::Meiji Shrine::

On February 11 from 10:00 am, "Kigensai", a ritual ceremony commemorating the foundation of Japan, is held at Meiji Jingu.

It is said that Emperor Jinmu, the first Emperor of Japan, was enthroned at Kashihara-no-miya in Nara prefecture on this day 2668 years ago.

During "Kigensai", Shinto priests in festive attire offer food and recite prayers.

Meiji Jingu is the Shinto shrine dedicated to the divine souls of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Emperor Shoken. Emperor Meiji passed away in 1912 and Empress Shoken in 1914. After their demise, people wished to commemorate their virtues and to venerate them forever, and so this shrine was constructed, and their souls were enshrined on November 1, 1920.

Emperor Meiji

Emperor Meiji, the second son of Emperor Komei, was born on November 3, 1852 in Kyoto and named Mutsuhito. Ascending the throne at the age of sixteen, he announced The Five Major Policies, and fulfilled the Meiji Restoration. 

During the Meiji Era (1868-912), Japan flourished the Meiji Constitution, established parliamentary institutions, promoted friendship with overseas countries, and fostered the development of the nation in every cultural field. It was the most glorious and prosperous period of all the Japanese history of more than 2,000 years. It was in that period that the bases of modern Japan were built up. After his demise in 1912, he was buried in the Fushimi Momoyama Ryo (Graveyard) in Kyoto, his soul being enshrined in Meiji Jingu.