A torii gate at the entrance to the Outer Precinct
Meiji Shrine: an Emperor’s Resting Place
This is a Shinto shrine, built for the deified spirits of the Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shöken after the Emperor’s death in 1912. The shrine itself, the burial place of the emperor, is in the heart of the forest.
We watched as a man approached the purification trough, filled a large ladle with water, and rinsed both of his hands. We did the same and followed him towards the main hall, where he entered to make his prayers and offerings. We did not go in: this is a place of worship, and we were the only tourists there.
Hundreds of emas were hanging on a stand outside the shrine: these are the wooden plaques on which worshippers write their wishes once they have completed their devotions.
Worshippers write their wishes on wooden emas
Inner Garden (Meiji Jingu)
The shrine complex was built around the Meiji Jingu, a garden dating from the Edo Period (1603-1867). This was a place where the Emperor and Empress sought quiet and solitude during their lifetimes. The lake, full of large golden carp, was a favourite fishing spot for the Emperor, and he had a teahouse built among the irises and azaleas for Empress Shöken (the teahouse burnt down during the war but has since been rebuilt).
We stood by the lake where some boys were putting food on their hands and waiting for small birds to swoop down and claim it. Then we walked down to the Kiyo-masa Well, built by a 17th century warlord. According to the guidebooks, the well is a magnet for visitors who believe they can draw positive energy from it, but we had it to ourselves. It was peaceful, if not energising.
Many people believe they can draw positive energy from the Kiyo-masa Well
The Outer Precinct
The Empress visits patients at the hospital for which she was a patron
Gifts of wine from French wineries
Thank you so much for sharing your story! Just reading it I could feel the peace of the place. And I REALLY needed that today!
It's beautiful! And as much as I hate the cold, I'm sure it was worth it to soak in the silence!
How beautiful! It looks so peaceful. I wish I can visit there one day.
I can easily imagine how relieved you felt after the Tokyo crowds! Excellent post Karen!
This was one of my favourite highlights of Tokyo. Such a peaceful haven, I really could have stayed there forever! Great write up.
I also went to Meiji Shrine while in Tokyo in December and it was just like you describe it. And really cold :)!
I love that wall of wishes!
Looks great – I haven't been to Japan, but the Japanese Garden in Singapore is probably one of the most peaceful places in the city.
Some similarities between Singapore and Tokyo – in particular the contrast between the gardens and the busy streets outside!
I have never been to a temple or a shrine, so I would not know what to do. Looks like a great place to see a different culture.
Always enjoy visiting temples, it's a very different experience.
Angela, if you consult a guidebook or the website before you go you will find out some of the things you should or shouldn't do. Lots of temples have instructions for tourists outside as well. Apart from that it's just a matter of watching what other people do and making sure you respect people who are there for worship. As you say, it's great for observing different cultures.
What a beautifully written piece Karen. I really felt the solace of the solace through your words.
So serene. I feel at peace reading this, as it reminds me of one of my favorite places to sit and just be. The Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge NH, US, is a multi-denominational outdoor shrine, of sorts, and memorial to fallen soldiers with a stunning view of Mount Monadnock and nature trails that wind through various themed gardens and burial plots. I was also married there. I've been meaning to do a post on it and you have inspired me to get serious about it so I can evoke the same feelings you have here.
I look forward to reading your post!