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It was a cool Sunday morning when we set out to navigate the Tokyo Metro (whose guide map looked rather like a plate of spaghetti!) to the Meiji Shrine, near Harajuku Station. Very simple really - Toei Oedo line to Shinjuku (where we stopped to pick up our Japan Rail Passes and make our rail bookings), the JR line to Harajuku. The large park where the shrine to the Meiji Emperor is located behind the station. A short walk through the crowds found us in a wide gravel path, lined with massive trees. We passed under two massive cedar Tori gates and within minutes, the bustle of the city was replaced by the tranquility of the forest. By the path we saw barrels of sake and wine, sadly lacking taps so they could be sampled. Lanterns and sconces in which fires could burn lined the ceremonial way, but were presently unlit.
At the Shrine, where the spirits of Emperor Meiji, and his Empress Shoken are venerated, visitors participate in traditional Shinto practices, washing at the well, making offerings at the main hall, buying charms, fortunes (Omikuji) and amulets, and writing wishes on wooden plates which are hung in the hope they will come true.
Meiji and Shoken ruled as Japan progressed from a feudal state to a modern nation. The shrine is a popular place to visit, especially at New Year, when millions make the journey.
At the Shrine, where the spirits of Emperor Meiji, and his Empress Shoken are venerated, visitors participate in traditional Shinto practices, washing at the well, making offerings at the main hall, buying charms, fortunes (Omikuji) and amulets, and writing wishes on wooden plates which are hung in the hope they will come true.
Meiji and Shoken ruled as Japan progressed from a feudal state to a modern nation. The shrine is a popular place to visit, especially at New Year, when millions make the journey.