The jewel in Tokyo's crown is the grand Meiji-jingū Shinto shrine which was dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, whose reign from 1868–1912 coincided with Japan's transformation from isolationist, feudal state to modern nation. The main shrine is tucked away in Meiji-jingū Gyoen, a beautiful wooded grove which contains over 120,000 trees collected from all over Japan, and is accessed by a long winding gravel path which starts by passing through the first of several towering wooden Torii Gates. On the way, there is a wall of Sakedaru or sake barrels donated from sake brewers around Japan, which are are offered every year to the enshrined deities at Meiji Jingu Shrine. Before entering the final torii is the temizu-ya, where people purify themselves by pouring water over their hands, one of the tenets of Shintoism, before entering the main shrine, built of unpainted cypress wood with a bright copper-plated roof. Many make an offering, by tossing a five-yen coin in the box, bowing twice, clapping ones hands twice and then bowing again. To the right of the main shrine, kiosks sell ema, small wooden plaques on which prayers are written and hung for favour from the gods. We were very fortunate to have arrived during a Shinto wedding ceremony led by two priests and shrine maidens, followed by the couple sheltered under a red umbrella.
A monk standing before Torii Gate with his alms bowl
The 40-foot-high Torii Gate at the entrance to the Meiji Shrine Park is made of
1,500-year-old Japanese cypress
Wall of Sakedaru or sake barrels donated from sake brewers across Japan, which are are offered every year to the enshrined deities at the Meiji Shrine
Colourful group of Thai Buddhists getting their photo taken in front of the Sake Barrels
Temizu-ya where people purify themselves by pouring water over their hands before entering the main shrine
The spectacular North Gate of the Meiji Shrine
Shinto priest arriving for wedding ceremony at Meiji Shrine
Wedding party arriving in the rain
Shinto priests and shrine maidens
The Shinto marriage ceremony with the bride and groom standing under a red umbrella is led by two priests as the couple shares three cups of sacred rice wine
The North Gate of the Meiji Shrine glistening from the rain
Tatooed students at Meiji writing their wishes for votive tablets
Small wooden tablets or 'emus' are used by worshippers to write down their prayers or wishes,
and are hung at the shrine as a way of sending prayers to the gods
Meiji Shrine with votive wish cards in front
Like all religious sites across the world there is always a police presence
Japanese ladies in traditional kimono and obis
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