Meiji Jingu Shrine
In Memory Of Emperor Meiji
Meiji Jingu Shrine should be first on your list of Things to do in Tokyo.
It is one of the Major Attractions in Tokyo thanks to the Shinto ceremonies and the peaceful atmosphere.
Meiji Shrine is a Japanese Shinto temple.
To get there you go by Tokyo subway to Harajuku Station.
It's also right next to the popular
Harajuku
- center of
Japanese Cosplay.
Meiji Shrine grounds are beautiful and peaceful, with a green forest surrounding the place. You can hardly believe you're just a few steps away from the busy center of Tokyo.
Emperor Meiji
The place was built to honor the memory of Emperor Meiji and his wife.
Emperor Meiji was the first emperor of modern Japan.
The Shrine was completed in 1926.
Unfortunately the original building was destroyed during the Tokyo air raids of world war 2.
It was rebuilt by a public fund raising, and it was completed in 1958.
The grounds include a treasure museum of Emperor Meiji, and a Picture Gallery.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Tokyo Meiji Shrine?
As it is an active Shinto temple you might get lucky and see a traditional Shinto wedding held at the inner grounds. The brides usually wear the traditional Japanese wedding kimono.
Sundays and Thursdays are the best time to visit the shrine. Couples come for a very special and touching ceremony - presenting their babies.
The shrine is also close to Shibuya, Harajuku and Omotesando, which makes it an ideal one day Tokyo tour - starting at the shrine, continuing to Harajuku and Takeshita Dori (center of
Harajuku fashion
and Cosplay) and finishing the day at
Omotesando
- the city's 'fifth avenue' top end fashion street.
Would You Like To Pray The Shinto Way?
Praying usually starts with an act of purification - rinsing the hands and mouth in the hand-washing stone basin.
Next the locals offer a present to the gods - some coins are thrown into a box.
They bow twice, clap their hands twice, pray and then bow once again.
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