Tokyo Explorer

The Meiji Jingu Treasure Museum is situated in the grounds of the main Meiji Jingu Shrine, a short walk from the main shrine buildings and approach.

A single storey concrete building dating back to 1921, but apparently constructed in the Oyukazukuri style of the much earlier State Treasure House in the city of Nara, near Osaka, the building does, at first appear to be at least two floors in height.

Within its walls are to be found a number of artifacts related to the　1868-1912 reign of the Meiji Emperor and his wife.

Of perhaps the most interest to the average visitor, however, is the horse drawn carriage used by the imperial couple on official travel in the late 19th and early 20th centuries; a black and red, gold trimmed affair that would not look out of place in any of the European capitals in the Middle Ages.

Although at least one famous English language guidebook passes the museum off as “pretty unexciting“, chances to view the lives of Japan’s imperial family up close and in person, come few and far between – perhaps the only other regular opportunity in Tokyo the museum in the outer gardens of the Imperial Palace proper – making this a museum not to miss for those interested in either the nation’s imperial lineage or, in particular, the Meiji-era named after the Emperor himself.

NB: A small entrance fee does apply, and the museum is closed on the third Friday each month, otherwise it is open daily from 09:00 - 16:30.