Monday, April 15, 2013

Tokyo, Japan: The Meiji Shrine - A Guide to Visiting Shinto Shrines

The Meiji Shrine (or Meiji Jingu) dates back to 1920 and is a Shinto (the ancient Japanese religion that is intertwined with nature) shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji, notably the first Emperor of modern Japan, and Empress Shoken. It sits regally in Shibuya, Tokyo, and is nested deep within approximately 100,000 donated trees, making it a fairly long, but nonetheless, scenic, walk to get to the main shrine area.

Meiji Shrine

The entrance to the shrine grounds is marked by this massive torii gate (or shrine archway)

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine

*Bow once when entering or leaving.

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine

The distinct barrels of sake or nihonshu donated to the Shrine

Don't get sidetracked by the Meiji Jingu Garden (Gyoen) if time is running out - Come for the Iris Garden in June!

Meiji Shrine

Right before you step into the shrine, you will notice a small hut or Temizuya

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine

*Rinse your hands and mouth without touching the dipper directly with your lips and never throw coins in the water

Upon entering the Shrine, as a rule of thumb, you should not take photographs when there is a roof over your head - it's quite easy to follow.

Meiji Shrine

The Main Shrine Building - rebuilt following the air raids during World War II

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine

*Make a token donation, bow twice, clap your hands twice, make a wish (if you wish to), and bow again.

All Shinto Shrines have a Juyosho or amulet office that sells items like the Omamori (a lucky charm, talisman, or amulet to be carried around), the Ofuda (an emblem to be kept at home) or the Omikuji (slips of Waka poetry by said Emperor and Empress, making this unique to the Meiji Shrine).

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine

As per most attractions in Japan (and Taiwan), do keep a watchful eye for stamps and seals which you can collect (even at the train stations!), it's a piece of memorabilia that goes a long way

Meiji Shrine

You can also write your wishes on a wooden tablet or Ema (to be hung under the giant campor tree) or a letter to the deities or Kiganbun (remember to enclose some offering in the envelop and place it in the offering box)

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine

More of the Shrine's minimalist architecture

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine

You will also notice the Imperial Seal or the 16-petaled Chrysanthemum Seal dotted around Shinto Shrines

Meiji Shrine

Come the New Year, the Meiji Shrine is so popular that millions of visitors drop by for hatsumode or first prayers. Meanwhile, all year round you can observe the Kigansai (a special prayer ceremony where the sacred dance or Kagura is performed) or even a Shinto wedding if you are lucky! Also, there are other places like the Homotsuden (Treasure Museum), Shiseikan (Martial Arts Hall), Gaien (Outer Precinct) and the Kinenkan (Memorial Hall) which I missed as the Shrine closes as early as 4pm in winter.

Meiji Shrine

*Remember to bow before leaving the torii gate

Cost: free
Access: Yamanote Harajuku Station / JR Meiji Jingu Mae ’Harajuku’ Station (1 min walk)

Related Posts:
Japan Day 3 – Tokyo, Day 3:

3 comments:

  1. [...] just about anything – dance rehearsals, dog walking or evening jogs – right beside the Meiji Shrine, in the heart of the city in Shibuya. Yoyogi Koen, today a city park, has its roots as a US [...]

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  2. Great photos and wonderful text. My husband and I visited Japan and the Meiji shrine a few years ago. I'd love to go back someday. ---Jadi

    ReplyDelete
  3. I had some good times in Japam too! Hope you have the chance to go again soon!

    ReplyDelete

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My Japan Itinerary (December 2012 and June 2016)

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