Meiji Jingu

my friend got me a charm for good results from meiji jinguu for my JLPT 2 exam…

i brought it with me to the exam…

and miraculously passed it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i HAVE to go back and give thanks.

and get more charms…

You know, I really don’t like royalty or the concept of it, and I especially dislike the ideas of worshopping the royal family of Japan and such perhaps given my Okinawan roots. That is why I thought that if time was pressing I would not visit Meiji Jingu during my most recent trip to Japan. However, I am glad I went. It’s a fairly nice place, quite a long peaceful walk (watch out for insects if you are prone to bites). During my trip I remembered and learned more about the Meiji era and gained some/more respect for the rulers at that time. Although, when you visit the shrine you really don’t get a sense that it is dedicated to the emperor/empress and it is not overwhelming like that and much more subtle like Japanese culture itself. Hard to believe such a place is right behind Harajuku Station, a place I have visited several times and Meiji Jingu just this once.

The lightning shaped paper and ropes mark a separation between the sacred and the rest of the world. The trees below are sacred trees.

Located in Tokyo, so it’s easy to get to and get around. Not the most fantsctic of shrines in Japan, but arge and popular and a good example of a Japanese shrine. It can get ridiculously busy on new years, when everyine comes to say their prayers. It’s a good trip if you’re checking out Harajuku, Yoyogi Park and Shibuya because they’re all fairly close.

Please correct the spelling of Meiji Jingu — resting place of the Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken who ruled Japan during the Meiji Era (1868-1912). This is one of the most tranquil places in all of Tokyo. I’ve seen tea ceremonies, horseback archery, and a wedding here. The iris garden is superb, too. At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, this is one of the most famous (and crowded) places to be as they ring out the 108 sins of mankind.