Day 3 was again all about exploring the city of Tokyo. We started with visiting Yoyogi Park and the Meiji Jingu Shinto shrine, then we visited and national museum and finally we roamed the streets around the Senso-ji temple in Asakusa. Lets get to it!
Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park is the largest park i the city. It features wide lawns, ponds and forest and it’s obviously very popular for any kind of activities and events.
Our first stop was Meiji Jingu Shinto shire but just before arriving there you have this huge sake and wine barrel display.
The sake Barrels are a decorative display giving honour to the gods.
The win barrels however come from wine producers from Bourgogne in France. The Meiji period was an enlightened period during which the Emperor embraced the western culture. The Emperor set an example by taking western food and in particular by enjoying wine with it.
Meiji Jingu
Just after the barrels we arrived and Meiji Jingu. Meiji Shrine is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken.
It was build in 1920, eight years after the passing of the emperor and six years after the passing of the empress. The shrine was destroyed during the Second World War but was rebuilt shortly after.
Upon entering the Shrine there is a water basin for visitors to rinse their hands and mouth, a simple act of purification before approaching the main sanctuary. This act of purification is known as Temizu.
In the Shrine one of the things that caught our attention was the ema. Ema is a votive table where you write down your wishes, aspiration or give thanks and then you hang it around the camphor tree just in front of the Shrine and then at mikesai (the morning ceremony) held every day, your wishes are conveyed by the priests. It cost 500 Yen apiece
Before leaving we made a last stop at the Treasure Museum in Yoyogi Park. A small warning here, google suggests that the museum is now permanently close, but I have no way to confirm that. This museum contains or contained the collection of items used by the Emperor Meiji and his wife. From a carriage to his pencil. It also had a lot of history and portraits from previous Emperors and Empress.
Of course photos were not allowed inside but here are some photos for the surroundings and so huge Koi fish.
National Museum
After the treasure museum in Yoyogi Park it was time to visit another museum. The Tokyo National museum which is in the Ueno Park that we visited the first day.
Tokyo National Museum is one of the four museums operated by the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, is considered the oldest and largest national museum in Japan as well as one of the largest art museums in the world. And oh boy did my feet felt the last on!
As you would expect the museum was full of display of Japanese culture and history. The most impressive was of course the swords and the warriors armours.
And of course a beautiful little garden at the back.
Sensō-ji
At this point our feet were in excruciating pain, so we when so a tea to rest a little, and then we were on to our last destination for the day.
Sensō-ji is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa. It is Tokyo’s oldest temple, and one of its most significant.
The first we entered through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), the outer gate of Senso-ji Temple.
Then there is a 200metters shopping street called Nakamise that leads you to the outer gate, the Hozomon.
And this is the outer gate. Unfortunately, for us the temple was close at that time of day.
Therefore, we roamed a little around. We saw the Sensoji Dragon Fountain and a statue of Buda.
And then it was time to god back and get some sleep… But before one last glance back.
Very nice to travel back to Tokyo via your post. Besides all the cultural visits, I still remember the quality of the food there.
Also, yoyogi park, is a great place to visit.