明治神宮 Meiji Shrine
Tokyo Prefecture · Japan
Meiji Jingu is a prominent Shinto shrine in Tokyo, Japan, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Established in 1920, it is located within a massive, artificial forest of 70 hectares in the bustling Shibuya district, offering a peaceful, traditional escape in the heart of the city.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation1:49
Welcome to Meiji Jingu, a majestic Shinto shrine located in the bustling heart of Tokyo, yet seemingly worlds apart from the neon lights of Harajuku. This sanctuary was established in 1920 to commemorate the virtues of Emperor…
Listen in the app2The Grand Torii Gate (Otorii)1:20
Standing before the Otorii, or the Grand Torii Gate, you are looking at one of the largest structures of its kind in Japan. This 12-meter-tall gateway is constructed from massive cypress logs that are over 1,500 years old,…
Listen in the app3The Sake and Wine Barrel Display1:16
As you continue along the forest path, you will encounter a striking visual display: hundreds of colorful sake barrels (kazaridaru) stacked high on one side, and elegant French wine barrels on the other. The sake barrels are…
Listen in the app4The Inner Garden and Iris Field1:14
A short detour from the main path leads us into the Inner Garden (Gyoen). This area was a favorite retreat for Empress Shoken, and the Emperor personally designed parts of it for her enjoyment. …
Listen in the app5The Temizuya (Purification Font)1:05
Before entering the main sanctuary, we stop at the Temizuya, the purification fountain. This is a crucial step in Shinto worship, intended to cleanse the mind and body before approaching the kami. …
Listen in the app6The Main Sanctuary (Honden and Haiden)1:15
We now enter the main sanctuary area, a complex of buildings constructed from Japanese cypress and topped with copper-plated roofs. The architecture is in the 'Nagare-zukuri' style, characterized by its elegant, asymmetrical…
Listen in the app7Meiji Jingu Museum and the Treasure House1:13
To the north of the main sanctuary lies the Meiji Jingu Museum, a modern facility designed by the renowned architect Kengo Kuma. The museum houses a vast collection of personal items belonging to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken,…
Listen in the app8Closing1:09
As we conclude our walk through Meiji Jingu, we return to the forest paths that lead us back toward the city. This sanctuary is a testament to what can be achieved when a nation comes together to honor its history. …
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What is 明治神宮 Meiji Shrine?
明治神宮 Meiji Shrine is a place in Tokyo Prefecture · Japan with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Tokyo Prefecture · Japan |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Total length | 10 min 21 s in all |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 35.6764, 139.6986 |
| Last updated |
