Taiwan Shrine: A Thorough Explanation of the History and Remains of the Grand Shrine of Taiwan During the Japanese Colonial Era
Taiwan Shrine (Taiwan Jingu, Chinese: 臺灣神宮) was a Shinto shrine located in Taipei City, Taiwan, during the Japanese colonial period. It was considered the highest-ranking shrine in Taiwan. Formerly known as Taiwan Shrine (Taiwan Jinja), it was granted the title of “Shrine” in 1944 (Showa 19), and at the time of its closure, it held the rank of a Grand Imperial Shrine. Currently, the Grand Hotel Taipei stands on the site, and some of the original remains still exist.
Overview of Taiwan Shrine
Taiwan Shrine was the highest-ranking shrine in Taiwan, established during the Japanese rule of Taiwan, and functioned as the grand guardian shrine for the entire island. It was located at the foot of Jiantan Mountain, in what is now Zhongshan District, Taipei City, and situated in a scenic location overlooking the Keelung River.
Originally established as the Taiwan Shrine, the enshrinement ceremony was held on October 27, 1901 (Meiji 34). It was constructed with a massive budget of over 360,000 yen, a considerable sum for the time. This amount represented a significant portion of the annual budget of the Taiwan Governor-General’s Office.
The shrine held the rank of Kanpei Taisha, the second highest rank among shrines. It played a crucial role as a symbol of Japanese rule and development in Taiwan, and as a spiritual center for the Taiwanese people.
Deities Enshrined
The Taiwan Shrine enshrines multiple deities, and its composition has changed over time.
Original Deities (Taiwan Shrine Era)
At the time of its founding, the Taiwan Shrine enshrined the following four deities:
- Ōkunitama-no-Mikoto: Guardian deity of the land
- Ōnamuchi-no-Mikoto: God of pioneering, another name for Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto
- Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto: God of medicine, hot springs, and exorcism
- Prince Kitashirakawa-no-Miya Yoshihisa: A member of the imperial family who died during the conquest of Taiwan
Ōkunitama-no-Mikoto, Ōnamuchi-no-Mikoto, and Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto are known as the Three Gods of Pioneer, chosen as deities to pray for the development and cultivation of new lands. These deities are also enshrined at Hokkaido Shrine (then Sapporo Shrine), demonstrating the consistency of Japan’s shrine policy during its colonial rule.
Prince Kitashirakawa Yoshihisa, as commander of the Imperial Guard Division, landed in Taiwan during the 1895 (Meiji 28) Taiwan Expedition. He contracted malaria in Tainan while fighting in various locations and passed away. As a member of the imperial family who laid the foundation for the administration of Taiwan, he commanded special reverence.
Renaming to Taiwan Shrine and Addition of Amaterasu Omikami
On June 17, 1944 (Showa 19), by a Ministry of Home Affairs notice, Amaterasu Omikami was added to the shrine’s enshrinement, and at the same time, the shrine was renamed from Taiwan Shrine to Taiwan Shrine. This brought the number of enshrined deities to five.
The addition of Amaterasu Omikami is believed to have been intended to enhance loyalty to the imperial family in Taiwan and boost morale during the increasingly difficult Pacific War. The granting of the title of “Shrine” was unique in Taiwan, indicating a further elevation of the Taiwan Shrine’s status.
History
Background of Founding
The founding of Taiwan Shrine (later Taiwan Jingu) began after the cession of Taiwan to Japan following the Treaty of Shimonoseki (1895) following the First Sino-Japanese War. The construction of the shrine was planned to demonstrate the legitimacy of Japanese rule over Taiwan and to establish Japanese culture.
Initially, there was a plan to build the shrine in Tainan, the place where Prince Kitashirakawa Yoshihisa died, but ultimately, Taipei, the political and economic center of Taiwan, was chosen. Jiantan Mountain, chosen as the construction site, is a scenic spot overlooking the Taipei Basin and was considered auspicious from a feng shui perspective.
Founding of Taiwan Shrine (1901)
Construction began in 1899 (Meiji 32), and the enshrinement ceremony was held on October 27, 1901 (Meiji 34). This date was intentionally chosen, as it was the day before the anniversary of Prince Kitashirakawa Yoshihisa’s death.
The enshrinement ceremony was a grand affair, attended by many Japanese settlers, including high-ranking officials from the Taiwan Governor-General’s Office. The shrine grounds were developed with a main hall, worship hall, gate, purification fountain, and shrine office, and stone lanterns lined the approach.
Development Period (1901-1944)
After its founding, Taiwan Shrine developed as the spiritual center of the Japanese community in Taiwan. The annual grand festival on October 27th was attended by the Governor-General of Taiwan himself, and attracted many worshippers.
From the 1920s to the 1930s, as the Japanese population in Taiwan increased, the shrine’s facilities were expanded. A treasure hall was built on the grounds, displaying items related to Prince Kitashirakawa Yoshihisa and materials concerning the administration of Taiwan.
The approach to the shrine from downtown Taipei was developed as the “Imperial Envoy Road,” paved with cobblestones and lined with cherry trees. This road corresponds to a part of the current Zhongshan North Road and was an important urban axis of Taipei City.
Renaming to Taiwan Shrine (1944)
On June 17, 1944 (Showa 19), Taiwan Shrine was renamed Taiwan Shrine. This was done to strengthen the loyalty of Taiwanese residents to the Imperial Family as Taiwan’s strategic importance increased towards the end of the Pacific War.
The granting of the title of “Shrine” followed that of Ise Grand Shrine and Meiji Shrine, signifying that it had attained the highest status for a shrine in Taiwan. At the same time, Amaterasu Omikami was added to the enshrinement, bringing the total number of enshrined deities to five.
End (1945)
With the end of the war on August 15, 1945 (Showa 20), Japan’s rule over Taiwan ended. On October 25 of the same year, Taiwan was returned to the Republic of China, and Taiwan Shrine was abolished.
Immediately after the end of the war, the facilities of Taiwan Shrine were temporarily seized by the Republic of China government. Subsequently, a fire broke out in 1952, destroying the main hall and other major buildings. While there are theories that this fire was arson, the truth remains unclear.
Architecture and Grounds
Shrine Architecture
The shrine buildings of Taiwan Shrine were magnificent structures based on the Shinmei-zukuri architectural style. The main hall was constructed of cypress wood, with a copper-plated roof and a dignified structure featuring chigi and katsuogi (decorative roof elements).
The worship hall had a hipped roof and a large karahafu (curved gable) on the front. The interior was spacious, designed to accommodate many worshippers.
The main gate was a magnificent vermilion-painted structure, with guardian deity statues on either side. The layout from the approach to the main gate and worship hall was carefully designed to give worshippers a solemn impression.
Grounds Layout
The grounds covered a vast area of approximately 150,000 square meters. Hundreds of stone lanterns lined both sides of the approach to the shrine, creating a magical atmosphere when lit at night.
The shrine grounds were home to centuries-old giant trees, creating a tranquil space far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. Many trees native to Taiwan, such as camphor trees and banyan trees, were planted, creating a unique landscape where Taiwan’s nature and Japanese shrine architecture harmonized.
A purification fountain was located along the approach, where worshippers purified themselves before proceeding to the main hall. The water was drawn from a spring on Jiantan Mountain and was known for its purity.
Bronze Dragons and Stone Sculptures
Taiwan Shrine featured bronze dragons as a distinctive decoration. These were unusual in Japanese shrine architecture, but are thought to have been incorporated considering Taiwan’s cultural background.
These bronze dragons miraculously survived the wartime metal requisition and even the 1952 fire. It is currently preserved at the Grand Hotel Yuanshan and displayed as the “Golden Dragon,” adorned with gold leaf.
Numerous stone sculptures, including guardian lion-dogs, were also installed. Some of these remain in Jiantan Park, allowing visitors to glimpse the atmosphere of that time.
Civic Life and the Shrine
Annual Events
Taiwan Shrine held various festivals throughout the year. The most important was the annual grand festival on October 27th, on which the Governor-General of Taiwan visited as an imperial envoy, and a grand ceremony was held.
On New Year’s Day, the first shrine visit of the year took place, attracting many Japanese settlers and Taiwanese people. It was especially customary for Japanese families to welcome the New Year at the shrine.
In spring, a cherry blossom festival was held, and the cherry tree-lined approach to the shrine was bustling with many cherry blossom viewers. Stalls lined the streets during this time, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Traditional Japanese life rituals, such as Shichi-Go-San (a coming-of-age ceremony for children) and Hatsumiyamairi (a first shrine visit for newborns), were also performed at Taiwan Shrine. This strengthened the bonds within the Japanese community living in Taiwan.
Connection to Education
Taiwan Shrine was also deeply connected to education. Several times a year, schools in Taipei led students to the shrine for worship. This was positioned as part of moral education.
Especially around the time of the annual festival on October 27th, many schools conducted shrine visits, where students learned about the shrine’s history and deities. This was also one way of instilling Japanese values in Taiwan.
Aspects as a Tourist Destination
Taiwan Shrine was not only a religious facility but also a representative tourist destination in Taipei. The view from Jiantan Mountain was magnificent, offering a panoramic view of the Taipei Basin, attracting many tourists.
Tea houses and souvenir shops were set up on the shrine grounds to cater to worshippers and tourists. It was particularly crowded during cherry blossom season and the annual festival.
Numerous postcards and photo books were published, making Taiwan Shrine a symbolic presence in Taiwanese tourism. Postcards from that era are still highly prized by collectors today.
Visits by Imperial and Royal Family Members
Many members of the imperial and royal families visited Taiwan Shrine. This demonstrated the importance of the shrine in the Japanese rule of Taiwan.
From shortly after its founding, it became customary for members of the imperial family visiting Taiwan to pay their respects at Taiwan Shrine. In particular, visits to the shrine were always included in the itineraries of imperial military officers from the army and navy when inspecting Taiwan.
In 1923 (Taisho 12), Emperor Showa (Prince Hirohito), then Crown Prince, visited Taiwan and paid his respects at Taiwan Shrine. This is considered one of the most important events in the history of Japanese rule of Taiwan, and the approach to the shrine was specially prepared, with a grand welcoming ceremony.
Furthermore, members of the Korean royal family and dignitaries from Manchukuo also visited Taiwan Shrine during their visits to Taiwan, demonstrating the symbolic role of the shrine in Japanese colonial rule.
Cultural Relics and Remains
Existing Remains
Although almost all of the buildings of Taiwan Shrine were lost in a fire in 1952, several remains still exist.
The most famous is the bronze dragon preserved at the Grand Hotel Yuanshan. These are now covered in gold leaf and displayed as “Golden Dragons,” serving as a symbol of the hotel. The intricate craftsmanship of the dragons demonstrates the high level of craftsmanship of the time.
Guardian lion-dogs remain in Jiantan Park, preserved as remnants of Taiwan Shrine. While weathered, these lion-dogs are valuable cultural assets that convey their original appearance.
Parts of the stone steps that were part of the approach to the shrine also remain, allowing us to imagine the scale of the approach at that time. Furthermore, some of the stone lanterns that were on the shrine grounds are scattered throughout the area and have been identified by collectors and researchers.
Photographic Materials and Records
A relatively large amount of photographic material related to Taiwan Shrine remains. Numerous images of Taiwan Shrine are recorded in pre-war postcards, photo albums, and tourist guidebooks.
These materials provide insights into the shrine’s layout, architectural details, and festivals. Photographs of the annual festival and visits by members of the imperial family are particularly valuable, conveying the shrine’s flourishing state at the time.
The official documents of the Taiwan Governor-General’s Office also contain numerous records concerning Taiwan Shrine, providing information on its construction history, budget, and festival details. These documents are held by research institutions in both Japan and Taiwan.
Influence of Taiwan Shrine
Shrine Policy in Taiwan
Taiwan Shrine was central to shrine policy throughout Taiwan. Following its founding, shrines were established throughout Taiwan, with over 200 shrines at its peak.
These shrines aimed to spread Japanese culture in Taiwan and to “Japanize” the Taiwanese population. Taiwan Shrine stood at the pinnacle of these local shrines, functioning as the center of the shrine network.
In various shrines throughout the region, a religious hierarchy centered around Taiwan Shrine was formed, with remote worship ceremonies being held in conjunction with the annual festival of Taiwan Shrine.
Impact on Urban Planning
Taiwan Shrine also had a significant impact on Taipei’s urban planning. The Imperial Envoy Road, developed as a pilgrimage route to the shrine, became an important urban axis in Taipei, and is now Zhongshan North Road, one of Taipei’s main roads.
The area around the shrine was designated as a religious and cultural district, and upscale Japanese residential areas were formed. These areas are still known today as upscale residential areas in Taipei.
The existence of Taiwan Shrine had a lasting impact on Taipei’s urban structure and can be said to have contributed to the formation of the current framework of Taipei City.
Post-War Treatment
After the return of Taiwan to Japan following the war, the treatment of the Taiwan Shrine site followed a complex history. Initially, the Republic of China government seized the site, and for a time it was used as a government-related facility.
After the 1952 fire, the Grand Taiwan Hotel was built on the site, and later, after a change in management, it became the current Grand Hotel Taipei. The Grand Hotel Taipei has developed into a leading luxury hotel in Taiwan, welcoming many state guests.
Interestingly, the hotel’s design incorporates feng shui principles, inheriting the sacred nature of the former shrine in a different form. Furthermore, its historical value is recognized, as evidenced by the preservation and display of the bronze dragon from the Taiwan Shrine.
Current Site of the Taiwan Shrine
Grand Hotel Taipei
Currently, the Grand Hotel Taipei stands on the site of the former Taiwan Shrine. Founded in 1952, this hotel is known for its magnificent Chinese palace-style architecture and is a landmark of Taipei.
The hotel building is 14 stories tall and features distinctive red pillars and golden tiles. Feng shui principles are incorporated into the design, and dragon motifs can be seen throughout. The bronze dragon from the former Taiwan Shrine, now adorned with gold leaf, is on display inside the hotel.
The view from the hotel is magnificent, offering a panoramic view of Taipei city. This scenery has remained unchanged since the time of the Taiwan Shrine, allowing you to experience firsthand why this location was chosen as a scenic spot.
Nearby Historical Sites
Near the former site of the Taiwan Shrine, there are numerous historical sites from the Japanese colonial era.
The National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine, adjacent to the Grand Hotel Yuanshan, was formerly the site of a National Shrine dedicated to the war dead of the Republic of China. While it now enshrines the spirits of the fallen heroes of the Republic of China, the changing of the guard ceremony is a popular tourist attraction.
Jiantan Park still retains the guardian lion statues from the Taiwan Shrine, making it a popular spot for history enthusiasts. From the park, you can see the Keelung River, allowing you to imagine the view seen by worshippers of the past.
Along Zhongshan North Road, some buildings from the Japanese colonial era remain, allowing you to glimpse the streetscape of that time.
Access
Access to the former site of Taiwan Shrine (Grand Hotel Yuanshan) is convenient.
It’s approximately a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride from Yuanshan Station on the Taipei MRT (subway) Tamsui-Xinyi Line. The walk from the station to the hotel is uphill, following what was once the approach to the shrine.
The hotel also operates a free shuttle bus connecting Yuanshan MRT Station and the hotel. The shuttle bus runs approximately every 20 minutes.
If using a taxi, it’s about a 15-minute ride from Taipei Main Station and about a 10-minute ride from Taipei Songshan Airport.
Historical Significance of Taiwan Shrine
Taiwan Shrine was a symbolic representation of Japan’s shrine policy during its colonial rule. Its 44-year period, from its founding to its closure, coincides with the history of Japanese rule over Taiwan.
Beyond its religious significance, Taiwan Shrine also held political and cultural meaning, making it an important historical site for understanding the complex historical relationship between Japan and Taiwan.
Currently in Taiwan, there is a growing movement to objectively re-examine the history of the Japanese colonial era. The remains and records of the Taiwan Shrine are being re-evaluated as valuable resources for understanding this period.
The fact that the Grand Hotel Yuanshan preserves and displays the bronze dragon from the Taiwan Shrine can be seen as an expression of an attitude of accepting history as a part of it, rather than denying it.
Summary
The Taiwan Shrine, as the highest-ranking shrine in Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period, played a significant political, religious, and cultural role. From its founding in 1901 until its closure in 1945, it attracted the faith of many people as the guardian shrine of Taiwan.
Currently, the Grand Hotel Yuanshan stands on its site, becoming an important landmark in Taipei. The preservation of remains such as the bronze dragon symbolizes the complex historical relationship between Japan and Taiwan.
Learning the history of the Taiwan Shrine is important for understanding the historical relationship between Japan and Taiwan. It will serve as a foundation for objectively examining the past and building friendly relations in the future.
When you visit Taipei, why not take a look at the Grand Hotel Taipei and the surrounding historical sites, and reflect on the history of Taiwan Shrine? You’ll be able to imagine the magnificent shrine that once stood on this site.
