A torii gate along the forested approach to Meiji Shrine Meiji
Shrine (明治神宮, Meiji Jingū) is a shrine dedicated to the deified
spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken.
Located just beside the JR Yamanote Line's busy Harajuku
Station, Meiji Shrine and the adjacent Yoyogi Park make up a
large forested area within the densely built-up city. The
spacious shrine grounds offer walking paths that are great for a
relaxing stroll. The shrine was completed and dedicated to the
Emperor Meiji and the Empress Shoken in 1920, eight years after
the passing of the emperor and six years after the passing of
the empress. The shrine was destroyed during the Second World
War but was rebuilt shortly thereafter. Emperor Meiji was the
first emperor of modern Japan. He was born in 1852 and ascended
to the throne in 1867 at the peak of the Meiji Restoration when
Japan's feudal era came to an end and the emperor was restored
to power. During the Meiji Period, Japan modernized and
westernized herself to join the world'