- Address: 1-1, Kamizono-chō Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku Tokyo 151-0053
- Phone: +81 3379-5511
- Official website: www.meijijingu.or.jp
- Foundation date: 1920
- The area of the sanctuary: 708,200 sq. Km. m
- Working hours: 06: 20-16: 00 (November-February), 05: 00-18: 00 (March-October)
- Entrance fee: free of charge
Each cultural branch of Japan necessarily bears the imprint of life and traditions of local residents . Japanese churches are no exception, they are called upon to preserve the country's religious traditions. In addition, the temples are objects of sacred architecture, to which the Japanese are with special trepidation. The largest and most popular sacred place in Tokyo is Shinto Temple Meiji Jingu. Citizens come here for the blessing of the gods in various life undertakings.
History of the origin of the shrine
The Meiji Jingu Temple, located in the Shibuya area, in the city park of Eggi, is a kind of burial vault of Emperor Mutsuhito and his wife, Empress Shoken. At the accession to the throne, Mutsuhito took the second Meiji name, which means "enlightened reign". During the reign of the monarch, Japan retreated from self-isolation and became a country open to the outside world.
After the death of the imperial couple in Japan, there was a social movement for the creation of the temple. In 1920, the shrine was built, and during the Second World War the temple was destroyed. In 1958, thanks to the help of many Japanese, the Meiji Temple was completely restored. Currently, he enjoys great popularity among believers and is considered a religious symbol of Tokyo.
Architectural features of the building
The territory of the sanctuary, consisting of religious buildings, gardens and forests, covers an area of more than 700 thousand square meters. The building itself is a typical example of Japanese temple architecture. The main hall, in which prayers are read for the imperial couple, is built in the style of Nagarezukuri from the cypress tree. The museum-treasure is made of stone in the style of Adzekuradzukuri. There are objects since the reign of Mutsuhito.
The Meiji temple building is surrounded by an amazing garden, in which many varieties of shrubs and trees grow. Almost every tree was planted by local Japanese to respect the emperor. The outer garden is used as a venue for sporting events. Here is the Meiji Memorial Hall, which holds more than 80 frescoes dedicated to the life of the emperor.
How to get to the Meiji temple?
Anyone can visit this unique attraction. The most convenient way to get to the shrine is to take the JR Yamanote subway line and get off at Harajuku station. You can use land transport . The nearest stop in this case will be Ngubashi Station.