Main Shrine

Discover the spiritual heart of Tokyo at Meiji Shrine's Main Shrine. Explore its history, unique architecture, and cultural significance in Japan.

Overview

Nestled amidst the tranquil forested expanse of Meiji Jingu, the Main Shrine (known as the Honden or Shaden) stands as the spiritual heart of one of Tokyo, Japan's most revered Shinto sanctuaries. This sacred complex is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken, figures who played pivotal roles in Japan's modernization during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visiting the Main Shrine is not just a sightseeing opportunity; it’s an immersive experience into Japan's profound cultural and spiritual heritage, offering a serene escape from the bustling metropolis outside its towering torii gates.

As you approach, the air itself seems to shift, becoming calmer, more reflective. The path to the Main Shrine leads through lush greenery, culminating in a grand courtyard where the magnificent wooden structures of the Honden complex reveal themselves. This central area is where the most significant rituals and prayers are performed, embodying the enduring reverence for the imperial family and the Shinto faith.

History & Cultural Background

The Meiji Shrine itself was established in 1920 to commemorate Emperor Meiji (1852–1912) and Empress Shoken (1849–1914). Emperor Meiji's reign marked a period of immense transformation for Japan, known as the Meiji Restoration, which saw the country open to the West and rapidly industrialize. The shrine was built by over 100,000 volunteers, reflecting the deep respect and affection the Japanese people held for their emperor and empress. Tragically, the original shrine buildings, including the Main Shrine, were destroyed during the air raids of World War II in 1945.

Undeterred, the people of Japan rallied once more, and the shrine was meticulously reconstructed through public donations and volunteer efforts, reopening in 1958. The current Main Shrine complex is a faithful recreation, designed in the traditional Nagare-zukuri architectural style, characterized by its elegant, flowing rooflines. Shintoism, Japan's indigenous religion, emphasizes the worship of kami (deities or spirits) and reverence for nature. The Main Shrine serves as the primary abode for the kami of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, making it a vital pilgrimage site and a place for offering prayers, expressing gratitude, and seeking blessings.

What Makes It Special

The Main Shrine's exceptional quality lies in its profound blend of natural beauty, architectural grandeur, and spiritual tranquility. Unlike many Shinto shrines that feature vibrant vermillion, the Meiji Shrine's buildings, including the Honden, are constructed primarily from unpainted Japanese cypress (hinoki), lending them a dignified, natural aesthetic that harmonizes perfectly with the surrounding forest. The intricate joinery and craftsmanship are a testament to traditional Japanese construction techniques, reflecting purity and simplicity.

• A Spiritual Oasis: Despite its central Tokyo location, the Main Shrine offers an unparalleled sense of peace and contemplation. The deep forest acts as a natural sound buffer, creating a solemn atmosphere conducive to reflection.
• Imperial Connection: As a shrine dedicated to imperial figures, it holds a unique place in Japan's cultural and historical narrative, connecting visitors directly to a pivotal era of national transformation.
• Architectural Purity: The unadorned cypress wood and traditional Nagare-zukuri style showcase the beauty of Japanese minimalist aesthetics, emphasizing natural materials and craftsmanship.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

One poignant detail about the Meiji Shrine's forest, which envelops the Main Shrine, is that it's an artificial forest, planted specifically for the shrine. Over 100,000 trees from all over Japan and beyond were donated and carefully arranged to create a self-sustaining ecosystem that was projected to reach maturity in about 100 years. Today, it stands as a testament to long-term vision and environmental harmony.

Within the Main Shrine precinct, you’ll often see visitors writing their wishes on small wooden plaques called ema, which are then hung at designated spots, hoping their prayers will reach the kami. Another common practice is to draw an omikuji, a fortune slip that provides guidance or predictions for the future. Unlike many other shrines, Meiji Jingu's omikuji do not predict good or bad fortune but instead offer poetic verses and teachings from Emperor Meiji or Empress Shoken, encouraging personal growth and virtue.

You might also witness a traditional Shinto wedding ceremony at the shrine, particularly on weekends. These beautiful, solemn processions, featuring elaborate kimonos and ancient rituals, offer a rare glimpse into a living cultural tradition that has been preserved for centuries.

Visitor Perspective

Approaching the Main Shrine involves passing through several massive torii gates, each marking a transition from the secular to the sacred. Upon entering the main courtyard, visitors are encouraged to perform temizu at the purification fountain, washing their hands and rinsing their mouths as a symbolic act of cleansing before approaching the sacred space. While the Main Shrine itself (the Honden) is typically not open for public entry, visitors can offer prayers from the front of the main hall, facing the spiritual presence within.

The experience is about quiet reverence. Observe the local customs: a slight bow before the offering box, a small monetary offering, and two bows, two claps, and one final bow. This respectful engagement with the shrine's traditions deepens the understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture. Take your time to absorb the peaceful atmosphere, admire the architectural details, and reflect on the historical significance of this extraordinary place. It’s a journey that connects you with the heart of Japan’s heritage.