Tokyo's Yoyogi Park is home to Tokyo's most popular Shinto shrine, Meiji Jingu. The history of the existence of this Shinto shrine is relatively small, it is 90 years old this year, the age for the temple is "infant". The decision to establish this sanctuary in the capital of Japan was made shortly after the death of Emperor Meiji (1852–1912) and his wife, Empress Shoken (1850–1914). The years of the reign of this imperial couple fell on the difficult years of the country's formation after the liquidation of the medieval system of military rule (shogunate) in 1868. In a historically short time, the country has managed to get rid of medieval vestiges, to adopt the positive experience of developed countries, both in the economic and social spheres. The people of Japan largely associated these changes with the efforts of Emperor Meiji. Therefore, the enthusiasm with which ordinary Japanese met the decision to establish the Meiji Jingu shrine in the capital is understandable. Emperor Meiji was buried in Kyoto, but the new shrine, in accordance with Shinto traditions, was intended to house the spirit of the imperial couple. The former estate of Ii became the property of the imperial house. Both Emperor Meiji himself and his wife have been here more than once. For them was built tea house on the shore of the pond, fishing platform. The main building of the temple and the treasure store (personal belongings of the Meiji imperial couple) were located in the Inner Garden. The sanctuary was built from moisture-resistant Japanese cypress wood. Therefore, the walls were not even covered with paint. The roof of the temple is covered with copper sheets. Having acquired a green patina on the air over time, they helped the sanctuary to organically fit into the greenery of the surrounding park. As is typical of any Shinto shrine, the only way to reach the shrine is under the sacred torii gate. For the construction of the Meiji Jingu gate, the trunks of huge 1,500-year-old cypress trees that grew on Mount Ari were brought from Taiwan (it was at that time part of the Japanese Empire). The girth of these trunks was almost 4 m. Of these, the largest gates in the country, 12 m high, were erected, separating the inner, sacred, zone of the sanctuary from the outer, mundane. And on the territory of Guyenne, a Memorial Art Gallery was erected, which houses 80 paintings depicting the stages of the life of Emperor Meiji, the Memorial Hall, which is now used for holding Shinto wedding ceremonies, and the National Stadium. No matter how large in scale they were construction works, the main effort had to be spent on the creation of the temple park. Around the temple on 8.3 hectares of land, a real forest of 120 thousand trees has grown. Since the seedlings were sent in a wide variety of varieties and varieties, the environment of Meiji Jingu began to somewhat resemble a botanical garden with a magnificent selection national flora... The construction of the sanctuary was completed in 1920, and a few years later it was surrounded by green bushes with cozy paths that open up new and new views to the unhurried pedestrian almost at every step, often reflected in the mirrors of the lakes. Surprisingly, Meiji Jingu is visited daily by thousands of believers, pilgrims, tourists, but in the surrounding park you can always find solitude and peace, which is not disturbed even by the sounds of the surrounding metropolis, which are not able to break through the dense foliage. In season, the park is decorated with flower meadows - azaleas, irises, roses, water lilies, wisterias. The history of the existence of Meiji Jingu is short, but this did not save the temple from shocks. IN last year WWII American bombers destroyed the sanctuary with incendiary bombs. Only in November 1958, through the efforts of thousands of volunteers, the temple and park were restored. This required a huge sum for those times - 600 million yen (1.67 million dollars), which was collected by subscription. The shrine is not only a tribute to Emperor Meiji. Thousands of people come here with their prayers. It is enough to buy a wooden ema plaque for 500 yen, write a wish on its reverse side, hang a plaque on any tree twig or bush (all plants in Guyenne and Nyen are considered sacred), and the prayer is guaranteed to reach the divine
- Address: 1-1, Kamizono-chō Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku Tokyo 151-0053
- Telephone: +81 3379-5511
- Official site: www.meijijingu.or.jp
- Foundation date: 1920 g.
- Sanctuary area: 708200 sq. m
- Working hours: 06: 20-16: 00 (November-February), 05: 00-18: 00 (March-October)
- Entrance cost: is free
Every cultural branch bears an imprint on itself. Japanese temples are no exception; they are designed to preserve the country's religious traditions. In addition, temples are objects of sacred architecture, which the Japanese treat with special awe. The largest and most popular sacred site is the Meiji Jingu Shrine. The townspeople turn here for the blessing of the gods in various life endeavors.
The history of the origin of the shrine
The Meiji Jingu Shrine, located in the Shibuya area, in the Yegi City Park, is a kind of tomb of Emperor Mutsuhito and his wife, Empress Shoken. Upon accession to the throne, Mutsuhito took his middle name Meiji, which means "enlightened reign". During the reign of the monarch, Japan retreated from self-isolation and became a country open to the outside world.
After the death of the imperial couple, a public movement arose in Japan to create a temple. In 1920, the shrine was built, and during the Second World War, the temple was destroyed. In 1958, with the help of many Japanese, the Meiji Temple was completely rebuilt. Currently, it enjoys immense popularity among believers and is considered the religious symbol of Tokyo.
Architectural features of the building
The territory of the sanctuary, consisting of religious buildings, gardens and forests, covers an area of \u200b\u200bmore than 700 thousand square meters. The building itself is a typical example of Japanese temple architecture. The main hall, in which prayers for the imperial couple are read, is built in the Nagarezukuri style of cypress wood. The treasury museum is made of stone in the Azekurazukuri style. There are items from the reign of Mutsuhito here.
The Meiji Temple building is surrounded by an amazing garden with many varieties of shrubs and trees. Almost every tree was planted by the local Japanese as a sign of respect to the emperor. The outside garden is used as a venue for sporting events. It also houses the Meiji Memorial Hall, which houses more than 80 frescoes dedicated to the life of the emperor.
How to get to Meiji Temple?
Anyone can visit the unique attraction. Most convenient way To get to the shrine, take the JR Yamanote Subway Line and get off at Harajuku Station. You can use the ground. The closest stop in this case will be Ngubashi Station.
Rinno-ji Temple is the largest and oldest Buddhist temple in Nikko.
Initially, it determined the directions of Nikko's religious activities. The main abbot of the temple was the prince of the imperial family, as we can see from 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 large 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 rebuilt in 1887 after extensive restoration work.
Coordinates: 36.75332700,139.60094000
Dayyuinbyo temple
A short walk from the grave of Ieyasu Tokugawa in Nikko is the Daiyuinbyo Shrine 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 is made in the same gongen-zukuri style, luxuriously decorated with gold, wood carvings, and sculptural images. Although Daiyuinbyo is a Shinto shrine, the presence of gods and symbols of the Buddhist pantheon can be easily detected 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 is the central Chinese temple of the Chinatown district of Tokyo.
It was founded in 1862 by a Chinese émigré who bought a sculpture by Guan Yu and decided to found a modern temple.
Soon after its founding, the temple became the center of the religious life of the Chinese community. The temple has enough tragic story... In 1923 it was destroyed by an earthquake, during the Second World War it suffered from air attacks, and in 1981 and 1986 it was damaged by fires. However, each time the community restored its shrine. The last stage of the restoration ended only in 2000.
Coordinates: 35.69048500,139.69144800
Asakusa Kannon Shrine
Asakusa Kannon Shrine, also known as Senso-ji, oldest temple, which is located in the lively area of \u200b\u200bAsakusa and dates back to the 7th century.
According to legend, the 5-centimeter statue of the goddess Kannon, kept in the temple altar, was caught by fishermen in the waters of the Sumida River in 628. The village headman brought her to his house, which he later declared the temple of the goddess.
After the fires that destroyed the buildings, but not the statue itself, a magnificent temple was built on this site in 645, which was recognized even by the shoguns, the military rulers of the country.
Unfortunately, the main hall of Kannon-do, which has existed since 1651, the famous five-story pagoda and massive gate were destroyed during the Second World War. The current buildings of the temple are a reinforced concrete copy of their predecessors.
Coordinates: 35.71480100,139.79683900
Futarasan shrine
Futarasan shrine enters temple complex Toshogu. 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 expanded, and its individual structures were scattered around the vicinity of Nikko. On the days of the Yayoi Matsuri festival (April 13-17), Kagura ritual 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 moderate fee. The Futarasan Shrine reflects the idea of \u200b\u200bShinto worship of nature.
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 built in 940. Currently, the complex includes the old and new halls of the temple, a 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 popular with tourists. This is largely due to the proximity to international airport... It is often visited by those tourists 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
Zoya Temple
Zojoji Temple - there are rows of small statues of Yizobosatsu (guardian of the souls of stillborn children), some wearing baby clothes and holding turntables. One of the strangest and most touching sights in the city.
Kotoku-in shrine
Kotoku-in Temple is famous for the Big Buddha statue located in courtyard temple.
Now this huge bronze statue is the main attraction of Kamakura. Big Buddha became a symbol of this ancient city both for foreign tourists coming here, and for any Japanese. The Japanese call him "Daibutsu". The Big Buddha is declared a National Treasure and attracts 1.2 million tourists annually.
Height of the statue with a pedestal: 13.4 m
Height of Buddha: 11.3 m
Yakuoin Temple
Yakuoin Temple is a temple on the top of Mount Takao, where pilgrims come to pray to the mountain Shinto gods.
The temple was built in 744 and is dedicated to Buddha - the patron saint of health. Unfortunately, during its history, the temple was completely destroyed by fire several times - the most powerful were in 1504 and 1677. Despite numerous fires, the temple managed to preserve more than two and a half thousand documents that today can tell us about the history of the Middle Ages.
Visit the Mount Takao Temple for a beautiful landscape and one of the world's most revered sacred sites, which has been the center of the mountain religion for over a thousand years.
Coordinates: 35.62508800,139.24365900
Temple complex "Serebryany Bor"
Temple complex "Serebryany Bor" - a temple complex that includes one hundred and three buildings, which are located among the magnificent nature.
Two of the main temples are Shinto and one is Buddhist. Nine buildings of the complex are included in the list of national treasures of Japan.
Located one hundred twenty-five kilometers from Tokyo, the temple complex originally 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 designed in a traditional Edo style.
Three figures of monkeys are one of the most famous world sights - "I see nothing, I hear nothing, I will not say anything."
The complex was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
Coordinates: 36.75814100,139.59913700
Temple of Young Pale Grass
Senso-ji is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. According to legend, the temple was founded in 628 at the site of the discovery of the statue of the Bodhisattva Kannon. In the 17th and 19th centuries, the temple was the site of official prayers for the Tokugawa shogunate. Before World War II, Senso-ji belonged to the Tendai school.
The old shopping street Nakamise-dori leads to the temple from the Kaminarimon gate. At the beginning of the 18th century, the surrounding residents were granted permission to trade on the outskirts of the temple. Numerous shops sell souvenirs and traditional sweets.
Ise shrine
The main religion of Japan is Shinto, 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 sun goddess and the progenitor of the imperial family. This temple has a special meaning in the culture of the Japanese, which is why they prefer to call it simply Jingu.
Ise Shrine is divided into two complete complexes. The first of these 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 monumentsIse 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 in Tokyo's Asakusa area is undoubtedly the temple of the goddess Kannon. The amazing temple dates back to 628.
Locals are happy to tell the legend about the appearance of the temple. Their stories tell of two fishermen brothers who once fished a statue of the goddess Kannon from a local river. Either frightened, or not knowing what to do, the brothers threw the statuette back. But it was not so - the figurine again fell on the hook. Upon learning of this, the village elder took the statuette from the brothers and put it in his house, thereby turning it into a temple. Subsequently, the makeshift temple was subject to great changes.
Today, the huge roof of the Kannon Temple is visible from anywhere in the Asakusa area. Due 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, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife.
Built in 1920, the sanctuary was destroyed during the Second World War. The restoration was completed only in 1958.
Meiji Jingu is located in Yoyogi Park. The park is planted with tall trees, which create a permanent twilight, which gives the feeling of abandonment. Under Meji Jingu, there is a treasury museum, which contains various items dedicated to the rule of the imperial family.
Each visitor has the opportunity to receive omikuji - draw a leaf from a wooden box with a prediction for english language... Before that, you need to flip a coin.
Coordinates: 35.67661200,139.69935200
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine
It takes half an hour to get from Tokyo to Kamakura. It is here that the famous Buddhist temple Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is located. Surrounded by sakura and azalea, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu retains the ancient traditions of Japan and produces unforgettable impression (especially towards the end of spring, when trees and flowers are blooming).
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Temple begins its history in 1063. The construction was initiated by the legendary Japanese commander Yoriyoshi Minamoto. The temple is dedicated to Hachiman, a deity that personifies military affairs.
Near the temple, above one of the ponds, you can see the Drum Bridge. If you believe the legend, then a 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 Shrine
The largest Shinto shrine in Japan is located in Tokyo. The Meiji Jingu Shrine covers an area of \u200b\u200b700 thousand square meters and is the center of pilgrimage for all Shinto believers. The peak of visits to the Meiji Temple falls on New Year's holidays.
Meiji Jingu Temple 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 Meiji Temple was opened in 1926. Subsequently, the temple was badly damaged by American bombing during the Second World War. The reconstruction lasted for several years; the temple acquired its present appearance only in 1958.
Coordinates: 35.67640200,139.69930200
Javascript is required to view this map.
Meiji shrine, located in the Shibuya area, 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 \u200b\u200bcreating the 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. After the end of hostilities, the temple was restored and since 1958 has been receiving visitors again. 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 \u200b\u200bmore 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 species of plants growing in the land of the rising sun are presented. In its formation, at one time, thousands of Japanese participated, 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 the center of sports competitions. At the end of the alley, where ginkgo trees flaunt, is the Meiji Memorial Art Gallery, which contains 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. Lavish Shinto wedding ceremonies are still held there.
The territory of the monastery is surrounded by a carved fence, and you can get inside through an impressive wooden gate, which is 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. Goes well with architectural style 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 Temple is very popular not only among foreign tourists, but also highly revered by the Japanese themselves, who often come here from different corners countries to pay tribute to the memory of the great emperor, to marry or to 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
The Meiji Temple or, as it is also called, Meiji Jingu, is the tomb of the great Emperor Meiji and his wife, the 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 the Yoyogi city park. The sanctuary was built in the classic Japanese style. This is a kind of peak of the architectural creation of ordinary people.
To see the majestic park, 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 trees that are found on the territory of the state grow, ranging from incgo and ending with cypresses and sakura.
Features of the Japanese temple
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 that is located in the central part of the island of Honshu. Kiso is also called 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 - on the territory of the park, located around the tomb of the emperor, various sports competitions are very often held. There is also Art Gallery memorial, consisting of 80 frescoes, which display 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 an omikuji, a small piece of fortune-telling paper in English. What is this prophecy? As a rule, these are several lines in poetic form, written by the emperor or his wife. By contacting a Shinto priest, every visitor to the Japanese shrine will be able to get an interpretation of their prediction.
How to behave in the Japanese Meiji Temple?
The guidebook, which every visitor to the Japanese temple can take, reads 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 must correspond to the current situation. Often discharged youth and crowds of tourists in ordinary shorts or jeans walk around the territory of the temple. If the purpose of a visit to the temple is to receive support from the supreme forces, you should consider 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 purification rite is one of the most important and revered.
- Approaching the main building, each tourist or ordinary visitor can give the gods several coins by throwing them into a special box located near the entrance. It is advisable to throw coins from afar so that they can ring and be able to awaken the supreme forces so that they turn their attention to the person who donates their money.
- After that, it is advisable to bow twice towards the main altar and clap your hands twice (this is just in case the gods decided to take a nap again) and bow again.
That's all. After this, the supreme forces will certainly turn their attention to the one asking. And for greater persuasiveness and confidence that a trip to the temple will bring fulfillment of desires, you can turn to the gods in writing, leaving your request on a wooden plate "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 along with the smoke go up.
Foreign tourists and residents of the Land of the Rising Sun are happy to buy amulets and talismans that are sold in the adjacent park. Here you can buy a family amulet, protection from damage and the evil eye, an amulet for successful studies or driving a car ... In a word, there would be a problem, and protection from it will certainly find its owner. Waka fortune-telling 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 to future generations.
