Meiji Jingu Inner Torii
About This Gate
The largest wooden myojin-style torii in Japan. Built from 1,500-year-old Japanese cypress (hinoki) from Taiwan in 1975. The bark is left natural — no paint, no lacquer. The grain patterns tell the tree's life story.
History
Meiji Jingu was established in 1920 to enshrine Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The original torii was damaged by lightning in 1966, and the current gate was erected in 1975. The cypress used was sourced from Taiwan, chosen for its exceptional size and quality. The torii was built using traditional joinery techniques without nails — a hallmark of master craftsmanship.
Symbolism
The natural, unpainted wood represents the Shinto principle of respecting nature in its pure form. The massive scale of the torii reflects the importance of Emperor Meiji in modern Japanese history. The myojin-style curved top (kasagi) is said to represent the curved roof of a shrine and the arc of the sky.
Photography Tips
Frame with the forest canopy for scale reference
Getting There
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station. The main entrance is a 1-minute walk from the station, through a forest path that takes about 10 minutes to reach the main shrine grounds.