The most important Shinto shrine in Tokyo is Meiji Jingu (Imperial shrine). This shrine was established in 1920 and Emperor Meiji, who reigned from 1868-1912) and his wife, the Empress Shoken, are enshrined here.
The Meiji period is the one that immediately followed the Edo period in which the Tokugawa shogunate ruled. Our Ueno Park pictures talk about this period in more detail. Just remember that the Edo Period was one of great isolation for Japan. During the Meiji period, Japan flourished under the rule of Emperor Meiji who helped institute the Meiji Constitution, promoted friendship overseas and encouraged the country to develop in every cultural field. Some sources call it the most glorious and prosperous period of all of Japanese history.
The Emperor was regarded by both Japanese and foreigners as a great leader (this is according to a Japanese history source). Empress Shoken gave skillful aid to the Emperor during this time period, and she was lauded as the ideal Japanese woman. After their deaths (he died in 1912 and she died in 1914), the nation wished to commemorate their lives and erected the shrine.
This shrine became a focal point for right-wing militarists during Japan's colonial expansion prior to WWII, and was destroyed by Allied bombing in 1945. Public donations rebuilt the shrine in 1958, and it is now the most heavily visited place in Japan during the New Year's holidays. Over 3 million people gather during that time to worship and buy good luck charms for the year ahead. The area also has a museum, garden and a variety of sports venues.
A
wide graveled road and a giant brown wood torii lead onto the shrine grounds. As
you can see in the picture on the left, the torii is truly impressive. Even
Chris at 6'4 looks tiny next to it. In picture on the right, Chris and his frat
brother Marty are just standing a little closer.
Past
the impressive initial torii is a very long gravel road. The shrine grounds,
right in the heart of Tokyo, cover 175 acres. They picked the location because
it was a favorite place of the Emperor and his wife.
The grounds have over 100,000 shrubs and trees. Most notable are the beautiful cedars that line the gravel pathways.
After much walking, we arrived at another torii, smaller than the first.
This
is the second torii as seen from a distance. It leads to the area immediately
surrounding the shrine itself.
Just through the second torii is a courtyard. In the courtyard is this fountain of sorts. water flows over stones, and dippers are available. We observed people pouring the water on their hands - presumably washing them.
On the right is a picture of a little of the
courtyard. The courtyard leads to large set of wooden doors, which you can see
are open in the picture on the left. The carving and woodwork on the doors was
wonderful. Please note that in the picture, MG is wearing really thick-soled
shoes and is standing on the step...and she's still shorter than Chris.