Meji Jingu is the largest, largest and most popular Shinto shrine in Tokyo. The Japanese come here to seek the blessings of the gods in various life endeavors, be it 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 of Mutsuhito during his lifetime, and his wife, Empress Shoken, "live" in this sanctuary.
Emperor Mutsuhito ruled Japan from 1868-1912. History suggests that the country has never known such a powerful leap in development as during this period, when Japan from a feudal backward state turned into one of the leading world powers. Mutsuhito was the bastard 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, because they belong to the whole country and history, and therefore, with all their apparent 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 warmly accepted Western civilization and radically changed the face of the country, as a person was deeply alien to all the changes that were made on his behalf.
As the supreme ruler, he was present at all meetings, but never took part in discussions, he was almost always silent and only signed decrees that were written on behalf of the emperor. Anyone who has watched the film "The Last Samurai" probably remembers the modest, silent young man - the emperor of Japan under 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 a notorious conservative and deeply respected the traditions that had developed at court over many centuries, but it is his signature that bears on documents that break the centuries-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 the Western pattern. For the nation, he remained a living deity, which is forbidden to touch by mere mortals, so all the costumes 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 married couple of the Western model. Once he was even forced to walk in public with her arm, which was completely unacceptable according to old Japanese etiquette. It was for the silver wedding anniversary. They say that Mutsuhito was forced to give in, but after walking a few steps, he could not bear such shame and fled far away from shame.
South Gate is opposite the main pavilion
In essence, 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 Temple, 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 dwells in the temple.
It is also known that the emperor expressed his timid protest to the innovations of civilization by forbidding electricity in his palace: until his death, the palace was lit only with candles. They say the "great reformer" was so far from civilization that at first he took a chamber pot for something that was placed under the head at night.
Be that as it may, Emperor Mutsuhito will forever remain in the memory of the grateful Japanese. Eight years after his death, a new shrine was built in 1920, called Meiji Jingu. The temple structure was destroyed during the bombing of World War II: the Americans regarded Emperor Meiji as a symbol of militaristic Japan, and purposefully dropped bombs on this sanctuary. 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 the territory of more than 700,000 square meters.
Temple Sanctuary Courtyard
On the guide, which can be freely taken when visiting the temple, we are taught to correctly express our respect for the royal spirits:
1. First of all, if you are serious about receiving divine support, your appearance and dress must match. The Japanese follow this point only on especially solemn occasions, crowds of local residents wander here with a noisy merry din. Most of them are wearing jeans or even shorts. Cheerful young people in disguise often drop in here during the Sunday fancy-dress parties that take place nearby.
2. Before setting foot in the interior, you must rinse your hands and mouth in the sacred fountain. This custom is typical for all Japanese temples: the ritual of purification is the main act 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 the sacred slumber, drawing attention to you.
Sacred dances during the annual festival
That's all, consider your mission accomplished: the gods have heard you. It’s hard to think of an easier way to pray. So that the perfume does not forget your request, you can address them in writing using a special wooden "Ema" plaque. Such signs are hung here on boards set 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 the smoke.
People are also happy to buy amulets that give protection and favor in various situations: you can buy an amulet against the evil eye, for family well-being, for a safe completion of childbirth, for a successful study, safe driving ... in general, there would be a problem, but there would be an amulet ...
One of the most popular types of fortune telling on the territory of the temple is fortune telling by the waka verses left to us by the emperor and his wife. Matsuhito created about 100 thousand creations in his life, the Empress - 30 thousand. They are all written as an edification to the living.
Here are some of them:
moon
Profound changes
occur
Because there are so many
of people
Left this world
Only the moon in the autumn
night
It always remains the same
Accidental thought
Understand life
Seeing like a stone
Is washed away by the rain
Don't cling to the illusion
That nothing changes
Accidental thought
I don't need
Angry to heaven
Or blame
Others (for my suffering)
When I see
Your own mistakes
Accidental thought
So many accusations
In this world
So don't worry
About it
Too much
Your guide in Japan,
Irina
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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 creating 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. 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 land of the rising sun are presented. In its formation, at one time, thousands of Japanese took part, 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 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, which is considered the largest in the country made of wood. The Meiji Treasury is located directly behind the temple, 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 Temple is very popular not only among foreign tourists, but also very 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 wedding ceremony or introduce children to the history of the state. The abode fits perfectly into the landscapes of the Shibuya area and is rightfully one of the main religious attractions.
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 keeps the ancient traditions of Japan and makes an unforgettable impression with its appearance (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 who 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
Kotoku-in shrine
Kotoku-in Temple is famous for the Big Buddha statue located in the inner 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 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
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 the 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
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.
Visiting the Mount Takao Temple, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery and get to know one of the most revered sacred sites, which has been the center of mountain worship for more than 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 and 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
Daiyuinbyo temple
A short walk from the tomb 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 Dayyuinbyo is a Shinto temple, 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
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 World War II. The restoration was completed only in 1958.
Meiji Jingu is located in Yoyogi Park. The park is planted with tall trees that 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 an omikuji - draw a piece of fortune in English from a wooden box. Before that, you need to flip a coin.
Coordinates: 35.67661200,139.69935200
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 a rather tragic history. 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
Rinno-ji shrine
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 largest Sambutsudo Hall (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 in 1887 it was rebuilt after extensive restoration work.
Coordinates: 36.75332700,139.60094000
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 Temple, 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 - Toyuke.
In addition to historical sites, Ise Shrine boasts gardens, vegetable gardens, salt mills, and even its own sake production.
Coordinates: 34.45501400,136.72579500
Futarasan shrine
Futarasan Shrine is part of the Toshogu Shrine Complex. It was erected in honor of the deity of Mount Nan-tai. It is the oldest building in Nikko, dating back to 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 Yayoi Matsuri (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 Shinto worship of nature.
Coordinates: 36.75851900,139.59648400
TEMPLE IN HONOR OF THE ASCENSION OF CHRIST
In 1871, Archimandrite Nikolai moved to Tokyo. On the outskirts of Surugadai, in a block reserved for foreigners, he acquires a piece of land and begins construction of a mission building with a small house temple attached to him. But, as the mission is being built, the number of parishioners of the church increases significantly, and by the end of the 70s the question arises about the need to build a large Orthodox church. On the purchased plot 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, reinforcing it with pine piles. All the work was carried out with special care due to the difficult seismic conditions and, as Vladyka Nikolai himself said, “there was nothing designed for luxury”. The cathedral was laid in March 1884 and its construction lasted 7 years.
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.
Meiji Shrine
The largest Shinto shrine in Japan is located in Tokyo. The 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 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 World War II. The reconstruction lasted for several years; the temple acquired its present appearance only in 1958.
Coordinates: 35.67640200,139.69930200
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.
Local residents 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 elder of the village 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
Asakusa Kannon Shrine
Asakusa Kannon Temple, also known as Senso-ji, is the oldest temple located in the vibrant Asakusa area and traces its history back to the 7th century.
According to legend, the 5-centimeter 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 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 place 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.
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 create 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 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 create a 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, a tea house was built on the bank of a pond, a 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 is constructed of 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 in 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 from Taiwan (at that time it was part of the Japanese Empire), the trunks of huge 1,500-year-old cypress trees that grew on Mount Ari were brought. 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 great in scale the construction work was, the main effort had to be spent on creating a 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 of 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 a leisurely pedestrian almost at every step more and more new views, 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 the final year of World War II, 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
