History and Culture of Jingu Gaien

Story

Meiji Jingu Gaien was planned to be built on the former Aoyama Drill Ground to pass on to posterity the beneficial influence of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken for long.
Through donations of trees and money from the Japanese people across the country and voluntary work provided by youth groups, the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, Constitution Memorial Hall and sports facilities such as the track and field stadium, Jingu Stadium and sumo facility were built.
It was dedicated to Meiji Jingu in October 1926.
The Four Rows of Ginkgo Trees, a symbol of Jingu Gaien, were planted under the design plan of Dr. Orishimo Yoshinobu, who was said to be a leading master of modern Japanese garden landscaping.
The plan began with care of the ginkgo trees and was completed in 1923.
The use of perspective in the design was aimed at creating a scenic view of the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery beyond the rows of trees.

Restoration of lawn Restoration of the Plaza in front of the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery

In the days before World War II, a lawn garden spread in front of the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, which was the centerpiece of Jingu Gaien. After being requisitioned by the Allied Powers, sports facilities were created. The rubber-ball baseball ground and indoor ballgame facility remain to this day. With the redevelopment, the old scenic beauty of greenery will be revived. The plaza area measuring roughly 80 meters in width is expected to become a venue for relaxation and free passage. Alongside the protected the Four Rows of Ginkgo Trees, it is expected to become a landscape symbolizing the rich nature of Jingu Gaien.

History of Jingu Gaien Carrying on the wishes of our predecessors and passing them on to the coming generations

Taisho Era

Construction of the facilities and maintenance of the roadside environment

1912~1926

1926: Construction of Meiji Jingu Gaien; Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery / Gaien sports venues /
Jingu Stadium / Sumo facility; Omotesando / Urasando /
Pathway connecting the inner and outer gardens /
designation as landscape conservation district

Showa Era

Maintenance of scenic landscape with parks and other empty public spaces

1926~1989

1945: Requisition by GHQ of Allied forces
(for use as an athletic venue for US military officers and soldiers)
1947: Construction of Tokyo Rugby Ground
(renamed Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Stadium in 1953)
1951: Designation as urban planning park; Designation of Jingu Gaien District (project area)
as a landscape conservation district
1952: Provisional use of the central plaza area
as rubber-ball baseball ground
1957: Construction of tennis courts
1961: Jingu No. 2 Stadium construction
1970: Designation of Jingu Gaien District (project area)
as Type 2 landscape conservation district

Heisei Era

1989~2019

Reiwa Era

Restoration of the scenic landscape founded on historical heritage and creation of new scenic landscape to connect to coming generations

2019~

2026: Centennial anniversary of Jingu Gaien
2027: Completion of the rugby stadium
(Phase I) planned*
2032: Completion of baseball stadium annexed
with a hotel planned*
2034: Completion of the rugby stadium
(Phase II) planned*
2035: Completion of the central plaza planned*
* Subject to change with future schedule revisions

*The schedule is subject to change in the future.

History and culture will be carried
on for the next 100 years.

History & CultureHistory and Culture of Jingu Gaien