Meiji Jingu

Meiji Shrine, torii gate at the northern entrance

Over the weekend, we went to Tokyo for a little vacation. This time around we headed to Meiji Jingu, the famous shrine in Tokyo. In 1920, the shrine was built to deify the Emperor Meiji and his wife (though their bodies aren't buried here). Emperor Meiji was one of the most influential emperor's in Japan's history. If you've heard of the Meiji Revolution, this is the time period when Emperor Meiji reigned (obviously) and ushered in Japan's industrial revolution, changing things forever. Many people visit the shrine every day, and it's a popular tourist attraction. I'm glad we went on a Monday rather than during the weekend! There were still many people, and a few buses full of tour groups, but we were able to avoid/ignore them.

Now, Tokyo is a megacity. Huge buildings, lots of noise, lots of people, and it can be overwhelming. In the heart of this bustle is a forest. Located in the Shibuya/Harajuku area of Tokyo you'll find this one place of serenity. As per typical Tokyo, you get off the train with the rest of the crowd and somehow maneuver your way up to fresh air once more, and make your way towards the enormous torii gate that marks one of the entrances to the Meiji Shrine grounds. The path is cement, and you make your way towards the towering wooden structure. You bow, and step through.

And that's when everything stops. Suddenly, you're surrounded by a dense and ancient forest. The trees are thick and their branches stretch upwards so as to block the sun and dapple the now-gravel path before you. The noise of the city is gone, blocked out by the trees that protect this one sacred place of quiet contemplation within a landscape of harsh metal. The path is wide and long, winding through the forest. Every now and then you hear bird song, and the trees will break overhead so you can see the sun and the clouds again. But there are no skyscrapers to be seen. The path splits, offering a detour towards some field or pond. An old stone bridge lets you gaze below at the turtles sunning themselves on the rocks, and a heron lands at the water's edge. Large coy fish flit about beneath the water's surface.

Eventually you make your way to the shrine proper. Massive wooden walls stretch out from the massive gate, with large wooden beams running along the bottom that you step over to enter the shrine complex. The space is large and open, and the trees have given way so the sun shines down brightly once more. Even with the other people that visit the shrine every day, you have room to walk and stretch your arms. Small booths sell charms and fortunes from the shrine, and on one side is the main shrine building, with prayer boxes out front. A small scattering of people line up in front of the boxes to make an offering and send a silent prayer.

You leave through the gate you entered, or through one of the other two gates. Once again you're back in the dark and silence of the forest. You meander, taking your time, knowing that soon you will be thrust back into the city. But you can't put it off forever. You take a moment before the large torii gate and turn around to see the path you have now walked. The sheltering trees sway slightly in the breeze, bidding you farewell. You bow once more, thanking whatever deity you choose for this moment of peace. And then you step through.