Meiji Jingu Inner Garden
Meiji Jingu Inner Garden: Meiji Jingu Inner Garden or Jingu Nai-en or Gyoen actually existed long before Meiji Shrine. The garden was built in the early Edo Period (1603-1867) by Lord Kato of Kumamoto. The garden is particularly famous for its irises.
Meiji Jingu Inner Garden 明治神宮
- Garden History
- Meiji Jingu Inner Garden Features
- Nan-chi Pond
- Attractions and Best Times to Visit
- Meiji Jingu Shrine Access
- Nearby Meiji Jingu Shrine
- Tokyo Parks & Gardens
Iris Garden, Meiji Shrine Inner Garden, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo
Iris Garden, Meiji Shrine Inner Garden, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo
Long time ex-pats living in Tokyo have probably been to Yoyogi Park, and more specifically, Meiji Jingu (Shrine) many times, whether it's to visit the shrine itself, take pictures at the annual Shichi-go-san (7-5-3) ceremony in November or show friends the nearly 100-year old shrine and its grounds.
Perhaps they have been to Meiji Jingu dozens of times or more, but probably few have noticed the entrance to a small, beautiful garden located on the left side of their walk from Harajuku Station to Meiji Shrine.
Iris Garden, Meiji Shrine Inner Garden, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo
Iris Garden, Meiji Shrine Inner Garden, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo
History
Meiji Jingu Inner Garden (Jingu Nai-en or Gyoen) actually existed long before Meiji Shrine. The garden was built in the early Edo Period (1603-1867) by Lord Kato of Kumamoto. Kato is credited with finally finishing the building of Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan's three great castles, in 1610.
Meiji Jingu Inner Garden Features
Meiji Jingu Inner Garden is not large (83,000 square meters), but is definitely worth the 500 yen entrance fee.
The highlight of the garden is the iris garden, which is in full bloom from late May through late June. There are 1,500 iris plants of 150 species in the garden.
The garden is also surrounded by magnificent Japanese maples and other plants and trees.
There is also a separate azalea garden as well. Best seen in late April, some of the azalea trees are over 100 years old.
Nan-Chi Pond, Meiji Shrine Inner Garden, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo
Nan-Chi Pond, Meiji Shrine Inner Garden, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo
Nan-Chi Pond
One of the first things visitors will find upon entrance is tranquil Nan-Chi Pond, which is 8,300 square meters of pure spring water. Some of the carp present are said to be the offspring of the carp originally released into the pond by Emperor Meiji one hundred years ago.
Another garden highlight is Kiyomasa's well, touted as one of the most famous wells of the Edo Period. Year round the water remains at 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit).
The well water irrigates the iris garden and feeds water to the Nan-Chi Pond.
Overlooking the pond is Kakuun-tei, a teahouse built on the order of Emperor Meiji to be a rest house for Empress Shoken.
The gentle slope between the tea house and the pond is covered with a lush lawn.
If you are looking for a relaxing, tranquil place in Tokyo, this is a good choice.
Kiyomasa's Well, Meiji Shrine Inner Garden, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo
Kakuun-tei Tea House, Meiji Shrine Inner Garden, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo
Attractions and Best Times to Visit
ATTRACTION
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Trout Lily (Katakuri)
Mid-march to early April
Japanese Globeflower (Yamabuki)
Late-March to mid-April
Wisteria (Fuji)
April
Rhododendron Kaemfiri (Yamatsutsuji)
April to May
Iris (Hanashobu)
Late May to late June
Water Lily (Suiren)
June to September
Autumn Leaves
Late November to mid-December
Mandarin Ducks
November to March
Kingfisher
All year round
Kakuun-tei Tea House, Meiji Shrine Inner Garden, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo
Meiji Shrine Inner Garden, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo
Meiji Jingu Shrine Access
Meiji Shrine can be easily reached from the Omotesando Exit of Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line, Meiji-jingu-mae Station on the Chiyoda Subway Line or Kita-sando Station on the Fukutoshin Line of the Tokyo metro.
Meiji Shrine (meijijingu.or.jp)1-1 Yoyogi KamizonochoShibuya-kuTokyo151-8557Tel: 03 3320 5700
Meiji Shrine Inner Garden, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo
Near Meiji Jingu Shrine
Meiji Shrine is adjacent to the big Yoyogi Park that provides some of Tokyo's best people-watching. The cutting edge of Japanese street fashion is to be found in nearby Harajuku with its elegant Omotesando Avenue, and in the boutiques of Aoyama - all a short walk away. Shibuya and Shinjuku are a couple of stops on the Yamanote Line.
Visit Tokyo's famous sightseeing spots; Meiji Jingu Shrine, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, as well as Sensoji Temple. English-speaking guide and multilingual audio guides make the tour interesting and fun.
