very large forest around the densely built-up city.

To access the shrine, one has to walk through a forest with a number of sights and events such as the Saki barrels along the way. In the shrine, there are many relaxing paths, and events making for an interesting tour or stroll around the shrine.

The following is a list of interesting facts about the Meiji Jingu shrine.

1. The Shrine Is a Dedication to Emperor Meiji

Meiji Jingu Shrine Main building – by Bgabel –

In 1867, Emperor Meiji ascended to power as the first emperor of Japan. In 1912, he passed away and two years later (1914) his consort the Empress Shoken passes away too.

When construction of the shrine was completed in 1920, it was immediately dedicated to the Emperor and his Empress. The decision to build the garden in an iris garden and gift it to the Emperor was because its where he and the empress took strolls regularly.

2.  The Meiji Jingu Is Constructed in The Traditional Japanese Style

The style used in the construction of the shrine is the Nagare Zukuri style. The base elements used in the construction were copper and cypress.

3. The Shrine Was Recognized as an Imperial Shrine

Backed up by the efforts of the public and the government, the Meiji Jingu was designated as one of the Kanpei-Taisha. In the Kanpei-Tasha, the shrine was recognized as an official government shrine by the Shinto shrine classification system. This recognition as an imperial shrine lasted up to 1946.

4. The Shrine Is Used as A Center for Events

Momoteshiki Archers – by Edomura no Tokuzo –

The Meiji Jingu hosts several celebrations, events, and festivals throughout the year. One example of such events is the internationally recognized Spring Grand Festival which takes place at the end of April and early May annually.

There are celebrations in the Meiji Jingu constantly throughout the year.

Other than annual and other periodically scheduled events, the Meiji Jingu also hosts traditional Shinto weddings on request and other celebrations such as birthday parties.

The shrine is ever busy throughout the year and there is always something happening.

5. The Meiji Jingu Was Destroyed During World War II

The shrine as it is seen and experienced today is not the original one but an iteration of itself. During World War II the shrine was bombed and destroyed in an air raid.

However, after public fundraising and efforts, the shrine was rebuilt to completion and reopened in October 1958.

6. The Shrine Is Home to A Treasure House

The Meiji Shrine Treasure Museum – by Daderot –

Located on the Northern side of the shrine is the Meiji Jingu Treasure House. After the shrine was officially opened, the treasure house was completed and opened a year later.

This building specifically houses the personal belongings of Emperor Meiji and his Empress Shoken.

Other than their personal belongings and wealth, the house also stores the famous carriage they used in 1889 during the declaration of Meiji’s constitution. They also used the same carriage to go to the Iris garden regularly.

7. The Shrine Is Relatively Too Young

In comparison with other shrines in Japan, the Meiji Jingu is far too young. This is because, while other shrines are over or nearly one thousand years old, the Meiji Jing is only 102 years old in 2022.

Of the most popular shrines in Japan, the one closest in terms of building period is the Nikko Toshogu Shrine built which was in 1617.

8. The Shrine Hosts Adult Day and Celebrates Children

Also known as Saijin no hi, Adults day is held annually at the Meiji Jingu Shrine on the second Monday of January. This event is reserved and set up for youths who have just crossed their twenties.

The attendees wear expansive traditional attires and the pathway to the shrine is highly decorated with ice sculptures. The momoteshiki archers also grace the celebrations with a captivating performance(s).

On November the 15th, annually, the Meiji Jingu shrine hosts the seven five three day, also called the ‘Shichi go san no hi’ in Japanese. This event is set to celebrate and entertain children of ages three, five, and seven (as in the name).

The children usually attend the celebration dressed in Kimonos with the buildings and paths decorated appropriately for the ceremony.

9. Paying Respects Before Accessing the Shrine and Some of Its Sights

People Washing hands at the Temezuya (Chozuya) – by Joe Mabel –

The Meiji Jingu shrine is a sacred place by reputation and purposes. Therefore, there are common practices and procedures to pay respect. For example; it is compulsory to bow down once you enter the tori gate (Main gate) and once again as you leave it.

In the shrine’s innermost grounds is the Temizuya. Here, there is a set procedure for paying tribute before entering. One is required to wash the left hand and then the right hand. Next, is pouring water into the left hand and washing the mouth.

This is followed by rinsing the left hand again. Next, one is expected to clean the dipper by allowing water to flow down the handle. Money should not be tossed into the water and the dipper must be in connection with the mouth immediately.

On arriving at the shrine, one is expected to bow down twice and clap twice before making any wishes. You are expected to bow down again as you leave the shrine.

10. The Meiji Jingu Shrine Is the Most Famous in Japan

Out of over 80000 Shinto shrines in Japan, the Meiji Jingu is the most famous one. Due to this popularity, the shrine is always busy and attracts thousands of tourists annually from all parts of the world.

Several foreign and public figures have visited the Meiji Jingu for example; Hillary Clinton, George W. Bush, and Guido Westerwelle.