Meiji Jingu 明治神宮

We visited Meiji Jingu on 27 December, 2007. We went there via the JR train.

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Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine. Shinto is called Japan's ancient original religion, and it is deeply rooted in the way of Japanese life. Shinto has no founder, no holy book, and not even the concept of religious conversion, but Shinto values for example harmony with nature and virtues such as "Magokoro (sincere heart)". In Shinto, some divinity is found as Kami (divine spirit), or it may be said that there is an unlimited number of Kami. You can see Kami in mythology, in nature, and in human beings. From ancient times, Japanese people have felt awe and gratitude towards such Kami and dedicated shrines to many of them.
This shrine is dedicated to the divine souls of Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken (their tombs are in Kyoto).

Emperor Meiji passed away in 1912 and Empress Shoken in 1914. After their demise, people wished to commemorate their virtues and to venerate them forever. So they donated 100,000 trees from all over Japan and from overseas, and they worked voluntarily to create this forest. Thus, thanks to the sincere heart of the people, this shrine was established on November 1, 1920.

Waka Poetry by Emperor Meiji
When we are grown
And at last can stand alone
It is the blessing
Of having caring parents
That should not be forgotten.

Even after we are grown up and independent,
We should not forget the great blessing we received by having parents who raised and cared for us.


Waka Poetry by Empress Shoken
Although deep and dark
And path can be followed
If, as in all things,
One can clearly distinguish
The beginning from the end.

If one understands the sequence that exists between the beginning and the end of everything, then any deep and difficult path of learning can be fully mastered.

Extracted from http://www.meijijingu.or.jp/english/about/1.html