Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu) in Tokyo is one of the most visited Shinto shrines in Japan, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. [1][2]

The shrine was built in 1920, eight years after the death of Emperor Meiji, who presided over Japan's transformation from a feudal society to a modern nation. The original buildings were destroyed in World War II air raids and rebuilt in 1958. [1][2]

The shrine is set within a 170-acre forest of approximately 120,000 trees donated from across Japan and planted when the shrine was established. It represents the intersection of Shinto spirituality with modern Japanese national identity. Hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the New Year) at Meiji Shrine draws approximately 3 million visitors over the first three days of January. [1][2]

The shrine is free to enter and is located adjacent to Harajuku in central Tokyo. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. [1][2]

Meiji Shrine is among the most visited shrines in Japan, especially at hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the New Year, when very large crowds come over the opening days of January. Visitors pass beneath towering torii and through the forest before reaching the worship hall. [1][2]

The shrine stands within a planted forest of roughly 120,000 trees donated from across Japan when it was established, an oasis of woodland in central Tokyo. The buildings, destroyed in wartime bombing, were rebuilt in traditional style in the late 1950s. [1][2]

Dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, the shrine commemorates the monarch who presided over Japan's rapid modernization. It expresses the intertwining of Shinto practice with modern Japanese national identity. [1][2]