Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo was the first Shinto Shrine that we visited. We crossed the Torii gate and transported ourselves from the secular area to the sacred area of the shrine.
A Little About Meiji Jingu Shrine (just a little)
The shrine was established in 1920 for Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It was to commemorate their contribution to the modernization of Japan. Volunteers also took on the task of planting a variety of trees to create a surrounding forest. The forest has since been self sustaining and growing.
Our Second Day in Tokyo
We were up early and ready to take on our second day in Tokyo. The first day was just for orienting ourselves to the general surroundings. Of course, the noodles and sushi were also excellent. Our activity for the day was to visit the Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine. We had never been to a Shinto Shrine.
Sake Barrels Beyond The Torii Gate
We kind of recognized it but we were not sure. After confirming, we found out that the barrels were filled with sake wine. There were barrels of wine on both approach of the shrine. The barrels of wine were offerings. There were even barrels of wine from other countries.
Purification And Offering
Further down beyond the Torii Gate and the sake wine barrels were people gathering around a station. People were hand washing and bowing inside the station. This was Temizu and Sampai. The practice of a valuable virtue of purification before approaching the main sanctuary. There was a person inside the station who was providing information for those who were not familiar with Shinto practices.
Respectfully Observing From A Distance
There were a lot of people at the main sanctuary area. Shinto priests were walking single file down one of the hallways. A ceremony was ongoing but we did not understand what was going on. We opted to stand on one corner of the courtyard and observe. Photography was discouraged especially when a ceremony was ongoing. I did not know about this until after I took my photographs. I’ll do better next time. We also did our best to be quiet so as not to disturb the ceremony.
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There are other photographs that can be viewed here.
The temples in Japan are so fascinating. It’s interesting to hear that the barrels were filled with sake wine.
Hi L! Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine was really fascinating! I wish back then that I had more access to more reading materials. I could have understood more and appreciated more what is a Shinto Shrine.
We actually thought of something else about the barrels. It was a relief that it was filled with sake wine as offerings 😊
Have you been or any of your close friends been to Japan?
We went to Japan in 2018. We were only there for ten days though which wasn’t nearly enough time. We spent a bit of time in Tokyo, Kyoto and Nara. loved every minute of it.