Meiji Shrine facts for kids
The Meiji Shrine (which is called Meiji Jingū (明治神宮) in Japanese) is a famous Shinto shrine located in Tokyo, Japan. It was built to honor the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. Shinto is a traditional Japanese religion.
Contents
The Story of Meiji Shrine
Why the Shrine Was Built
After Emperor Meiji passed away in 1912, the Japanese government wanted to remember his important role. They wanted to honor him for leading Japan into a new era. This period of big changes was known as the Meiji Restoration.
Building the Shrine and Its Gardens
Work on the shrine began in 1915. It was officially opened in 1920 and fully finished by 1921. The beautiful gardens around the shrine were completed a few years later, in 1926. People from all over Japan donated trees for the park. This helped create the large, green forest you see there today.
Important Status of the Shrine
For many years, until 1946, the Meiji Shrine was considered one of the most important shrines in Japan. It had the highest rank among shrines supported by the government.
Images for kids
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Meiji Shrine being built in 1920
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A view of Meiji Shrine from above, around 1926. It honors Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
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An aerial photo of Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park in 1989
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Kisenosato, a famous sumo wrestler, performing a special ceremony at the Meiji Shrine
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In front of the first big gate (Ichino Torii)
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Around the main big gate (Otorii or Ichino Torii)
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Walking along the south path to the shrine
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In front of the Minamijinmon gate
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Looking at the main worship hall from the South Shrine
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A dedication festival taking place
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Another view of the dedication festival
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Looking at the Otorii gate from the south path
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Around the Otorii gate
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An ancient martial arts demonstration at the Autumn Festival
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An ancient firearm demonstration at the Autumn Festival
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A traditional horseback archery demonstration (Yabusame) at the Autumn Festival
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A torii gate at the entrance to Meiji-jingu
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Barrels of sake (Japanese rice wine) donated to Meiji Shrine
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A torii gate inside the courtyard of Meiji-jingu
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Priests and maidens in traditional clothes getting ready for a wedding at Meiji Shrine
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Women writing prayers in the main courtyard
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Prayers written on wooden plaques by visitors
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In front of Meiji Shrine
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The central part of the shrine
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A full view of the shrine
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A wide view of the main yard at Meiji Shrine
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The beautiful Meiji Shrine Gyoen (inner garden)
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A wide view of the Meiji Shrine Treasure Museum
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Meiji Shrine next to Yoyogi Park
See also
In Spanish: Santuario Meiji para niños
