Seeking Spiritual Peace in the Urban Forest: A Travelogue of Meiji Jingu in Tokyo

In the vibrant and bustling heart of Tokyo, there lies a lush forest, home to Meiji Jingu. This shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, is not only a significant landmark in Tokyo but also a symbol of the spiritual faith of the Japanese people. During this visit, we experienced the depth and charm of Japanese culture amidst the solemn atmosphere and natural tranquility. A Spiritual Cleansing on the Forest Path From the entrance of the shrine, we were drawn by the towering torii gates and the dense trees lining both sides. This “artificial forest,” composed of trees donated from all over the country, creates a serene world isolated from the city. Walking along the wide approach paved with gravel, each step made a soft sound, as if reminding us that we were entering a sacred space. Along the path, we saw neatly stacked walls of sake barrels on one side. These sake barrels from across Japan, alongside wine barrels from France on the other side, represent the fusion of traditional Japanese culture and Western culture, as well as a devout offering to the deities. The Majestic Shrine Main Hall Passing through layers of torii gates, we arrived at the central area of the shrine. A massive wooden torii gate greeted every visitor with its solemn grandeur. Beyond the torii stood the South Sacred Gate. This magnificent gate, with its simple yet imposing design, guided us into the main hall of the shrine. In the plaza in front of the main hall stood a giant sacred tree with a lush canopy full of life. It is said to be a pair tree symbolizing the love between Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Many people come here to pray for love and family happiness. The plaza was bustling with visitors and locals alike, all worshipping and praying, feeling the power of faith. The Artistic Beauty in Ice and Snow We visited during the New Year’s first shrine visit period, when the shrine was crowded, but this did not diminish our exploration of its beauty. In one corner of the shrine, we saw an ongoing ice sculpture exhibition. Exquisite ice sculptures of a phoenix spreading its wings and a lifelike giant dragon shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight. These ice sculptures were not only artistic displays but also added a unique charm to this solemn place. Summary Meiji Jingu is a great place to relax both body and mind and to experience traditional Japanese culture. It offers not only grand and solemn architecture but also refreshing natural scenery. In the lush forest, we escaped the city’s noise and found inner peace. Whether participating in grand festivals or strolling quietly along the approach, Meiji Jingu provides a unique and profound experience. On this journey, we not only admired the beauty of the shrine but also felt the depth and allure of Japanese culture.