Culture - Meiji Jingu (Shrine)
Whilst Tokyo is very much a cosmopolitan city, surrounded by tall buildings and neon lights, there are pockets of culture that is very much a part of this multi-faceted city. One of my favourites spot for culture is Meiji Jingu. To avoid the crowds, make an early start to this Shinto shrine which is located in a lovely garden (take the Fukutoshin line to Meijijungumae, JR exit, South Shrine Gate). At the start of the park, you will be greeted by tall imposing wooden gates that are typical of Shinto shrines.
Along the way, witness the face-off of sake drums versus wine barrels.
If you're wondering why there are wine barrels on the road to a Shinto Shrine, read about the philosophy of Emperor Meiji on Japanese Spirit and Western Knowledge.
After a lovely stroll shaded by tall trees, you will arrive at the entrance of the shrine.
Typically, before you enter the shrine, visitors will perform a ritual cleansing of hands and mouth. As a foreigner, don't worry if you don't know what to do. There is a sign to assist you. Whatever you do, don't drink the water from the ladle. We saw some visitors doing so - not very hygenic at all!
For 500 yen a piece, Shinto believers can offer up prayers and gratitude written on a wooden tablet to the deities.
As with places of worship, Meiji Jingu is also a place where weddings take place. We noticed that Japanese wedding family and guests typically wear black for weddings, which is a big no no for Chinese weddings.
And if you don't mind tourists snapping away, you can also take your wedding photos at Meiji Jingu!
Meiji Jingu gets my vote for an experience of Japanese culture and religion in Tokyo.
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