Meiji Jingu

Meiji Shrine (明治神宮) was built in dedication to Emperor Meiji for his role in restoring imperial rule to Japan and accelerating its industrialization. Completed in 1920 with the help of volunteers, the original structure was destroyed in World War II and the building that stands now was erected in 1958 through country-wide funding. The 10-minute walk to the shrine is delightful: a wide gravel path lined either side with trees makes it difficult to believe you have the frenzy of Harajuku and Takeshita Dori only a few hundred meters away. This forest is actually a man-made woodland consisting of over 100,000 trees donated from across the country during the shrine’s construction, creating a dense, evergreen “lull” in the center of the city.

The Guardians and the Forest Path

Entering through the massive Torii gates—some of the largest in Japan, crafted from 1,700-year-old Japanese cypress—visitors are immediately struck by the spiritual atmosphere. Along the main path, you will encounter rows of kazaridaru, or decorative sake barrels, offered annually to the deities by brewers across Japan. Uniquely, Meiji Jingu also features a large display of Western wine barrels from France. This is a nod to Emperor Meiji’s personal fondness for Western culture and his efforts to bridge the gap between Japanese traditions and international influence during his reign. These barrels serve as a visual reminder of the era’s rapid modernization.

Rituals and Sacred Traditions

If you visit the shrine on a weekend (especially Sunday morning) you might be able to see a Shinto wedding taking place. Being one of the most famous shrines in Japan, demand for these ceremonies is high and the whole ritual is as streamlined as a factory production line. Peak round the outside of the buildings and you can see the brides being powdered and prepared by a dedicated team while professional photographers stand with commercial cameras at the ready. The wedding procession, led by priests and shrine maidens under a large red umbrella, is a striking display of traditional elegance that remains a highlight for many visitors.

For those seeking even more tranquility, the Inner Garden (Gyoen) provides a scenic escape, particularly in June when the iris garden is in full bloom. This area was a frequent retreat for the Emperor and Empress and contains “Kiyomasa’s Well,” a popular spiritual “power spot” believed to grant good fortune to those who visit it. Whether you are there for the historical significance or the quiet solitude of the forest, the shrine remains one of Tokyo’s most vital sanctuaries.