One of the top hits in google for places to visit in Tokyo is the Meiji Jingu. It is an extensive garden with a Shinto shrine in the middle dedicated to the great Emperor Meiji who supposedly helped build Japan into the prosperous nation it is today.
There weren't much people entering through the Torii gate near Kita-Sendo station. So you can take tons of shots here, but note that the Torii gate is much smaller compared to the one near Harajuku station. From here on you can walk right and pass through a garden, Homotsuden(treasure musuem), and head towards the middle for the actual shrine.
This was the west side entrance for the shrine. Upon entering a wide courtyard with greets you with some sort or prayer/wishing tree in the side of the shrine.
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| West side entrance |
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| Courtyard facing South |
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| Ubiquitous in Japanese temples |
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| Where people write their wishes and aspirations |
The actual shrine where prayers and offerings are made. There is a bowing and clapping ritual that one needs to perform before the shrine.
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| Meiji Shrine |
I've read on blogs that it's also common to see traditional Japanese wedding ceremonies performed on the shrine. Unfortunately there wasn't any for today.
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| East gate of the shrine |
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| South exit |
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| Barrels of sake offered by different companies? |
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| Enough sake to last a lifetime |
I was a little bit underwhelmed by this shrine, especially in comparison with the ones in Kyoto. However, the neatness and order is remarkable not only for Meiji Shrine but almost anywhere in Tokyo. I especially enjoyed the huge Torii gates, such majestic architecture in such a simple structure.
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