2025.04.12

A power spot loved by people ~Meiji Jingu~

vibration

When you step out of the hustle and bustle of Harajuku, you will find yourself in a different world. It is a space surrounded by silence and greenery that is hard to believe that it is located in the center of the city. Meiji Jingu Shrine boasts the highest number of worshippers per year in Japan. This sacred place, which many people visit in search of healing and hope for peace of mind, is also widely known as a power spot.

Article Contents

Meiji Jingu Shrine, a sacred place where the people's thoughts came to fruition, its history, nature, and a prayer for the future
- 1. Background to the founding of Meiji Jingu Shrine, the enthusiasm of the people and the prayer of the nation

Meiji Jingu Shrine, a sacred place where the people's thoughts came to fruition, its history, nature, and a prayer for the future

The fact that Meiji Jingu is more than just a tourist attraction becomes clear when you learn about the history of its founding. Filled with the passion of the people who admire Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, prayers for the reconstruction of the nation, and hope for the future, Meiji Jingu Shrine is a place that symbolizes Japan's spiritual culture.

1. Background to the founding of Meiji Jingu Shrine, the enthusiasm of the people and the prayer of the nation

Meiji Jingu Shrine was built to honor Emperor Meiji, the 122nd Emperor of Japan, and his empress, Empress Shoken, and to commemorate their legacy. Emperor Meiji was deeply respected by the Japanese people as a great leader who promoted the modernization of Japan and defended the independence of the nation. His achievements in leading the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese Wars to victory and leading the country to be recognized by the world as a member of the great powers are still talked about today. Empress Shoken was adored as a compassionate figure who was close to the people, devoting herself to social welfare projects and contributing to the spread of education.

Emperor Meiji died in 1912 (the first year of the Taisho era). The tragic news filled the whole of Japan with deep sadness. The people of Japan had a strong desire to honor Emperor Meiji's great achievements and comfort his spirit, and calls for the construction of a shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji arose from all over the country.

However, building a shrine would cost a huge amount of money. At that time, Japan was in a period of reconstruction after the Russo-Japanese War, and was not in an economically prosperous situation. Even so, the people of Japan actively engaged in donation activities to express their gratitude to Emperor Meiji. People, young and old, cut back on their daily lives and donated little money. This enthusiasm also moved the government, leading to the establishment of a national shrine.

In 1915 (Taisho 4), the government officially decided to build the Meiji Jingu Shrine. The location was chosen from Yoyogi, where Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken were often visited. This place was also the place where Emperor Meiji built a garden for the Empress when Empress Shoken fell ill, and it was a place where you can feel the deep relationship between Their Majesties.

２． A man-made forest, a miraculous forest nurtured over 100 years

One of the biggest features of Meiji Jingu is the vast forest that spreads throughout the city center. Covering an area of about 70 hectares, this forest is full of nature as if it were a primeval forest. However, what is surprising is that this forest is a man-made forest that was planted at the time of its founding.

For the construction of the Meiji Jingu Shrine, the government solicited donations of trees from all over the country. In response to this call, various types of trees were donated from all over Japan. From Hokkaido to Okinawa, there are more than 100,000 of them. Trees were brought in from far and wide by railroads, ships, and horse-drawn carriages.

The types of trees were also chosen according to the climate and climate of the area. A variety of tree species, including deciduous broad-leaved trees, evergreen broad-leaved trees, and conifers, were mixed together to create an attempt to recreate a forest that is close to nature.

However, simply planting trees does not create a natural forest. The creation of the forest at Meiji Jingu Shrine was made with the most advanced technology of the time. Experts in forestry, landscape architecture, civil engineering, etc. gathered to make detailed plans and create forests that take into account natural ecosystems.

Particular emphasis was placed on the growing environment of the trees. Various measures were taken to improve the soil, secure water veins, adjust the amount of sunlight, and create an environment in which trees can grow healthily.

Plans were also made for the future. Looking ahead to 100 or 200 years from now, forestation was promoted from a long-term perspective so that forests could be maintained naturally, while repeating generational changes.

As a result, the forest of Meiji Jingu has grown into a splendid natural forest over the course of 100 years. Today, there are 170,000 trees of about 240 species, forming a rich ecosystem with a variety of flora and fauna.

The forest of Meiji Jingu Shrine is an oasis in the city, providing healing to many people. Not only can you enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons, but activities such as bird watching and forest bathing that allow you to enjoy nature are also gaining popularity.

３． The Cooperation and Labor Service of the People and the Wisdom of Engineers

The construction of the Meiji Jingu Shrine was carried out as a national project with the cooperation of all the people. The donation of funds, as well as the provision of labor, showed the enthusiasm of the people.

At that time, the labor shortage was becoming more serious due to the effects of World War I. Therefore, the government called for labor service, mainly from youth groups. In response to the call, a total of 110,000 young people from all over the country gathered and worked hard to build the Meiji Jingu Shrine.

They were engaged in a variety of tasks, such as planting trees, maintaining approaches, and building stone walls. The way they quietly devoted themselves to their work under harsh working conditions was an expression of their gratitude to Emperor Meiji and their strong desire for the reconstruction of the nation.

In addition, the construction of the Meiji Jingu Shrine was based on the most advanced technology of the time. Experts in various fields such as shrine architecture, forest building, and garden design gathered to bring together their wisdom and skills.

The shrine hall was completed as a majestic and beautiful structure that incorporates modern technology while following the traditional style of shrine architecture. Attention to detail, such as the selection of wood, processing technology, and earthquake-resistant design, was built as a building that will remain for generations to come.

As mentioned above, the planting of trees was carried out systematically, taking into account the ecosystem. The garden was also designed as an elegant and beautiful space that reflected the tastes of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

The founding of the Meiji Jingu Shrine was a project that brought together the enthusiasm of the people, the service of labor, and the wisdom of engineers, and the collective efforts of the nation.

４． Reasons for the selection of the throne site, the relationship between Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken

The reason why the site of Yoyogi was chosen as the place where the Meiji Jingu Shrine sits, because, as mentioned above, it was a place that Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken often visited, and it was a special place for Their Majesties.

In particular, the garden that Emperor Meiji built for the Empress when Empress Shoken fell ill is known to many people as a place where you can feel the deep affection of Their Majesties.

This garden is now open to the public as a royal garden, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons. In particular, in June, about 150 varieties of irises bloom in full bloom, attracting visitors.

In addition, there is a well called Kiyosho Well in the garden. This well is said to have been dug by Kato Kiyomasa during the Edo period, and is also gaining popularity as a power spot.

The fact that Yoyogi was chosen as the seat of the Meiji Jingu Shrine was the result of consideration not only for the relationship between Their Majesties but also for the sacred atmosphere of this place. The land of Yoyogi has been revered as a sacred place since ancient times, and it was a suitable place for the enshrinement of Meiji Jingu.

５． The charm of Meiji Jingu Shrine, the Imperial Garden, the sacred tree, and the museum

Meiji Jingu Shrine has not only shrines and forests, but also various attractions.

First of all, as mentioned above, Gyoen is a garden where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons. In addition to irises, cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and other flowers show different expressions depending on the season.

In addition to the Kiyosho Well, there are also historical buildings such as the Apavilion and the Tea House scattered throughout the garden.

Next, in Meiji Jingu Shrine, there is a spiritual tree called the Sacred Tree. Particularly famous are the two chestnuts called the Couple's Kusunoki. These two chestnuts stand close to each other and are said to have the benefit of marriage.

When you visit Meiji Jingu Shrine, why don't you visit the sacred tree and pray for good luck?

And in 2020, the Meiji Jingu Museum opened. In this museum, items related to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, as well as materials related to the history of Meiji Jingu Shrine, are on display.

The museum building itself is also a beautiful building designed by architect Kengo Kuma and is worth a visit.

Meiji Jingu Shrine is a fascinating blend of history, nature, culture, and prayer for the future.

６． The future of Meiji Jingu Shrine, beyond 100 years of enthronement

Meiji Jingu Shrine celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020. In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the enthronement, various events were held, and a new history of Meiji Jingu Shrine began.

Meiji Jingu Shrine will continue to be loved by many people as a place that symbolizes the spiritual culture of Japan.

And the forest of Meiji Jingu will be passed down to the future as a miraculous forest nurtured over 100 years.

Visitors to Meiji Jingu will pray at the shrine, stroll through the forest, experience history, and have hope for the future.

Meiji Jingu Shrine is a place that connects the past, present, and future.

Meiji Jingu Shrine is more than just a tourist attraction. It contains the enthusiasm of the people, the prayer of the nation, and hope for the future.

By all means, please visit Meiji Jingu Shrine once and feel its sacred atmosphere.

I want to read it together