The day is a public holiday called Culture Day (Bunka no Hi), which was created in 1948, to promote and celebrate Japanese culture.
On that day special events are held in Meiji Shrine.
Why is this date so special? The most important connection is Emperor Meiji.
Culture Day’s Origin: November 3rd was originally the birthday of Emperor Meiji (1852-1912). Before World War II, this day was a major national holiday called ‘Meiji-setsu’.
Meiji Shrine’s Sprit: Meiji Shrine Shrine was built to honor and worship Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken.
The Current Festival
Because November 3rd is the Emperor’s birthday, the shrine holds its most magnificent annual event: the Autumn Grand Festival.
It’s a Birthday Celebration: The festival is essentially a grand event to commemorate the life and spirit of Emperor Meiji on his birthday.
Culture Celebration: The festival includes many special performances of traditional Japanese culture (like ancient martial arts and dance). This focus on traditional arts perfectly matches the spirit of Culture Day, which is a day to promote and celebrate Japanese culture.
So, the national holiday celebrates culture and peace, while the shrine’s festival celebrates the person who inspired it all—Emperor Meiji—on the same historically important date.
Meiji Shrine Chrysanthemum Exhibition
The beautiful chrysanthemum flowers were displayed as part of an event called the “Autumn Grand Festival Celebration Chrysanthemum Exhibition” (or Kikka-ten in Japanese).
What is Kikka-ten?
This exhibition is held to celebrate the Autumn Grand Festival.
It is a way to offer these carefully grown chrysanthemum flowers to Emperor Meiji, the deity enshrined here.
Why Chrysanthemums?
The chrysanthemum is a very important flower here because it was the Crest of Emperor Meiji. It has a deep connection to him. That’s why the chrysanthemum has been the imperial symbol of Japan since the Meiji Era.
When Can You See Them?
It is typically held from around October 25 until November 23 (Labor Thanksgiving Day in Japan).
Join our tour!
We have a tour in Meiji Shrine on November 16th. Please sign up for our tour from here.
Experience the Meiji Shrine and Harajuku with a Tokyo Free Walking Tour
On Nov 2nd we welcomed 16 guests from Canada, Singapore, France, the USA, Australia, Denmark and India. It was a clear day and we enjoyed the comfortable weather and beauty of nature in Meiji Shrine. Guests asked questions such as, “What is written on the sake barrels?” Guests and guides had fun during the tour. The tour was a great success.
Ready to Explore? Join Our Meiji Shrine and Harajuku Free Walking Tour Today!
Are you planning your trip to Tokyo? Come and see magnificent Meiji Shrine and Harajuku that is full of cute culture, and enjoy talking about many things with expert local guides.
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We look forward to sharing the history of the Meiji Shrine and and secrets of the sacred forest with you all!
Posted by Nikki