Meiji Jingu Shrine - immersion in the history of Shintoism - unusual excursions in Tokyo

Emperor Meiji was known for his love of writing waka. After himself, he left more than 100 thousand poems for the Japanese people. His wife, Empress Shoken, also wrote poetry in this genre. She has about 30 thousand poetic works to her credit.

“Writings in the form of omikuji, found in shrines, represent a kind of prediction of good luck or, on the contrary, predict trouble. In our case, the waka belongs to either Emperor Meiji or Empress Shoken,” says Miki Fukutoku, head of public relations at the Meiji Shrine.

2.1. Shibuya.

On the 4th, we decided to go with Sash (my roommate) to one of the most glamorous areas - Shibuya (渋谷). Coming out of the subway, I was amazed by the large “plasmas” on the buildings, on which various advertisements were displayed. I also saw that same crowded “pedestrian crossing-anthill”. It’s a very cool feeling when you cross it at the green light in the first rows, it feels like you’re at war, because hundreds of people are coming towards you.

Crossroads in Shibuya

Afterwards we went to the monument to the world famous dog “Hachiko” (ハチ公). Then we went to look for Shibuya Ichimarukyu: (渋谷109) - a very famous fashion boutique for girls, but I really wanted to take a look.

Hachiko statue. Shibuya.

Shibuya 109

Leaving Shibuya Ichimarukyu: (渋谷109) we went for a walk around the outskirts of Shibuya and at about 5 o’clock I decided to go to my girl and “throw out” Sashka along the way. We went to Keio station and there I told him in detail how to get to our station (after much persuasion, I made him trust me and go alone , I also realized that such a person in Tokyo could get lost like two fingers (he knew neither English nor Japanese languages), but I also understood that he was a smart guy and would cope with my instructions on how to go, since the names of the stations are written in Latin, I told him to count so many stations and just get off at the right one. In general, I put him on the slowest train and told him how many stations to count and then just get out, and I myself was waiting for the Express or deputy express, so that it would be a bit far for me to go (all the way to Tama Reien 多磨霊園).

Crossroads in Shibuya

In general, I got there in about 40 minutes. It was already dark, at 5 o’clock you can already watch the sunset, at 5:30 everything gets dark, and at 6 o’clock it’s already dark. In general, I went to Tama Reien (多磨霊園), so you know it is translated as “Tama Cemetery”. That was cool.)) In short, I got pretty lost and forgot how to get to mine, because I had only been there a couple of times. In general, I wandered for a very long time, about an hour and a half, although it only took about 20 minutes to walk there.

While I was walking, I saw various posters with calls “Be strong, Japan!” I went after the Fukushima incident, so there were similar posters everywhere.

The next day we went looking for a Kaitenzushi (sushi bar) in my area, and soon found a very good (but a little pricey) Kaitenzushi near Ogikubo Station (荻窪) on the north exit.

A kind grandfather was in charge there, and he really liked us. While “creating” the next dish, he told us that his friend opened a sushi bar in Russia (somewhere in Vladik). And of course, he said a few words in Russian like “Okay, comrade, hello, Come on, come on!”)

I later went to this grandfather more than once and he always winked at us like, “Is there a dish?” His “trick” was that he put a huge amount of wasabi in the sushi... well, really a lot... sometimes it brought me to tears.

2.2. Meiji Temple.

So we decided to go to the Shibuya area again (with Sashko, my roommate) and explore it a little more. Since he didn't know any Japanese or Japan, he decided to stick with me. In general, around 11 am, we had a snack at Gyudon in Matsuya (松屋), which was located at Nishi-Ogikubo Station (西荻窪駅). Afterwards we didn’t go along the cheapest route (we used JR), but at that time I still hadn’t figured out all the subtleties and even just wanted to go JR. Having got off at Shibuya JR (渋谷JR) station, we went straight to the famous alley, where supposedly there were supposed to be cosplayers (these are those who dress up in different costumes :) ), but we didn’t take into account that on Thursday there weren’t really any of them there )) at first I thought I was in the wrong place and asked around where “the people who are dressed strangely” were, but at first they couldn’t find an answer to my question, then they guessed that I was talking about cosplayers. In general, they said that they should be here, but they weren’t there on Thursday. In general, a little disappointed, we walked to the Meiji Shrine (明治神宮) through the Yoyogi district (代々木).

Yoyogi District, Tokyo.

After we climbed onto the bridge overlooking Yoyogi National Stadium, we were almost at Meiji Shrine, all we had to do was cross the bridge.

Yoyogi National Stadium, Tokyo.

After crossing the bridge we immediately found ourselves at the Meiji Shrine.

Entrance to the Meiji Shrine grounds.

We “wash ourselves” before entering the temple.

And a little from Wikipedia about this place:

Meiji Jingu

(Japanese: 明治神宮
meiji jingu
:) is the largest Shinto shrine in Tokyo, dedicated to Emperor Meiji (明治天皇) and his wife Empress Shoken.

The shrine, located in central Tokyo, covers an area of ​​approximately 175 acres (70.82 hectares). Surrounded by trees, the building is a typical example of unique Japanese temple architecture. This style is called Nagarezukuri, and cypress from Kiso is used in construction. The garden features all varieties of trees and shrubs that grow in Japan. More than 100 thousand shrubs and trees were donated by people all over Japan.

I probably won’t add anything of my own here, I’ll just say that this is a very good place and a “Must Have” for everyone!

Below is a short video that was filmed on the grounds of the Meiji Shrine.

Gallery

• torii at the entrance to Meiji Jingu
• Barrels for the sake of (nihonshu

  ) transferred to the Meiji Shrine

• Barrels of Burgundy wine from France were donated to the Meiji Shrine
• Torii in the courtyard of Meiji-jingu
• Priests and girls wear traditional clothes as they prepare for a wedding at the Meiji Shrine.
• Women sign prayers in the main courtyard
• Prayers left by visitors
• In front of Meiji Shrine
• Central Sanctuary
• Panorama of the main courtyard of Meiji Shrine
• Yabusame demonstration for former US President George W. Bush (November 2001)
• Dedication to Ancient Martial Arts at the Autumn Festival (November 2, 2012)
• Dedication of ancient military weapons fireworks at the Autumn Festival (November 2, 2012)
• Demon Flower Holiday at the Autumn Festival (November 2, 2012)
• Meiji Gyoen Shrine (inner garden)
• Meiji Shrine with Yoyogi Park
• Kisenosato performing his first Yokozuna dohyo-iri

  at Meiji Shrine

2.4. Asakusa.

Before school began, we decided to drive into the distance of Tokyo, namely to Asakusa, and the next day to the Ueno Zoo. First we headed to Asakusa. Arriving there, the view in the metro was unforgettable, or rather there were various or painted walls or glass walls, under which there were various “exhibits”, like in a museum.

Subway walls. Asakusa.

Subway walls. Asakusa.

So, we reached the famous Kaminarimon Gate and on this gate hangs a huge Japanese Chochin lantern (提灯).

Kaminari-mon gate and huge Chochin.

Since it was Saturday, there were even more people than usual, because there are always crowds of people in Asakusa, because... this is the most famous place where you can “breathe” antiquity in Tokyo.

By the way, nearby is the Tokyo Sky Tree, whose height is 634 m, which is almost 2 times higher than the previous (Tokyo) tower. Tallest television tower in the world (as of 2012). Construction of the tower was completed in February 2012 (when I was already in Russia), but when I was in Asakusa the tower had already been completed.

Tokyo Sky Tree. View from Asakusa.

Tokyo Sky Tree. View from a building in Shinjuku.

The tower is used for digital television and radio broadcasting, mobile telephony and navigation systems. In addition, the tower has more than 300 boutiques, restaurants, an aquarium, a planetarium and a theater.

So, I got a little distracted, after that very gate we entered Nakamise-dori (仲見世通り) - the road leading to Sensoji Temple (浅草寺).

Nakamise-dori

Man selling Senbei (dried rice)

Entrance to Senso-ji Temple.

Senso-ji Temple.

Before entering the temple, we “fanned ourselves” with the smoke that comes from the candles. This smoke is considered medicinal.

Having entered the temple, we looked and went further... to a pond with carps.

Carp in Asakusa

Carp in Japan are considered a symbol of resilience and courage for their ability to swim even against strong currents, which is why they swim in all Japanese parks, temples, gardens, etc.

Next we went to a traditional style restaurant where they make Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) and Mojayaki (もんじゃ焼き), restaurants of this type in a place like Asakusa always have lines to enter. And we, after waiting 10-15 minutes, finally entered the restaurant and sat down at the table (on the floor). I ordered a beer and Mondzia.

Cooking Monja

After watching the street performance we went home.

Notes

1. "Meiji Shrine". Retrieved 2008-03-22.
2. ^ a b
   "Introduction". Meiji Jingu. Archived from the original on 2008-03-11. Retrieved 2008-03-22.
3. Hardacre, Helen (2013). "Meiji Shrine". In Huffman, James L. (ed.). Modern Japan: An Encyclopedia of History, Culture and Nationalism
   . Rutledge. paragraph 151. ISBN 9781135634902. Retrieved March 29, 2015.
4. ^ a b
   Rea, G. B. (December 1920).
   "Great Meiji Shrine" Far Eastern Review
   .
   XVI
   (12): 649.
5. "Meiji Shrine". Encarta
   . Microsoft. Archived from the original on 2009-11-01. Retrieved 2008-03-22.
6. Ponsonby-Fane, Richard. (1959). Imperial House of Japan
   , item 126.
7. "Shrine Building" Archived from the original on 2008-03-11. Retrieved 2008-03-22.
8. "Germany and Japan share the same values." German Federal Foreign Office. January 14, 2010. Archived from the original on 02/07/2010.
9. "Rituals and Events". Meiji Jingu. Retrieved 2020-11-17.
10. "Glossary of Sumo Terms: Harajuku." SumoForum.net
    . Retrieved 2020-11-17.