Landscape Elements of Meiji Jingu in Thoughts and its Transition of planning Concept

Abstract

It is believed that there is a deep connection between shrine and forest. Meiji Jingu’s forest that was settled in 1920, is famous for being created to aim for completion after 100 years along with the thoughts of forest ecology. This is a historical study to explore the process of the construction of the Meiji Jingu and its planning philosophy focusing on its forest. This study conducted by collecting and using primary sources such as minutes and drawings, and was proceeded by considering both discourse and physical plan. As a result, the following were clarified. Not only the forest but also the water system and landform, especially, the behind of shrine buildings were conceived as the spatial element to produces the landscape experience in Meiji Jingu, and the ideas were derived from Ise Jingu and Nikko Toshogu shrine. Then, process of the development of the physical plan in Meiji Shrine construction were visualized. In addition, that the planning theory of shrine forest before that had been inconsistent with the conventional idea and situation, and the less of expense of the forest management were the reason for the change in the planning concept of the Shrine forest.