Meiji Shrine opening hours. Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo is one of the largest Shinto shrines in the Land of the Rising Sun.

From Tokyo to Kamakura can be reached in half an hour. It is here that the famous Buddhist temple Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is located. Surrounded by sakura and azalea, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu preserves the ancient traditions of Japan and makes an unforgettable impression (especially towards the end of spring, when trees and flowers bloom).

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Temple began its history in 1063. The initiator of the construction was the legendary Japanese military leader Yoriyoshi Minamoto. The temple is dedicated to Hachiman - a deity personifying military affairs.

Near the temple, above one of the ponds, you can see the Drum Bridge. According to the legend, a person who manages to cross this bridge will gain longevity. But doing so is by no means easy.

Coordinates: 35.32608500,139.55643400

Kotoku-in Temple

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

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

Height of statue with pedestal: 13.4 m

Buddha Height: 11.3m

Temple complex Narita-san

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

Narita-san was built in 940. At present, the complex includes the old and new halls of the temple, the three-level Peace Pagoda and other buildings.

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

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

Coordinates: 35.78607000,140.31838400

Yakuoin Temple

Yakuoin Shrine is a temple atop Mount Takao where pilgrims come to pray to the mountain Shinto gods.

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

Visiting the temple on Mount Takao, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery and get to know one of the most revered sacred places, which has been the center of the mountain religion for more than a thousand years.

Coordinates: 35.62508800,139.24365900

Temple complex "Silver Bor"

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

Two of the main temples are Shinto and one is 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 the mausoleum of Togugawa, the founder of the shogunate. The buildings are made in the traditional style of the Edo period.

One of the world's most famous sights are the three figures of monkeys - "I see nothing, I hear nothing, I will not say anything."

The complex was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

Coordinates: 36.75814100,139.59913700

Daiyuinbyo Temple

A short walk from the tomb of Ieyasu Tokugawa 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, richly 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

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. The 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. Under the Meji Jingu there is a treasure museum where various items dedicated to the reign of the imperial family.

Each visitor has the opportunity to receive omikuji - pull out a leaflet with a prediction on English language. Before that, you need to toss a coin.

Coordinates: 35.67661200,139.69935200

Kantei-byo Temple

Kantei-byo Temple is the central Chinese temple of Chinatown in Tokyo.

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

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

Coordinates: 35.69048500,139.69144800

Rinnoji Temple

Rinnoji Temple is the largest and oldest Buddhist temple in Nikko.

Initially, it determined the directions of Nikko's religious activities. The chief 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 are three large Buddha statues, which are located in the very great hall Sambutsudo (Hall of the Three Buddhas). This hall is the largest temple building in Nikko. Its height is twenty-five meters, its length is thirty-two.

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

Coordinates: 36.75332700,139.60094000

Ise Shrine

The main religion of Japan is Shintoism, where various mythical spirits and deities are used as objects of worship. The main shrine of Shinto is the Ise Shrine, which can be found in Mie Prefecture. The temple is dedicated to Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun and the progenitor of the imperial family. This temple has a special meaning in the culture of the Japanese, because they prefer to call it simply Jingu.

Ise Shrine is divided into two complete complexes. The first of these is the Nike 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 part-time Goddess of Food - Toyouke.

Apart from historical monuments, Ise Shrine boasts orchards, orchards, salt mills, and even its own sake production.

Coordinates: 34.45501400,136.72579500

Futarasan Temple

Futarasan Temple is part of the Toshogu Temple Complex. It was erected in honor of the deity of Mount Nan-tai. This is the oldest building in Nikko, built in 1617.

For many years, the temple belonged to the Shugendo sect, which was looking for ways to save the soul in the asceticism of mountain hermits. Over time, the temple grew, and its individual structures were scattered around the outskirts of Nikko. On the days of the Yayoi Matsuri festival (April 13-17), performances of kagura ritual dances are held on the territory of the Futarasan Jinja. But if desired, any pilgrim can order the performance of the Kagura dance on other days for a moderate fee. The Futarasan Shrine reflects the idea of ​​Shinto worship of nature.

Coordinates: 36.75851900,139.59648400

TEMPLE IN HONOR OF THE ASCENSION OF CHRIST

In 1871, Archimandrite Nicholas moved to Tokyo. On the outskirts of Surugadai, in the quarter set aside for foreigners, he acquires a plot of land and begins the construction of a mission building with a small home temple attached to it. But, as the mission was built, the number of parishioners of the temple increased significantly, and by the end of the 70s the question arose of the need to build a large Orthodox church. On the purchased piece of land on Surugadai Hill, where the Orthodox mission was located, there was not enough space for such a grandiose cathedral. I had to make an artificial embankment of a sufficiently high height, strengthening it with pine piles. All work was carried out with great care due to difficult seismic conditions and, as Bishop Nikolai himself said, "there was nothing designed for luxury." The cathedral was laid in March 1884; its construction lasted 7 years.

Temple of Zoya

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

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 the center of pilgrimage for all Shinto believers. The peak of visits to the Meiji Shrine falls on 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 inscribed 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. Subsequently, the temple was badly 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

Buddhist Temple of the Goddess of Mercy Kanon

One of the main attractions of the Asakusa district of Tokyo, of course, is 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 brother fishermen who once fished a figurine of the goddess Kannon from a local river. Whether frightened, or not knowing what to do, the brothers threw the figurine back. But it was not there - the figurine again fell on the hook. Upon learning of this, the village elder took the figurine from the brothers and placed it in his house, thereby turning it into a temple. Subsequently, the makeshift temple was expected to undergo great changes.

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

Coordinates: 35.31300200,139.53392000

Asakusa Kannon Temple

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

According to legend, the 5 cm statue of the goddess Kannon, kept in the altar of the temple, 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, the main hall of Kannon-do, which existed since 1651, the famous five-tiered pagoda and the massive gate were destroyed during the Second World War. The current buildings of the temple are a reinforced concrete copy of their predecessors.

Meiji Shrine, also known as Meiji Jingu, is the tomb of the great Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. This is the largest Shinto shrine, which appeared in 1920, thanks to a public initiative. The Japanese were so grateful to their emperor that they decided to perpetuate his memory by creating the largest Shinto shrine, which is conveniently located in the very depths of Yoyogi city park. The shrine was built in the classical Japanese style. This is a kind of pinnacle of the architectural creation of ordinary people.

In order to see the majestic park, you need to drive to Kamizono-cho Yoyogi. This place is easy to find, as the sanctuary occupies a fairly large area, which is surrounded by lush vegetation. On the territory of the park, which is laid out directly around the Japanese temple, almost all the trees that are found on the territory of the state grow, from inkgo to cypresses and sakura.

Japanese temple features

The shrine is an example of the traditional Japanese Nagarezukuri style. For the construction of the temple, cypress was used in large quantities, growing in the territory of Kiso - a mountain range, which is located in the central part of the island of Honshu. Kiso is otherwise known as the Japanese Alps. The Meiji building itself is surrounded by a picturesque garden, on the territory of which an incredible number of unique plants grow, found in various forests and parks of the Land of the Rising Sun.

It is worth noting one interesting feature - in the park, located around the tomb of the emperor, various sports competitions are very often held. There is also the Picture Gallery of the memorial, consisting of 80 frescoes, which depict memorable events and significant dates of the imperial couple.

The Outer Garden, which houses the Meiji Memorial (Wedding) Hall, is a revered place, as it is here that even today wedding celebrations are held in the best traditions of the Shinto religion.

Numerous tourists visiting a temple in Japan can receive "omikuji" - a small piece of paper with a prediction in English. What is this prophecy? As a rule, these are several lines in poetic form, written by the emperor or his wife. Turning to a Shinto priest, every visitor to a Japanese shrine will be able to get an interpretation of their prediction.

How to behave in the Japanese Meiji Shrine?

In the guidebook, which every visitor to a Japanese temple can take, one can read very important information, which teaches the rules of conduct in a Shinto shrine:

• First of all, this applies to those who wish to receive divine support - clothing and appearance should correspond to the current situation. Often dressed up young people and crowds of tourists in ordinary shorts or jeans walk around the temple grounds. If the purpose of a visit to the temple is to receive support from the Almighty, it is worth considering your appearance more thoughtfully.
• Before entering the inner territory of the imperial tomb, you should rinse your mouth and hands in the sacred fountain. This is the oldest custom in the Shinto religion - the rite of purification is one of the most important and revered.
• Approaching the main building, each tourist or ordinary visitor can donate a few coins to the gods by throwing them into a special box located near the entrance. It is advisable to throw coins from afar so that they ring and can wake up the supreme powers so that they turn their attention to the person who donates his money.
• After that, it is advisable to bow twice towards the main altar and clap your hands twice (just in case the gods decide to take a nap again) and bow again.

That's all. After that, the supreme forces will certainly turn their attention to the one who asks. And for greater persuasiveness and confidence that a trip to the temple will bring the fulfillment of desires, you can turn to the gods in writing, leaving your request on a wooden tablet "ema". Such tablets are hung around a majestic tree, and at the end of the year they are burned on a sacred fire. Thus, all desires go up with the smoke.

Foreign tourists and residents of the Land of the Rising Sun are happy to buy up amulets and talismans, which are sold in the adjacent park. Here you can buy a family amulet, protection from damage and the evil eye, an amulet for successful study or driving a car ... In a word, there would be a problem, and protection from it will certainly find its owner. Divination based on waka verses is very popular on the territory of the imperial tomb. Throughout his life, the emperor, together with his wife, created many creations that were written as an edification for future generations.

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 since 1958 it has been receiving visitors again. Today, 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. Particular attention is drawn to the picturesque Inner Garden, where many varieties of plants growing in the country are presented. rising sun. Thousands of Japanese took part in its formation at one time, donating their own bushes and trees for the benefit of the monastery. At a distance of just over a kilometer is the Meiji Jingu Outer Garden, known as the center for sports competitions. At the end of the alley, where ginkgo trees flaunt, is the Meiji Memorial Art Gallery, containing several dozen large murals depicting events in the life of the emperor and empress. In the other corner of the Outer Garden is the Meiji Memorial Hall. Luxurious 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, with the personal belongings of the imperial couple and unique works of art that adorned the interior. It goes well with the architectural style of Nagarezukuri, in which the main building is executed, a small pond with white water lilies, so beloved by the wife of Emperor Mutsuhito.

At the moment, the Meiji Shrine is very popular not only among foreign tourists, but also highly revered by the Japanese themselves, who often come here from different parts of the country to pay tribute to the memory of the great emperor, undergo a marriage ceremony or introduce children to the history of the state. The monastery fits perfectly into the landscapes of the Shibuya region 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 the blessings of the gods in various life endeavors, whether it's a wedding, the birth of a child, business projects, or just passing an important exam at school or university.

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

Emperor Mutsuhito ruled Japan from 1868-1912. History shows that the country has never known such a powerful leap in development as during this period, when Japan turned from a feudal backward state 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 whole country and history, and therefore, with all their seeming power, they often turn out to be deeply unhappy people, deprived of the right to act according to their convictions. Oddly enough, but one of the most revered emperors in Japan, declared an absolute monarch; "great reformer"; the first ruler who welcomed Western civilization and radically changed the face of the country, as a person, was deeply alien to all those changes that were happening on his behalf.

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

The largest wooden torii in the country lead to the sanctuary. Barrels of sake are an offering to the temple.

He was an inveterate conservative and deeply revered the traditions that had developed at the court over many centuries, but it is his signature that stands on documents that break the age-old foundations of Japanese society.

Not wanting to deviate from the path of his predecessors even in small things, he nevertheless had 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, who was forbidden to touch by mere mortals, so all the suits were baggy on him: the tailor could take measurements only at 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 walk arm in arm with her in public, which was completely unacceptable according to the 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 away from shame.

The South Gate is opposite the main pavilion

At its 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 part 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 came to his taste. On the path leading to the Meiji Shrine, barrels of red Burgundy wines are installed: this is how the Western world expressed its gratitude to the first "pro-Western" emperor of Japan, whose spirit lives in the temple.

It is also known that the emperor expressed his timid protest against the innovations of civilization by banning electricity in his palace: until his death, the palace was lit only by candles. They say the "great reformer" was so far from civilization that at first he mistook the chamber pot for what is put under his head at night.

Be that as it may, Emperor Mutsuhito will forever remain in the memory of the grateful Japanese. 8 years after his death, in 1920, a new shrine was built, called Meiji Jingu. The temple building was destroyed during the bombing of the Second World War: the Americans considered Emperor Meiji as a symbol of militaristic Japan, and they bombarded this sanctuary with precision. 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 species of plants have been collected on an area of ​​more than 700,000 square meters.

Inner courtyard of the temple sanctuary

In the guidebook, which is freely available when visiting the temple, we are taught to properly pay our respects to the royal spirits:

1. First of all, if you are serious about receiving divine support, your appearance and dress must be appropriate. The Japanese follow this point only on especially solemn 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 drop in here during Sunday costume parties that take place nearby.

2. Before stepping into the inner territory, you must rinse your hands and mouth in the sacred fountain. This custom is typical for 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 dances during the annual festival

That's all, consider your mission accomplished: the gods have heard you. Isn't it hard to think of an easier way to pray. So that the spirits do not forget your request, you can address them in writing using a special wooden “ema” tablet. Such signs are hung here on boards installed around a chic 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 smoke.

People are also happy to buy up amulets that give protection and favor in various situations: you can buy an amulet from 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 is an amulet .

One of the most seminal types of divination on the territory of the temple is divination based on waka verses left to us by the emperor and his wife. Matsuhito created about 100 thousand creations in his life, the Empress - 30 thousand. All of them are written as an edification to the living.

Here are some of them:

Moon

profound change
are happening
Because there are so many
of people
Left this world
Only the moon in autumn
night
Always stays the same

random thought

understand life
Seeing like a stone
Washed out by the rain
Don't Cling to the Illusion
that nothing changes

random thought

I don't need
Angry at heaven
Or blame
Others (for my suffering)
When I see
Your own mistakes

random thought

So many accusations
In this world
So don't worry
About it
too hard

Your guide in Japan,
Irina

Attention! Reprinting or copying of site materials is possible only if there is a direct active link to the site.

Emperor Meiji was known for his love of writing waka. After himself, he left more than 100 thousand poems to the Japanese people. His wife, Empress Shoken, also wrote poetry in this genre. She has over 30,000 poems to her credit.

Feature of the Meiji Shrine

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

According to Miki Fukutoku, most people tend to think that the temple is just the main shrine. In fact, he, with his inner and outer parts, is something big. The temple located in the inner garden is a symbol of the Japanese soul. Here you worship and show your reverence to the spirits. But the outer garden of the temple is made in a pro-Western style. There is an art gallery with 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 the 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 not made of wood, but of concrete.

Meiji Shrine (naien), view from above

The sanctuary has three main parts:

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

Note that the total area woodland 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 and his assistants Takanori Hongo and Keiji Uehara, who boldly refused the proposal of the then Prime Minister Shigenobu Okuma to use only 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.

Meiji shrine forest

« In 2011, in preparation for the temple's centenary, we monitored the species of trees 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 looks like it will continue to be so.”, said Miki Fukutoku.

Such a wealth of nature attracts more tourists to this place than believers. In addition to plants, you can also meet rare birds that often fly into the forest. The site is home to the endangered Japanese golden orchid and many other rare plant species.

The forest, which has become a wonderful brainchild of Honda, Hongo and Uehara, will delight tourists and locals for more than one year. Fukutoku explained: According to experts, the trees did not even live half the time. The thing is that camphor trees can live from 300 to 400 years. That is why not only our grandchildren, but also great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren will be able to go here!»

Despite all these attractions, Fukutoku believes that the number of foreign tourists is increasing, but not so rapidly. In the future, their steady increase is expected, because the Meiji Shrine is The best way get to know Japanese culture.

Fukutoku proudly added, “ Of course, the 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 a guest like US President Barack Obama who was in the temple last year. The 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 main festival of the temple is Reisai (a 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 fussy period of New Year's days. Of the ten million annual visitors, three million visit the temple during this period. Therefore, it is Reisai and subsequent New Year's days that are an important time for all people who, one way or another, are involved in the Meiji Shrine.

Harajuku-guchi - Entrance to the Meiji Shrine

There are three entrances to the temple:

• harajuku-guchi,
• Yoyogi-guchi
• Sangubashi-guchi.

As a rule, the entrance from the Harajuku side is constantly open, but when the number of visitors increases significantly, the remaining entrances open. As Miki Fukutoku explained, using 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 worshipers 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, during the period of the event, the sanctuary will celebrate its centenary. Therefore, serious restoration work is planned at the Meiji Shrine, thanks to which the shrine will noticeably change and attract the attention of even more tourists.

The main work will be the restoration of the main building of the temple. In it, 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 online publications.