Japan’s Emperor Meiji
The Japanese consider their 122nd leader, Emperor Meiji, to be the founder of modern Japan.
Not in a political or geographical sense – the country was well and truly established by the first 121 emperors. But in a cultural sense, he laid the foundations for the country which we know today.
It’s for this reason he is commemorated at one of the most important landmarks in Tokyo – the Meiji Shrine (which obviously bears his name).
Emperor Meiji died in 1912 and, in the years before his death, he faced a period where Japan was being forced to open itself more to the world.
But rather than continue with the isolationist attitude of his predecessors and fight the tides of globalisation, he carved out a path that would lead to the rise of Japan in the 20th and 21st centuries.
He took the initiative to promote harmonious relationships with other cultures, introduce the ways of the Western world and develop technology from overseas – but do it all while preserving the unique traditions and identities of his nation.
If that sounds like modern Japan, you’re right. Emperor Meiji moulded a society that looks very similar to the one I’m visiting now – one that has survived war, depression and cultural imperialism without losing its identity or its friends (in the long term… let’s not talk about that difficult period in the 1940s).
The Meiji Shrine in Tokyo
The people of Japan had so much love and respect for Emperor Meiji that they wanted to give his memory a gift after his death.
The large forest the Meiji Shrine sits in was donated by the public. In total, more than 100,000 trees were gifted to build the park which is still an oasis of green in the world’s largest city.
The main shrine buildings in the centre of the park are made from Japanese cypress with copper plates for the roof. The current buildings were constructed in 1958 after the original ones were bombed during thee Second World War (remember that difficult period I mentioned just before?).
In the central complex there is also a sacred music hall and some smaller buildings used to house artwork. Further afield, in the forest, you can find a treasure museum and a martial art training hall.
The Meiji Shrine is one of the busiest sites in Tokyo for tourists. There’s a steady stream constantly walking underneath the enormous tori gates at the entrances.
Perhaps they come because their guidebook told them they should, perhaps they come because it’s free and seems like an attractive option for a morning in an otherwise quite expensive city, maybe they come because it’s next to the popular sightseeing area of Harajuku.
I doubt most people come here because they are interested in Emperor Meiji and want to see his shrine and learn more about his life. But we would be disrespectful not to pay him some credit.
Without his foresight and guidance of Japan, we might still not be welcome here!
THE BEST ACCOMMODATION AT TOKYO STATION
Tokyo is a huge city and there are lots of different areas you could stay. For tourists, I would recommend either around Tokyo station or Shinjuku.
BACKPACKER
If you’re looking for a backpacker option, you can get comfortable dorm beds at the great Wise Owl Hostel.
BUDGET
Tokyo is expensive but APA Hotel Ginza-Takaracho is a good price for a nice hotel near the station.
BOUTIQUE
For a trendy modern hotel close to the station, I think you’ll like The Gate Hotel Tokyo by Hulic.
LUXURY
And for one of the best hotels in Tokyo, I would recommend The Peninsula.
THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN TOKYO: SHINJUKU
Staying in Shinjuku puts you in one of the busiest parts of city, which is great for exploring during the day and at night.
BACKPACKER
BUDGET
An affordable hotel in central Shinjuku is IBIS Tokyo Shinjuku.
BOUTIQUE
If you’re looking for a cool design hotel, then Bespoke Hotel Shinjuku is a great choice.
LUXURY
And for a luxury stay, you can’t go past the gorgeous Park Hyatt.
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT TOKYO?
Here are some of my top stories about Tokyo:
- The perfect 3 day Tokyo itinerary
- The best things to do in Tokyo at night
- Visiting the most important shrine in Tokyo
- How to see the famous Tokyo fish markets
- Why the war memorial presents a different history
- This is Tokyo’s only World Heritage Site
- Play with some cats at one of the original cat cafes
- Or, for something different, visit an owl cafe
- The strange museum of parasites in Tokyo
- How to experience an earthquake in Japan
Let someone else do the work for you:
You may also want to consider taking a tour in Japan, rather than organising everything on your own. It’s also a nice way to have company if you are travelling solo.
I am a ‘Wanderer’ with G Adventures and they have great tours in Japan.
You could consider:
- Japan Express (9 days)
- Backroads of Japan (11 days)
- Discover Japan (14 days)
When I travel internationally, I always get insurance. It’s not worth the risk, in case there’s a medical emergency or another serious incident. I recommend you should use World Nomads for your trip.
zoomingjapan |
I think Meiji Shrine is one of the most popular shrines in Tokyo.
Most foreign tourists visit it and they even have items (e.g. omikuji = fortune-telling paper strips) in English – which is rare!
What I find interesting is that the shrine is right next to the colorful and hyper shopping streets of Harajuku. It’s two different worlds, but that’s Japan.
Michael Turtle |
You’re right about the contrast between Harajuku and the Meiji Shrine. it’s quite odd to walk from the train station with all the strangely-dressed young hipsters and suddently be in a forest with one of the most important shrines in the country. But that’s what is so great about Japan!!
Lane |
Your images are always so stunning. Great info also.
Michael Turtle |
Thanks so much. I got lucky with the weather at the Meiji Shrine because it had been a bit rainy the couple of days before. I’m not good enough to deal with bad light! 🙂
Laura @Travelocafe |
Words cannot express how much I miss Japan. It was so nice to read your post.
Michael Turtle |
I can completely understand why you miss it The good thing is that there is so much to see, there’s always a good reason to come back!
Andrew |
I know so little about Japanese history other than what is shown in Anime. Meiji sounds like a cool figure. Need to find some more about him.
Michael Turtle |
Ha ha – I think there’s probably a little bit more to Japanese history than the cartoons cover. But, then again, that’s probably the most interesting stuff 🙂