Meiji Jingu Shrine

Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine in Shibuya, right beside Yoyogi Park not far from Harajuku. Huge trees lean over wide walkways dappled with sunlight and shade. It is winter now so most of the gardens and ponds are still sleeping but I imagine it must be beautiful in the summer when everything is in bloom. It is a good place to have a relaxing walk away from the buzz of Tokyo.

Torii gate Meiji Jingu shrine
Massive Torii gate at the entrance to the forest. By passing through this gate, you transition from the concrete city to the quiet forests surrounding the sacred shrine.
a sun dappled walkway under trees Tokyo
The forest is made up up 100000 trees donated from all over the country when the shrine was being built. Construction began in 1915 and was completed in 1921.
Meiji jingu shrine main building
This original building was destroyed by air raids during World War 2 and was rebuilt by 1958.
traditional Japanese Shinto wedding with red umbrella
Traditional Shinto Japanese Wedding. The red umbrella wards off evil and symbolizes good fortune. It also works to keep the bride dry should it rain on her wedding day. I understand that these weddings are common at Meiji Jingu but I was still happy I got to witness one in person.
Wood detail from a gate
Visitors writing Ema at Meiji Jingu shrine
Visitors writing out Ema. Ema are small rectangular wooden plaques that visitors purchase and then inscribe with their wishes, prayers or messages of gratitude. They are then hung up on this rack at the shrine where they are believed to connect the spiritual and earthly realms.
Sake barrels on display at Meiji Jingu shrine
Sake Barrels donated to the shrine by local brewers. Sake is a popular offering in Shintoism.
Torii gate Meiji Jingu shrine

Here is a link to the official Meiji Jingu shrine website for more information.

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