From the vibrant and trend-setting Harajuku, we proceed to the more tranquil and traditional atmosphere of Meiji Shrine located within walking distance from Harajuku station.
A pic at the entrance before we proceed.
Pretty long walk from the entrance.
I wonder what is in these containers? Kimchi?
Another roll of barrels on the side. But I can tell it's wine over here. As to why is there Western wine in such a traditional place... ...The Meiji period was an enlightened period during which a policy of Japanese Spirit and Western Knowledge was adopted, to learn from the best of Western culture and civilazation while keeping Japan's age-old spirit and reverted traditions. Emperor Meiji led the way in promoting modernization by embracing many features of western culture in his personal life such as shearing his top-knot and donning western attire and in many other aspects of daily living. Among these departures, his Majesty set an example by taking western food and in particular by enjoying wine with it.
The barrels of wine to be consecrated at Meiji Jingu have been offered by the celebrated wineries of Bourgogne in France on the initiative of Mr Yasuhiko Sata, Representative House of Burgundy in Tokyo, Honorary Citizen of Bourgogne and owner of the Chateau de Chailly Hotel-Golf. Profound gratitude is due to the winemakers who have so generously contributed to this precious gift to be consecrated here to the spirit of world peace and amity with the earnest prayer that France and Japan will enjoy many more fruitful years of friendship.
"By gaining the good and rejecting what is wrong. It is our desire that we'll compare favourably with other lands abroad" from Emperor Meiji.
So I guess that was the period when the modernization of Japan took place.
Just as when we were thinking of asking for directions again, we saw the signage.
I think they are having some festival today, since there were many beautifully created sculptures made of vegetables.
And cute kids doled out in traditional costumes.
Can't let Blamer beat me, I got TWO kawaii kids to take pictures with me.
In the shrine yard, there is supposed to be a sacred camphor tree and the fence around it is covered with these wooden votive tablets. Worshipers can buy a tablet and write a wish or prayer on it. The shrine priests will then pray daily for this wish to come true.
Behind us is the main hall. This was a reconstructed shrine because the original shrine was destroyed by fire in air raids during the World War II. The materials used were mainly Japanese cypresses with copper plates for the roofs. The Shrine is dedicated to the divine souls of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken, who laid the foundations for modern Japan and promoted peace and prosperity for the country.
More cam-whoring. Lotsa artifacts bearing the symbol of the Imperial Sun.
It's time to fill up the stomach after absorbing so much history.
Back to Harajuku where we get to savour one of the highly recommended ramen shop I found on the web.
And what else to order other than their Number 1!
Holding onto our tokens to exchange for our ramen later.
In case you missed it earlier in the pic of the menu, it says even the Prime Minister of Japan loves this rich broth of chicken, pork and various kinds of vegetables. (dun ask me which Prime Minister though...)
Itadakimasu!!!
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