Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine

Introduction

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Dowager Shoken. Constructed between 1915 and 1920, it was burned down during World War II and rebuilt to its original design in 1958. It is located in Shibuya, Tokyo. The shrine grounds are home to over 100,000 trees of more than 300 different species. The shrine features three main approaches: southern, northern, and western. Entering from the main southern path, visitors walk beneath towering ancient trees with wild birds singing overhead. The torii gate in front of the shrine bridge is the largest in Japan. Inside, there is an imperial garden specially created for Empress Dowager Shoken, spanning over 80,000 square meters, featuring a variety of flowers. Especially noteworthy is the iris garden near the southern pond in the imperial garden, where more than 150 types of irises are cultivated. Every mid-June, large expanses of blooming irises create one of the most beautiful sights at the shrine. The shrine’s buildings are constructed from Japanese cypress, with exquisitely carved beams and painted decorations that are both solemn and magnificent—well worth seeing. On New Year’s Day and March 11th each year, many people from across Japan make special trips to visit the shrine.

Tokyo, Japan