Meiji Jingu

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The 170-acre forest surrounding the shrine was entirely man-made, planned as an eternal forest where nature is left strictly unmanaged by human hands.

2. 2

   The trees used to build the forest were donated from all over Japan, representing roughly 365 different species.

3. 3

   The grand torii gate at the entrance is made from a 1,500-year-old Taiwan cypress tree sourced from Alishan in Taiwan.

4. 4

   The shrine's Inner Garden contains a historic iris garden featuring over 150 varieties of Japanese irises planted by Emperor Meiji for Empress Shoken.

5. 5

   Barrels of both Japanese sake and French wine are permanently displayed along the main approach, honoring Emperor Meiji's modernization and embrace of Western culture.

6. 6

   The main shrine buildings were reconstructed in 1958 using traditional nagare-zukuri architectural style after the originals were lost in air raids in 1945.

7. 7

   Volunteers from across Japan provided an estimated 110,000 days of labor to plant the original forest in the early 20th century.

Overview

Meiji Jingu is a prominent Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, located within a sprawling 170-acre man-made forest in central Tokyo. Constructed beginning in 1920, the original shrine complex was destroyed during World War II and subsequently rebuilt in 1958. The surrounding forest was deliberately planted with approximately 100,000 trees donated from across Japan, designed to become a self-sustaining primeval ecosystem over a century. Visitors approach the shrine grounds via wide gravel pathways shaded by dense canopy, passing towering wooden torii gates crafted from 1,500-year-old cypress trees. The inner precinct features a traditional shrine courtyard housing the main sanctuary, administrative halls, and historical exhibit spaces. Adjacent to the shrine is the Meiji Jingu Gaien district and a famous iris garden within the inner grounds. The site serves as a major focal point for traditional Japanese weddings, New Year celebrations, and cultural festivals.

Insider tips

• Walk slowly on the coarse gravel paths, as the crunching sound is traditionally intended to clear the mind before entering the sacred precinct.

• Stop at the temiyasha water pavilion before entering the main courtyard to properly purify your hands and mouth.

• Visit the Inner Garden during June when the iris flowers are in peak bloom.