Meiji Shrine

Coordinates: 35°40′34″N 139°41′57″E / 35.67611°N 139.69917°E / 35.67611; 139.69917
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Ceremonial gate (torii) at the Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine (明治神宮, Meiji Jingū) is a Japanese Shinto shrine in Tokyo. It honors the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken.[1]

History[change | change source]

After the emperor's death in 1912, the Diet of Japan voted to commemorate his role in the Meiji Restoration.[2]

Work began on the shrine in 1915. It was formally dedicated in 1920; and it was completed in 1921.[2]

The grounds of the shrine were finished by 1926.[2] Trees in the park were donated by people from all parts of Japan.[3]

Until 1946, the Meiji Shrine was in the highest rank of government supported shrines (官幣大社, Kanpei-taisha).[4]

References[change | change source]

  1. Japan-guide.com, "Meiji Shrine"; Meiji jingū, "Introduction"; retrieved 2012-6-13.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Meiji Shrine"; retrieved 2012-6-13.
  3. Nussbaum, Louis-Frédéric. (2005). "Meiji-jingū" in Japan Encyclopedia, p. 624.
  4. Ponsonby-Fane, Richard. (1959). The Imperial House of Japan, pp. 126.

Other websites[change | change source]

Media related to Meiji Shrine at Wikimedia Commons

35°40′34″N 139°41′57″E / 35.67611°N 139.69917°E / 35.67611; 139.69917