(Photo: Maggie)
We travelled from hotel on the Yamanote Line to Meiji-jingumae (Meiji Shrine). The nearest station on Yamanote Line to the shrine is Harajuku. When you come out of Harajuku station, turn right and walk till you see a small bridge on the right that leads to the shrine. It's about 5mins walk.
There's another station called Meiji-jingumae on the Tokyo Metro Line which is even nearer to the shrine.
On the day of our visit, the locals are busy preparing for the 90th anniversary of the shrine. To find out more about the shrine, visit http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3002.html
(Photo: Maggie)
We wondered if these were Singapore's version of the float. But they sure did look intimidating.
(Photo: Maggie)
The first gate that we encountered. It's a long walk from here to the main shrine. We took our time enjoying the mild sun rays warming our faces and the gentle breeze whispering at our ears. Perfect morning. Maybe because we have had our fair share of not-so-good weather, we were totally immersing ourselves in God's blessing of this perfect weather.
(Photo: Maggie)
Is the sky creating a crack between the trees or the trees creating a crack in the sky?
I was so hungry for the sun that I tried to avoid the shadow and walk in the sun as much as possible.
A little stream greeted as in the forested area beside the path leading to the main shrine.
(Photo: Maggie)
We saw barrels of wine which was a little mis-match with the surrounding and the Japanese culture. Below tells us why.
(Photo: Kaiyi)
Reason for the wine being there. The barrels of wine were given by the French.
(Photo: Maggie)
Finally we have arrived!
Clear sky. Yes, yes, yes!
A very traditional-looking lavatory.
The usual ritual. Totally cleanse yourself before entering. Do not sip from the ladle. Sip from your hand. And DO NOT SWALLOW the water.
Kaiyi enjoyed the sun, the breeze, her new boots from Asakusa and her new leggings from Uniqlo (Asakusa).
(Photo: Kaiyi)
One thing we found out about the shrines in Tokyo is there are a lot of opportunities for you to "donate" to the shrine, just like in Senjoji Temple at Asakusa.
This is the first way, you can make a wish by writing it on the paper provided and put in the envelope (also provided) together with some money (you decide the amount). Drop it in a box. Wish made. Fingers crossed if it can be fulfilled.
(Photo: Kaiyi)
The second method is also the most popular because of the novelty. Purchase a wooden hanging thingie for 500 yen, write your wish and hang it on the racks provided. There are at least a dozen of such racks around. We, the budget travellers refused to be taken in.
Make a wish, make a wish...
We just enjoyed ourselves reading about other people's wishes and hope they do come true for the owners of the wishes. I decided that the top 5 wishes are as follows.
1. World peace
2. Love life
3. Career
4. Family (children mainly)
5. Thanking Japan for the wonderful trip
Of course I am reading the wishes from the foreigners who wrote in English and Chinese. I wonder what the Japanese wished.
(Photo: Kaiyi)
Cute little girl in traditional costume standing beside a donation box. The girl is not a promotion gimmick. She was there with her parents to visit the shrine. Don't the Japanese love to dress up.
Another donation box that we fell for. Not for a wish. We paid 100 yen just to pick a poem by Empress Shoken. I picked.
(Photo: Maggie)
Here's what it says. Words of encouragement. And again I must proudly announce, 我是打不死的蟑螂！
Here are some other opportunities to donate.
1. Buy Japanese blessing bag to hang on your mobile phone or handbag. There are blessing for careers, love life, to ward away evil spirit, exams and etc. Any for slimming success?
2. Throw money in the well at the main hall and make a wish.
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