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We headed to Western Tokyo to visit the most important Shinto shrine in Tokyo by the name of Meiji Jingu (the Imperial shrine).
Having passed the big gate and prior to entering the courtyard of the shrine complex we walked into an inner garden, whose existence dates to the Edo period having become the property of the Imperial family in 1868. Its area is approximately 83,000 square metres and has a varied type of scenery because of the different flower gardens, the tea house overlooking the pond and a trail going around the whole complex. I felt we hadn't had time to relax and thoroughly let the tranquil atmosphere take over, given the fact that we had a really tight schedule.
The main shrine grounds were accessed by a fairly wide graveled road under a large wooden gate. The graceful curving roofs of the shrines are said to be classic examples of Shinto-style architecture.
We soon came across some votive tablets for special personal prayers and gratitude towards the deities. They were not only written in the Japanese language so I couldn't resist reading some of them. I 've often wondered why it is so important for certain people to express one's dreams and wishes in writing. There were in fact quite a lot of people, Japanese and foreign alike "requesting" favours from the deities on wooden slats
As we made our way out we saw a number of sake barrels wrapped in straw, like the one that had been broken open in the ICAEA ceremony. During the Meiji era industrial growth and the modernization of Japan were strongly encouraged, so the barrels are in fact offerings wishing to show respect to both the souls of the Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
