Meiji Jingu Shrine Tokyo

Meiji Jingū Shrine is located within Yoyogi Park in Harajuku Tokyo, close to both Shinjuku and Shibuya. Meiji Jingu Shrine is one of the most important Shinto Temples in Tokyo and Japan. On New Years day the temple has over 3 million visitors to come to make a wish for the New Year.

Meiji Jingu Shrine is not as old as many temples and shrines in Japan, with construction starting in 1915 after the death of Emperor Meiji, who the shrine is dedicated to. The shrine took a few years to build, with it officially opening in 1921.

Located with the middle of Yoyogi Park, from Harajuku Train Station, you enter the park and make a long walk down the stone walkway, then enter the shrine via the massive Torii gates.

Along the side of the path at the entrance, there are large drums on either side of the walkway. On the right hand side, they have the traditional drums that are used to ferment sake. On the left hand side are wooden barrels for fermenting wine. The sake barrels are painted in bright colours to honour the gods.

Before entering the Meiji Jingū Temple, worshipers stop by the water fountain to cleans themselves. There are bamboo cups which are taken in the left hand to begin with and water is poured over the right hand. They then pass the cup to their right hand and pour water over their left hand. Water is then poured into the mouth to finish the cleansing ritual.

There are over 1000 traditional Japanese weddings held within the temple each year. If you visit on a weekend you will see a number of different ceremonies being performed.

Check out the location of Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo

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