Meiji Shrine Tourism

Meiji Shrine, known as Meiji Jingu in Japanese, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Located in Shibuya, Tokyo, it is a serene sanctuary in contrast to the bustling city surrounding it. Established in 1920 and completed in 1926, the shrine commemorates the Emperor's role in the Meiji Restoration. Visitors pass through massive torii gates, strolling along paths in a tranquil forest that spans 70 hectares with around 120,000 trees. The shrine complex includes two major areas: the Naien and the Gaien. The Naien is the inner precinct, which is centered around the shrine buildings and includes a treasure museum housing personal belongings of the Emperor and Empress. The Gaien is the outer precinct, containing the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery with murals depicting events from the Emperor's life. Meiji Shrine is not only a spiritual site but also a popular location for traditional Shinto weddings and cultural events, especially during the New Year's celebrations when it attracts millions for the year's first prayers (hatsumode).