Meiji Shrine (明治神宮) is Tokyo's largest shrine, and one of Japan's three "Jingu"
(Imperial shrine)
The Shrine was destroyed during WWII and rebuilt in 1958. It houses the
"Yasakani no mgatama" (jewels), which is one of the three Imperial Regalia.
On your visit do not miss the beautiful imperial carriage. Portraits of the Emperor
and Empress done by the Italian, Edoardo Chiossone in the 1890s complement
the collection.
This perfect example of Shinto architecture--muted colors and spare lines--was
opened in 1920 to commemorate the death of Emperor Meiji in 1912. Surrounded
by 72 hectares of shady trees and various Japanese flora of the Meiji Jingu Park, it
is one of Japan's most sacred and picturesque shrines.
The Imperial Treasury House annex exhibits mementos, including the coronation
carriage, of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
The shrine grounds consist of two areas:
=> Naien, or the inner precinct/garden, centered on the shrine buildings, which
include a treasure museum that houses articles of the Emperor and Empress
enshrined here. The treasure museum is built in the Azekurazukuri style.
=> Gaien, or the outer precinct/garden, which includes the Meiji Memorial Picture
Gallery that houses a collection of 80 large murals illustrative of the events in the
lives of the Emperor and his consort. It also includes a variety of sports facilities,
including the National Stadium, and is seen as the center of Japanese sports. It
also includes the Meiji Memorial Hall, which was originally used for governmental
meetings, including discussions surrounding the drafting of the Meiji Constitution in
the late 19th century. Today it is used for Shinto weddings.
How To Get There
It can be accessed from Akabanebashi (Oedo line), Kamiyacho (Hibiya line),
Onarimon (Mita line), Daimon (Asakusa & Oedo lines) or Hamamatsucho
(JR/Tokyo Monorail) stations.
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