Meiji Shrine (明治神宮）

Torii leading to the Meiji Shrine complex

Shinto is considered Japan's ancient, original religion and it is deeply rooted in the Japanese way  of life. This Shinto shrine was built after the death of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, as a memorial to the emperor. The Emperor passed away in 1912, and the Empress in 1914. 100,000 trees from all over Japan and overseas were donated to build a forest to commemorate the Emperor and Empress. In 1920, a shrine was erected in the middle of this forest of 245  different species of trees.

Forest Surrounding Meiji Shrine 

One of the many large trees in the middle of the shrine
Treasure museum

The shrine also includes a treasure museum (Homotsuden Honkan), which is open only on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays. Admission costs 500 yen per person, 200 yen for high school students, but 300 yen and 100 yen respectively in a group over 20. Middle school children and younger have free admission. This site is valuable because it clearly shows how much Westernization impacted Japan during the Meiji period, and how Meiji himself was fond of Western culture.



Spring Festival


The Meiji Shrine Spring Grand Festival is held at the shrine from April 29th to May 3rd. During this time, several solemn Shinto ceremonies are held. During this festival, various traditional Japanese performances are performed in honour of the deities on the stage in front of the main shrine building. These are open to the public and include Hogaku and Hobu (classical Japanese dance), Bugaku  (ancient imperial court music), Sankyoku (traditional Japanese music), Noh and Kyogen (classical Japanese theatre), and Satsuma biwa (Japanese lute music).


For Social Studies teachers the Meiji Shrine relates to the Grade 8 Curriculum in the following ways:



"8.1.6 analyze the effects that rapid adaptation had on traditionally isolated Japan during the
Meiji period by exploring and reflecting upon the following questions and issues:
• How did the changes resulting from adaptation affect Japan economically, politically and
socially during the Meiji period? 
• What challenges emerged for the Japanese in maintaining traditional cultural aspects of their
society while undergoing rapid change?"(From the Grade 8 Social Studies Program of Studies) 



Websites: http://www.meijijingu.or.jp/english/, http://studenttrip.wordpress.com/2011/10/31/travel-to-do-list-6-tokyo/


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Comment on what you could learn related to what you have studied about Edo and Meiji Japan.
Torii leading to the Meiji Shrine complex