Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu), Shinto shrine at Yoyogi, Shibuya Ward in Tokyo, Japan, dedicated to the souls of Japanese Emperor Meiji (reigned 1867-1912) and his wife. After the emperor's death in 1912, the Japanese Diet (parliament) passed a resolution to commemorate his leading role in the Meiji Restoration with a shrine. The imperial family lands chosen included famous iris gardens reportedly designed by the emperor for his wife. Begun in 1915, the shrine was built in traditional Shinto style, with low wooden buildings surrounding square courtyards. It was formally dedicated in 1920, completed in 1921, and its grounds finished by 1926. Destroyed in an American air raid on Tokyo during World War II (1939-1945), Meiji Shrine was rebuilt through a public fundraising effort, being finally completed in 1958. The shrine and its grounds, which are open to the public, are popular tourist attractions. Situated in parkland, the shrine is approached down long gravel walks and its torii gates are the largest in Japan. The Treasure House in its grounds houses regalia and mementos of Emperor Meiji and his consort. The annual shrine festival is on November 3.