The Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo is one of the largest Shinto shrines in the land of the rising sun. Temples Tokyo Meiji Shrine Japan

Rinno-ji Temple is the largest and oldest Buddhist temple in Nikko.

Initially, it determined the directions of Nikko’s religious activities. The main rector of the temple was the prince of the imperial family, as evidenced by the image of the imperial coat of arms on the main gate.

Inside the temple there are three large Buddha statues, which are located in the very big hall Sambutsudo (Hall of the Three Buddhas). This hall is the largest temple building in Nikko. Its height is twenty-five meters, length – thirty-two.

The original hall was destroyed in 1868 following the separation of Shinto from Buddhism, but was revived in 1887 after extensive restoration work.

Coordinates: 36.75332700,139.60094000

Daiyuinbyo Temple

A short walk from Tokugawa Ieyasu's tomb in Nikko is the Daiyuinbyo Temple with the mausoleum of his grandson Iemitsu.

Unlike Ieyasu, the grandson was not deified in the Shinto pantheon, so the mausoleum is not called a shrine. It is somewhat more modest in scale, but made in the same gongen-zukuri style, lavishly decorated with gold, wood carvings, and sculptural images. Although Daiyuinbyo is a Shinto temple, one can easily detect the presence of gods and symbols of the Buddhist pantheon in it. The decor is dominated by Chinese motifs - with kirins, lions, tigers, dragons and flowers.

Coordinates: 36.75649000,139.63190500

Kantei-byo Temple

Kantei-byo Temple - Central chinese temple Chinatown area in Tokyo.

It was founded in 1862 by a Chinese emigrant who, having bought a sculpture of Guan Yu, decided to found a modern temple.

Soon after its founding, the temple became the center of religious life of the Chinese community. The temple has a rather tragic history. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1923, damaged by air attacks during World War II, and damaged by fires in 1981 and 1986. However, each time the community restored its shrine. The last stage of restoration was completed only in 2000.

Coordinates: 35.69048500,139.69144800

Asakusa Kannon Shrine

Asakusa Kannon Temple, also known as Senso-ji, - ancient temple, which is located in the bustling Asakusa area and dates back to the 7th century.

According to legend, the 5-centimeter statue of the goddess Kannon, kept in the temple's altar, was caught by fishermen in the waters of the Sumida River in 628. The village chief brought her to his house, which he later declared to be the temple of the goddess.

After fires that destroyed the buildings, but not the statue itself, a majestic temple was built on this site in 645, which received recognition even from the shoguns, the military rulers of the country.

Unfortunately, Gangnon-do's main hall, which dates back to 1651, the famous five-story pagoda and massive gate were destroyed during World War II. The current buildings of the temple are a reinforced concrete copy of their predecessors.

Coordinates: 35.71480100,139.79683900

Futarasan Temple

Futarasan Temple is part of temple complex Toshogu. It was erected in honor of the deity of Mount Nan-tai. It is the oldest building in Nikko, dating back to 1617.

For many years the temple belonged to the Shugendo sect, which sought ways to save the soul through the asceticism of mountain hermits. Over time, the temple grew, and its individual buildings were scattered around Nikko. During the Yayoi Matsuri holiday (April 13-17), ritual kagura dance performances are held on the territory of Futarasan Jinja. But if desired, any pilgrim can order the performance of the kagura dance on other days for a reasonable fee. Futarasan Shrine reflects the idea of Shinto nature worship.

Coordinates: 36.75851900,139.59648400

Narita-san Temple Complex

The Narita-san temple complex is the largest Buddhist complex in eastern Japan.

Narita-san was erected in 940. Currently, the complex includes the old and new temple halls, a three-level Peace Pagoda and other buildings.

The central object of worship is the statue of the Buddhist deity Fudo Myo.

There is a picturesque Japanese landscaped garden at the temple. The place is very visited by tourists. This is largely due to the proximity to international airport. Tourists who have limited time between transfers, but still want to get acquainted with the culture of Japan, often come here.

Coordinates: 35.78607000,140.31838400

Temple of Zoyoya

Zojoji Temple - There are rows of small statues of Yizobosatsu (guardian of the souls of stillborn children), some dressed in children's clothing and holding pinwheels. One of the strangest and most touching sights in the city.

Kotoku-in Temple

Kotoku-in Temple is famous for the Big Buddha statue located in the temple courtyard.

Now this huge bronze statue is the main attraction of Kamakura. Big Buddha became a symbol of this ancient city for those who come here foreign tourists, and for any Japanese. The Japanese call it "Daibutsu". Big Buddha is declared a National Treasure and attracts 1.2 million tourists every year.

Height of the statue with pedestal: 13.4 m

Buddha height: 11.3 m

Yakuoin Temple

Yakuoin Shrine is a temple on top of Mount Takao where pilgrims come to pray to the mountain's Shinto gods.

The temple was built in 744 and is dedicated to Buddha, the patron of health. Unfortunately, during its history, the temple was completely destroyed by fire several times - especially severe ones in 1504 and 1677. Despite numerous fires, the temple managed to preserve more than two and a half thousand documents, which today can tell us about the history of the Middle Ages.

A visit to Mount Takao Temple offers stunning scenery and one of the most revered sacred sites that has been the center of mountain worship for over a thousand years.

Coordinates: 35.62508800,139.24365900

Temple complex "Serebryany Bor"

Temple complex" Serebryany Bor" is a temple complex that includes one hundred and three buildings, which are located among magnificent nature.

Two of the main temples belong to Shintoism, and one to Buddhism. Nine buildings of the complex are included in the list of national treasures of Japan.

Located one hundred and twenty-five kilometers from Tokyo, the temple complex initially became a cultural and religious center. The complex was built in the 17th century as a mausoleum for Togugawa, the founder of the shogunate. The buildings are made in the traditional Edo period style.

One of the world's most famous landmarks is the three figures of monkeys - "I see nothing, I hear nothing, I won't say anything."

The complex is listed in world heritage UNESCO in 1999.

Coordinates: 36.75814100,139.59913700

Temple of the young" pale grass

Senso-ji is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. According to legend, the temple was founded in 628 on the site of the discovery of a statue of the bodhisattva Kannon. In the 17th-19th centuries, the temple was the site of official prayer services for the Tokugawa shogunate. Before World War II, Senso-ji belonged to the Tendai school.

The ancient shopping street Nakamise-dori leads to the temple from the Kaminarimon Gate. At the beginning of the 18th century, surrounding residents were granted permission to trade on the approaches to the temple. Numerous shops sell souvenirs and traditional sweets.

Ise Shrine

The main religion of Japan is Shintoism, which uses various mythical spirits and deities as objects of worship. The main Shinto temple is Ise Shrine, which can be found in Mie Prefecture. The temple is dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess and ancestress of the imperial family. This temple has special significance in Japanese culture, which is why they prefer to simply call it Jingu.

Ise Shrine is divided into two full complexes. The first of them is the Naiku Shrine, which is entirely dedicated to Amaterasu. The second complex is the Geku Shrine, where the main object of worship is the mythical cook Amaterasu and also the Goddess of Food - Toyouke.

Besides historical monuments, Ise Shrine boasts gardens, vegetable gardens, salt mills and even its own sake production.

Coordinates: 34.45501400,136.72579500

Buddhist Temple of the Goddess of Mercy Canon

One of the main attractions of Tokyo's Asakusa district is, of course, the temple of the goddess Kannon. The amazing temple dates back to 628.

Local residents are happy to tell the legend about the appearance of the temple. Their stories tell of two fishermen brothers who once caught a figurine of the goddess Kannon from a local river. Either scared, or not knowing what to do, the brothers threw the figurine back. But that was not the case - the figurine was hooked again. Having learned about this, the village elder took the figurine from the brothers and placed it in his house, thereby turning it into a temple. Subsequently, great changes awaited the improvised temple.

Today, the huge roof of Kannon Temple is visible from anywhere in the Asakusa area. Thanks to its exquisite architecture, the temple is very popular among tourists.

Coordinates: 35.31300200,139.53392000

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Meiji Jingu Shrine is the largest Shinto shrine in Tokyo and is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife.

Built in 1920, the sanctuary was destroyed during World War II. Restoration was completed only in 1958.

Meiji Jingu is located within Yoyogi Park. The park is planted with tall trees, which create a constant twilight, which gives a feeling of abandonment. At Meji Jingu there is a treasury museum where various items dedicated to the reign of the imperial family are kept.

Each visitor has the opportunity to receive an omikuji - pull a piece of paper from a wooden box with a prediction for English language. Before this you need to toss a coin.

Coordinates: 35.67661200,139.69935200

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

You can get from Tokyo to Kamakura in half an hour. This is where the famous Buddhist temple Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is located. Surrounded by sakura and azalea, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu preserves the ancient traditions of Japan and with its appearance produces unforgettable impression(especially towards the end of spring when trees and flowers bloom).

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine begins its history in 1063. The construction was initiated by the legendary Japanese military leader Yoriyoshi Minamoto. The temple is dedicated to Hachiman, the deity who personifies military affairs.

Near the temple over one of the ponds you can see the Drum Bridge. If you believe the legend, the person who manages to cross this bridge will gain longevity. But this is by no means easy to do.

Coordinates: 35.32608500,139.55643400

Meiji Shinto Shrine

The largest Shinto shrine in Japan is located in Tokyo. Meiji Jingu Shrine covers an area of 700 thousand square meters and is a center of pilgrimage for all Shinto believers. Peak visits to Meiji Shrine occur during the New Year holidays.

Meiji Jingu Shrine is relatively young - its construction began in 1915, three years after the death of Emperor Meiji. The name of this man is written in golden letters in the history of Japan; it was thanks to him that Japan got out of the deep Middle Ages.

The opening of the Meiji Shrine took place in 1926. The temple was subsequently heavily damaged by American bombing during World War II. The reconstruction lasted several years; the temple acquired its current appearance only in 1958.

Coordinates: 35.67640200,139.69930200

Meiji Jingu(Meiji Shrine) is Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, one of the largest Shinto shrines in the country. The temple is located in Tokyo's Yoyogi Park, which covers an area of 700,000 square meters. This area is covered with evergreen forests, which consist of 120,000,365 trees various types, donated by people from all over Japan. Meiji Jingu is the most visited sacred monument in the world. Up to 30 million tourists visit this iconic place every year. Construction of the shrine began in 1915 to honor Emperor Meiji, who died in 1912, and his wife Empress Shoken, who died in 1914. After their deaths, a movement arose to create a sanctuary. The building was completed in 1920, but Meiji Jingu officially opened in 1926, and during the Great East Asian War, as the Japanese call World War II, the shrine was destroyed by the Americans. The renovation of the existing building, which was supported by many Japanese in Japan and abroad, was completed in 1958. Having visited this temple, every tourist realizes that only a majestic ruler was able to transform Japan into a modern state.

General view of the temple and park

The road to the temple itself through the territory of Tokyo Yoyogi Park takes about 15 minutes from the central entrance to the park. It is paved with gravel and surrounded by very tall trees. It is difficult for the sun's rays to penetrate through the tops of pines and gingko trees, so there is always darkness and an impression of abandonment here. Twilight in the park persists even on hot June days, when the temperature reaches 35 degrees, which makes tourists feel chilly and insecure surrounded by huge hundred-year-old trees. This park is covered with flowers or falling leaves all year round, reminiscent of eternal autumn. The shrine's grounds, surrounded by trees, are a representative example of unique Japanese temple architecture in the traditional nagara-zukuri style. Cypress from Kiso was used in the construction. The garden features all varieties of trees and shrubs that grow in Japan.

Meiji Jingu is not just a temple associated with the imperial family, it is a huge temple complex. In addition to the sanctuary itself, there is also a treasury and a palace of ceremonies. The treasury museum building is located in the northern part of the temple area. It is built of stone in the Azekura-zukuri architectural style. Various items from the reign of the imperial couple are presented here. In autumn, the paths on the approaches to the temple are decorated with decorative tents with planted chrysanthemums, because this flower is a symbol of the imperial power of Japan.

The Meiji Jingu Outer Garden, located approximately 0.7 miles (1.13 km) from the Inner Garden, is known throughout the world as a center for Japanese sports. Its creation was completed in 1926. The Outer Garden covers an area of 77 acres (31.16 ha). At the end of an alley lined with ginkgo trees is the Meiji Memorial Art Gallery, which contains 80 large murals illustrating events in the lives of the emperor and his consort. In a corner of the Outer Garden is the Meiji Memorial (Wedding) Hall, where one of the important religious events, the Shinto wedding ceremony, continues to be held. Previously, this building was used mainly for conferences and meetings, where discussions on the draft Meiji Constitution were held.

Meiji Jingu is one of the few temples in Tokyo where you can get omikuji. After throwing a 100 yen coin, you need to pull out pieces of paper with predictions in English from a wooden box. Moreover, these predictions are given in a form that is unconventional for this genre. Visitors draw out poems composed by Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken as predictions and instructions. The royal couple became famous for composing poetry in the waka style. By pulling out a white scroll, the visitor receives poems by the empress, and on a light green scroll - works by the emperor. The verses must be accompanied by an interpretation composed by Shinto priests.

Sakura flowers on bare branches

People admire

Flowers hidden from view fall in vain.

The Hitler Youth delegation visits Meiji Shrine in Tokyo in September 1938

During the day, wedding ceremonies take place in the temple almost every day. Meiji Jingu is one of the most popular and prestigious wedding temples in the country. The wedding ritual itself, during which the bride and groom take turns drinking three sips of sake, after which the marriage, in fact, is considered concluded, takes place away from prying eyes. But then the wedding procession goes out into the public. Slowly crossing the temple courtyard, headed by the priest Kannusi, the column seems to be posing for admiring spectators, but the faces of the participants are full of dignity and awareness of the importance of the moment. Here you can also see miko - servants of Shinto shrines. Dressed in a uniform reminiscent of a police uniform, the temple guards freeze as the procession approaches and put their hand to the visor of their cap.

In November, the temple is filled with children in national clothes; parents bring children aged three, five and seven years, respectively, to the temple for blessing. The holiday is called Shichi-go-san (“seven-five-three”), and it can be considered a kind of birthday for all children who have reached this age in a given year. The tradition of this holiday dates back more than three hundred years and is celebrated on November 15th. These ages reflected the stages of children growing up. In the Middle Ages, in aristocratic families, boys at the age of three first wore hakama; this is traditional men's clothing in the form of wide trousers with pleats. Later, this ritual began to be performed at the age of five; it was at this age that the samurai introduced children to their feudal lords, introducing them to the circle of adults. For girls, the age of seven is important, since on this day they are first put on a hard belt for a kimono - obi. This ritual, called obi-toki (change of belt), symbolizes growing up, since for the first time in her life the girl dresses like an adult woman.

Emperor Meiji was known for his love of writing waka. After himself, he left more than 100 thousand poems for the Japanese people. His wife, Empress Shoken, also wrote poetry in this genre. She has about 30 thousand poetic works to her credit.

Features of Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a relatively new place of worship. It was created in 1920 according to the concept of wakonesai (the soul of the Japanese and the talent of the Western man). Therefore, unusual omikuji are not the only feature of the temple.

According to Miki Fukutoku, most people tend to think that the temple is only the main shrine. In fact, it, with its internal and external parts, is something big. The temple, located in the inner garden, is a symbol of the Japanese soul. Here you worship and show your respect to the spirits. But the outer garden of the temple is designed in a pro-Western style. There is Art Gallery, which stores 80 paintings. They reflect the life of Emperor Meiji, who actively maintained friendly relations with foreign countries. For example, symmetrical ginkgo trees are also Western trends.

The Treasure Museum, located in Gaien Gardens, vividly illustrates the fusion of Japanese and Western flavors. The architectural design of the building is reminiscent of Sosoin, a treasury famous temple in the prefecture. However, the Meiji Treasure Museum, unlike the temple, is made not of wood, but of concrete.

Meiji Shrine (naien), view from above

The sanctuary has three main parts:

Naien (inner part), the place where the sanctuary buildings are located,
Gaien (outer area), home to a memorial art gallery and sports facilities, including one of the oldest baseball stadiums, Meiji Jingu, and the Meiji Memorial Hall and Wedding Hall.

notice, that total area The forest area is about seven hundred square meters. About 170 thousand trees grow here, consisting of 245 different types. This landscape was designed and created by Seiroku Honda, as well as his assistants Takanori Hongo and Keiji Uehara, who boldly refused the proposal of then Prime Minister Shigenobu Okuma to use exclusively cedar in the design. Honda wanted to create an evergreen forest, but as it turned out, the local soil was not suitable for this tree.

Forest of Meiji Shrine

« In 2011, in preparation for the temple's centenary, we monitored the tree species growing in the area. So, as it turned out, in the local forest there are much fewer trees alien to Japan than, say, in the parks of central Tokyo. This man-made forest was created to delight with its beauty for many centuries and it seems that it will remain so", said Miki Fukutoku.

Such richness of nature attracts more tourists to this place than believers. In addition to plants, you can also find rare birds here, which often fly to the forest. This place is home to the endangered Japanese golden orchid and many other rare plant species.

The forest, which became the wonderful brainchild of Honda, Hongo and Uehara, will delight tourists and locals for many years to come. Fukutoku explained: “ According to experts, the trees did not even live half their life. The thing is that camphor trees can live from 300 to 400 years. That is why not only our grandchildren will be able to come here, but also great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren!»

According to Fukutoku, despite all these attractions, the number of foreign tourists is increasing, but not so rapidly. Their steady increase is expected in the future, because the Meiji Shrine is The best way get to know Japanese culture.

Fukutoku added proudly: “ Of course, shrines on the outskirts of the city may offer a more authentic atmosphere, but our temple is more accessible. We can, for example, boast of such a guest as US President Barack Obama, who was in the temple last year. Meiji Shrine is truly unique. Being in the center of the capital, you can not only see the shrine, but also suddenly find yourself in a real forest».

Celebrations and everyday life of the Meiji Shrine

The most important festival of the temple is Reisai (major autumn festival), which takes place on November 3 in memory of Emperor Meiji. Ambassadors from different countries who can enjoy traditional Japanese performances. Such a holiday is a harbinger of the upcoming hectic period of New Year's days. Of the ten million annual visitors, three million visit the temple during this period. Therefore, Reisai and the subsequent New Year's days are an important time for all people who, in one way or another, are involved in the Meiji Shrine.

Harajuku-guchi - entrance to Meiji Shrine

There are three entrances to the temple:

Harajuku-guchi,
Yoyogi-guchi
Sangubashi-guchi.

As a rule, the entrance from Harajuku is always open, but when the number of visitors increases significantly, the remaining entrances are opened. As explained by Miki Fukutoku, the use of Harajuku-guchi as the main entrance is justified. Entering through this gate, it is easier for the visitor to navigate and get to the temple. In addition, with the opening of Harajuku Station, most tourists and believers come to the Harajuku-guchi entrance. That is why the street adjacent to the temple is called Omotesando. Literally the name means: “omote” - front, “sando” - road, i.e. "front road" In addition, the Harajuku-guchi gate is the largest gate of the Meiji Shrine.

In 2020, the sanctuary will celebrate its centenary. Therefore, serious restoration work is planned at the Meiji Shrine, thanks to which the shrine will noticeably transform and attract more attention. more tourists.

The main work will consist of restoration of the main building of the temple. During heavy rainfall, the roof periodically leaks, so repairs will begin from this part of the shrine. But this is not the main reason why the administration decided to start preparations from here. It is generally accepted that the souls of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken are located in the main building. This is the most important part of the Meiji Shrine.

Based on materials from online publications.

Javascript is required to view this map

Meiji Shrine, located in the Shibuya district, in Tokyo's Yoyogi Park, is the largest Shinto shrine in the metropolis. It is dedicated to Emperor Meiji, known as Mutsuhito, and Empress Shoken, who ruled the state in the second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The idea of creating a monastery was born after the death of the imperial couple and in 1920 it was brought to life. However, the building did not last long and during the Second World War it became a victim of numerous bombings. At the end of hostilities, the temple was restored and has been welcoming visitors again since 1958. Nowadays, the building enjoys great attention among believers and is considered a religious symbol of the capital of Japan.

The territory of the Meiji Shrine covers an area of more than 700 thousand square meters, and the trees and shrubs surrounding the temple harmoniously complement its appearance, embodying the traditions of Japanese temple architecture. Particularly noteworthy is the picturesque Inner Garden, where many varieties of plants growing in the land of the rising sun are presented. Thousands of Japanese took part in its formation, donating their own bushes and trees for the benefit of the monastery. Just over a kilometer away is the Meiji Jingu Outer Garden, known as a center for sports competitions. At the end of the alley, lined with ginkgo trees, is the Meiji Memorial Art Gallery, containing several dozen large murals depicting events in the life of the Emperor and Empress. In another corner of the Outer Garden is the Meiji Memorial Hall. Lavish Shinto wedding ceremonies are still held there to this day.

The territory of the monastery is surrounded by a carved fence, and you can get inside through an impressive wooden gate, considered the largest in the country, made of wood. Directly behind the temple is the Meiji Treasury, containing personal belongings of the imperial couple and unique works of art that decorated the interior. It fits perfectly with the Nagarezukuri architectural style, which features the main building, a small pond with white water lilies, so beloved by the wife of Emperor Mutsuhito.

At the moment, Meiji Shrine is very popular not only among foreign tourists, but is also highly revered by the Japanese themselves, who often come here with different corners countries to pay tribute to the memory of the great emperor, undergo a wedding ceremony or introduce children to the history of the state. The monastery fits perfectly into the landscapes of the Shibuya area and is rightfully one of the main religious attractions

Meji Jingu is the most significant, largest and most popular Shinto shrine in Tokyo. The Japanese come here to ask for the blessings of the gods in various life endeavors, be it a wedding, the birth of a child, business projects, or simply passing an important exam at school or university.

The souls of Emperor Meiji, who during his lifetime bore the name Mutsuhito, and his wife Empress Shoken “live” in this sanctuary.

Emperor Mutsuhito reigned in Japan from 1868-1912. History says that the country has never known such a powerful leap in development as during this period, when Japan from a feudal backward state turned into one of the leading world powers. Mutsuhito was the natural son of Emperor Komei, and inherited the throne from his father at the age of 15. With his accession to the throne, a new era began, called Meiji - “enlightened rule”.

They say that kings do not belong to themselves, for they belong to the entire country and history, and therefore, with all their apparent power, they often turn out to be deeply unhappy people, deprived of the right to act in accordance with their convictions. Oddly enough, but one of the most revered emperors in Japan, declared an absolute monarch; "great reformer"; the first ruler who cordially accepted Western civilization and radically changed the face of the country, as a person, was deeply alien to all the changes that were happening in his name.

As the supreme ruler, he was present at all meetings, but never took part in discussions; he was almost always silent and only signed decrees that were written on behalf of the emperor. Anyone who watched the film “The Last Samurai” probably remembers the modest, silent young man - the Emperor of Japan during the Meiji reign.

The largest wooden torii in the country leads to the shrine. Sake barrels are an offering to the temple.

He was an outspoken conservative and deeply revered the traditions that had developed at court over many centuries, but it was his signature that appeared on documents that broke the centuries-old foundations of Japanese society.

Not wanting to deviate from the path of his predecessors even in small things, he was nevertheless forced to wear alien and uncomfortable clothes - all these frock coats and uniforms, sewn according to Western patterns. For the nation, he remained a living deity, whom mere mortals were forbidden to touch, so all the suits fit him baggy: the tailor could only take measurements from a distance, and sewed trousers and jackets “by eye.”

Just like his divine ancestors, in addition to his legal wife, he had a harem of concubines, but at social events he was forced to appear with his wife and portray a happy Western-style married couple. Once he was even forced to publicly walk with her arm in arm, which was completely unacceptable according to old Japanese etiquette. It was on the anniversary of the “silver” wedding. They say that Mutsuhito was forced to give in, but after walking a few steps, he could not stand such shame and ran far away from the shame.

The South Gate is located opposite the main pavilion

At his core, a peaceful person, but it was under Mutsuhito that Japan fought with Korea, China, and then with Russia.

We cannot know how consciously Matsuhito played his role in turning the ship of Japanese history on a new course. It is known that Mutsuhito drank a lot, and not only traditional Japanese sake, but also Western wines that he liked. On the path leading to the Meiji Shrine, there are barrels of red Burgundy wines: this is how the Western world expressed its gratitude to the first “Westernized” emperor of Japan, whose spirit dwells in the temple.

It is also known that the emperor expressed his timid protest against the innovations of civilization by prohibiting the installation of electricity in his palace: until his death, the palace was illuminated only by candles. They say the “great reformer” was so far from civilization that at first he mistook a chamber pot for something that was placed under the head at night.

Be that as it may, Emperor Mutsuhito will forever remain in the memory of the grateful Japanese. Eight years after his death, a new shrine was built in 1920, called Meiji Jingu. The temple building was destroyed during the bombing of World War II: the Americans viewed Emperor Meiji as a symbol of militaristic Japan, and targeted bombs on this sanctuary. The restoration of the temple and the surrounding park was completed in October 1958. People from all over Japan brought trees and bushes here. As a result, 365 plant species have been collected on an area of more than 700,000 sq.m.

Temple sanctuary courtyard

In the guidebook, which can be freely taken when visiting the temple, we are taught to correctly express our respect to the royal spirits:

1. First of all, if you have serious intentions of receiving divine support, your appearance and clothing must match. The Japanese follow this clause only on special occasions, crowds local residents roam here with a noisy, cheerful din. Most of them are wearing jeans or even shorts. Cheerful, dressed-up young people often come here during Sunday costume parties taking place nearby.

2. Before entering the inner area, you must rinse your hands and mouth in the sacred fountain. This custom is characteristic of all Japanese temples: the rite of purification is the main action in Shintoism.

3. You go to the main building and, if you wish, you can give the gods a few coins by throwing them into a special box. They say that you should throw coins from afar so that they ring and the deities wake up from their sacred slumber, paying attention to you.

Sacred dancing during the annual festival

That's it, consider your mission accomplished: the gods have heard you. Isn’t it true, it’s hard to think of a simpler way to pray. To prevent the spirits from forgetting your request, you can contact them in writing using a special wooden “ema” sign. Such signs are hung here on boards installed around a luxurious tree. At the end of the year, these “petitions” will be burned on a sacred fire, and all requests will go to heaven to the gods along with the smoke.

People are also happy to buy amulets that provide protection and favor in various situations: you can buy an amulet against the evil eye, for family well-being, for the successful completion of childbirth, for successful studies, safe driving... in general, there would be a problem, but there will be an amulet .

One of the most popular types of fortune telling on the temple grounds is fortune telling based on the waka verses left to us by the emperor and his wife. Matsuhito created about 100 thousand creations during his life, the empress - 30 thousand. All of them are written as an edification to the living.

Here are some of them:

Moon