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| Meiji Jingu's evergreen forest with 100,000 trees |
Why did I fall in love with Japan? I can list more than a hundred reasons—and that's just on the first visit. Here's one.
In the Japanese capital city, space is precious and costly. However, the enclaves of green spaces are never compromised. Nature and man are not separate; they exist within the same world and share its interrelated complexity. Such is Shinto, the “Way of the Gods.”
After scouring the luxury shops along Omotesando, the visit to Meiji Jingu, an evergreen forest at the end of the avenue, was wise. Imagine lazing about under the towering green foliage of 100,000 trees. It's quite rejuvenating after a long walk.
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| Torri leading to the shrine complex |
I entered the Meiji Jingu Park through an imposing 12-meter-high torii gate made of 1,500-year-old cypress. It was an expansive green oasis 700,000 square meters in space. The first step I took was a promise of an exciting journey into the heart of Japan's culture and history.
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| The Meiji Jingu Shrine |
Among Tokyo's numerous shrines, the Meiji Jingu ranks first in popularity. The shrine reached its completion in 1920, dedicating it to the 19th-century emperor, Emperor Meiji, who opened Japan to the West. The war in 1945 ravaged the shrine, and reconstruction commenced the year after. In an official designation, the Meiji Jingu Shrine was classified as Kanpei-taisha, which meant that Meiji Jingu stood in the first rank of government-supported shrines.
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| Nihonshu barrels. Sake donated to the Meiji Shrine |
Within the complex are the Naien, the inner precinct where the shrine buildings are and the treasure museum housing the articles of the Emperor and the Empress; and the Gaien, the outer precinct with the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery housing a collection of 80 murals illustrating the life of the Emperor, the National Stadium, and the Meiji Memorial Hall where Shinto weddings are held.
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| At the shrine complex |
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| The central sanctuary, where the Meiji emperor is enshrined |
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| Prayers |
Luckily, I chanced upon a couple of wedding marches on this visit. The scene was totally surreal. It was a picture of elegance I watched in awe.
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| A wedding at the shrine |
The visit to the Meiji Jingu and its evergreen forest invigorated me once more. It was time to move back to the streets of Tokyo and explore more of the city.
Let me share what I’ve learned everyone must do when visiting a shrine:
1. Approach the entrance and bow respectfully before entering.
2. Perform Temizu, the cleansing ritual. Wash the left hand first, followed by the right. Then rinse the mouth (do not drink the water or spit it back into the water source). If needed, wash the feet in the designated area.
3. Tip the ladle backwards to wash the ladle handle with the remaining water and place the opening down on the rack where it was.
4. After the cleansing ritual, enter the shrine. Always be aware of the areas allowed visitors.
5. When entering buildings, take off footwear.
6. Should you wish to pray, ring the bell prior to prayers.
7. If there is a box for donations, leave a modest one in relation to your means.
8. Bow twice and clap twice, holding the second. Then put your hands together in front of your heart for a closing bow after the prayers.
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| Cleansing ritual before entering the shrine |
This unknowledgable traveler only got to do the Temizu when entering the Meiji Jingue Shrine. Grin.
CONVERSATION