Meiji Shrine Facts for Kids

Ceremonial gate (torii) at the Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine (明治神宮, Meiji Jingū) is a Japanese Shinto shrine in Tokyo. It honors the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken.

History

After the emperor's death in 1912, the Diet of Japan voted to commemorate his role in the Meiji Restoration.

Work began on the shrine in 1915. It was formally dedicated in 1920; and it was completed in 1921.

The grounds of the shrine were finished by 1926. Trees in the park were donated by people from all parts of Japan.

Until 1946, the Meiji Shrine was in the highest rank of government supported shrines (官幣大社, Kanpei-taisha).

Meiji under construction in 1920
Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, aerial view of Meiji Jingu, c. 1926.
An aerial photograph of Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park (1989)
Kisenosato performing his first yokozuna dohyō-iri at the Meiji Shrine
In front of Ichino Torii (photographed on October 31, 2010)
Around Otorii (Ichino Torii) (photographed on October 31, 2010)
Proceed along the south approach (photographed on October 31, 2010)
In front of Minamijinmon (photographed on October 31, 2010)
View the worship hall from the South Shrine (photographed on October 31, 2010)
Dedication festival (photographed on October 31, 2010)
Dedication festival (photographed on October 31, 2010)
View Otorii from the south approach (photographed on October 31, 2010)
Around Otorii (photographed on October 31, 2010)
Ancient Martial Arts Dedication at the Festival of Autumn (November 2, 2012)
Ancient Martial Arrangement Firework Gun dedication at the Festival of Autumn (November 2, 2012)
Demon Flower Vacation at the Festival of Autumn (November 2, 2012)
Torii at the entrance to Meiji-jingu
Barrels of sake (nihonshu) donated to Meiji Shrine
Torii at the courtyard of Meiji-jingu
Priests and maidens wear traditional dress in preparation for a wedding at Meiji Shrine
Women signing prayers in main courtyard
Prayers left by visitors
In front of Meiji shrine
The central sanctuary
Full view of the shrine
Meiji Shrine main yard panorama
Meiji Shrine Gyoen (inner garden)
Meiji Shrine Treasure Museum
Meiji Shrine with Yoyogi Park