The Meiji Shinto Shrine and its large park are dedicated
to the spirit of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. The reign of
Emperor Meiji (1868-1912) saw Japan transformed from a medieval to a modern
state. He devoted himself to increasing the prosperity and peace of the
nation. As a result, Emperor Meiji was regarded as a truly great Emperor.
He and Empress Shoken are not buried here, but near Kyoto. This shrine was
completed by over 100,000 volunteers in 1920 in his memory. It was destroyed
in an air raid in 1945 and rebuilt in 1958. The huge torii (gates) are built
from 1,700 year-old cypress trees from Taiwan. Before entering
a Shinto shrine (jinja) worshippers pass under the torii gate. The torii
symbolizes the perch made for the mythical cock that announced the dawn
and brought the sun goddess Amaterasu from her cave. Passing under the torii
purifies the worshippers' hearts and minds before praying to the kami (gods
or spirits).
The grounds are thickly wooded from more than 100,000 seedlings that had been sent from all over Japan. This "Way" sign guides visitors through the woods and to the shrine and famous gardens.
The iris garden is considered the most beautiful in Tokyo. The Emperor frequently visited it.
The gardens offer a cool retreat for visitors. The gardens are a must for photographers and artists.
The shrine is very busy on Sundays and Thursdays when couples come to present their babies in a ceremony known as miya mairi.
Many come to worship. The way that worshipers pray in different sects of Shinto vary, but the common etiquette to be observed when praying at a shrine is to bow twice, clap your hands twice, pray and then bow once more. Bowing is a way of showing trust to the gods. Shinto worship have three elements in common. It begins with the act of purification, which usually involves the use of water. There are fountains at the shrines where worshippers cleanse themselves by rinsing their hands and mouths. An offering is presented to the kami, today usually money, but often food; and in a prayer or petition is made. (To learn more about proper etiquette to be observed at a shrine go to the bottom of this page.)
In a corner of the Outer Garden is
the Meiji Memorial Hall where the shrine carries on one of its important
religious activities, that of performing Shinto wedding ceremonies.
The Sunday our group visited the shrine , we saw many weddings. All of the brides were in traditional dress, but we were told that some wear Western bridal dresses.
Much time is spent making sure pictures taken are perfect. I waited about twenty minutes for the photographer to make sure this family was properly posed for their photo.
1. See to it that you are dressed appropriately for the occasion. Pass under the torii and walk through the "sando" or approach to the shrine.
2. Go to the hand-washing stone basin and cleanse your hands thoroughly. With a dipper, pour water into your cupped hand and then bring the water to your mouth and gargle. Do not bring the dipper directly to your mouth.)
3. Advance before the god enshrined. Then throw some money (either paper currency or coins into the offertory box.)
4. Bow deeply two times.
5. After that, clap your hands twice.
6. Then make a deep bow once more.
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