Another of Tokyo’s must-see destinations is a large, not-so-old, Shinto shrine called Meiji Jingu. This impressive site is not just about the religious structure or campus but the entire forest around it.
Maybe you recognize the Meiji part of its name from my post on Museum Meiji-Mura. Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken, were highly revered by their people. After his death in 1912, the people wanted to create a traditional Shinto shrine to honor the Emperor and his wife. The current structures are post-war since the originals were destroyed by Tokyo air raids, but the feeling is still original.
Meiji Jingu – the site
One hundred thousand trees were brought from all over the world to create this special place. However, it was already special before that. The chosen site was an imperial garden or retreat used by Emperor Meiji. They visited the iris garden and tea house and enjoyed the beauty of nature.
I also took a stroll through this royal garden and was inspired. Japanese gardens are so beautiful! They are natural even though they are planned. They accept and work with nature while making any manmade incursions feel a part of the place. I fully understand why Frank Lloyd Wright was inspired by Japanese design for his Organic Architecture principles.
The Meiji Jingu forest park is like a slice of nature. If I had not read about the 100,000 trees being planted for this purpose, I would not have known it wasn’t a natural, native forest.
Meiji Jingu – the shrine
Keeping with this natural Japanese feel, the shrine is built of traditional Japanese cypress and a very naturally patina copper. As a Shinto shrine, it is dedicated to the divine souls of the Emperor and his wife. They are not buried at Meiji Jingu, but there are artifacts and treasures from the pair.
I was there on a very busy day and arrived just in time for Nikkusai, the “sacred food offering and prayers for worldwide peace and everybody’s prosperity.” The ceremony consisted of rhythmic drumming and priests or monks praying in a ritualistic manner in the innermost part of the shrine.
This was not the highlight of the visit though. Just after this, the center of the main courtyard was cleared out for a procession to pass. The procession consisted of a wedding party in mid-ceremony. The paraded solemnly through the courtyard to a side corridor where they performed some rite. Then they returned the way they came. Priests in full accoutrements led the way as the traditionally dressed bride and groom walked the path under an umbrella.
It was quite the sight and ceremony. If I were to do such a thing at such a public place, I think I would want to do it on a day that wouldn’t be so busy. Or maybe they wanted their nuptials to be included on social media and in photo albums around the world.
Meiji Jingu – torii
Another impressive feature of the park and shrine are the massive entry arches called torii. These gates are the traditional Japanese style. They are simple and elegant. They blend in to the forest as if they were part of the forest. The gates are meant to mark the transition from profane to sacred almost as portals. Their look and purpose are very poetic.
The massive torii at Meiji Jingu are made from solid trunks of Japanese cypress. The main torii is the largest in Japan at 12 meters tall.
This peaceful park is a rare treat in such a metropolitan place. It neighbors the site of the 1954 Olympics and is a stone’s throw from one of the busiest places in Tokyo, Shibuya Crossing. Meiji Jingu was undergoing some maintenance, no doubt for the 2020 Olympics, at the time of my visit, but it was still accessible. Taking a stroll through this lovely place, it is easy to lose track of time and just revel in the reverence of nature.
