Meiji Shrine

The first Monday that Jody and I were here was Coming of Age Day, a national holiday here in Japan. With excitement that he already had a day off, we decided to visit the Meiji Shrine, a beautiful complex that sits in a 175-acre forest in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

Visiting on that Monday was a great experience, as what seemed liked thousands of Japanese citizens - many of whom were celebrating their entrance to adulthood, had descended upon the shrine. It was so delightful to see all of the young adults dressed in their finest tradiational clothing with the excitement of entering adulthood in their eyes.

Although that Monday was a great, once in a lifetime experience for both of us, I decided to return on my own last week to take it all in with a slower pace.

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The frenzy of my first visit seemed a world away to the quiet afternoon I spent visiting by myself...

{the torii gate at the entrance}

{the entryway to the main grounds}

I was drawn to the tree that was surrounded by Ema - votive tablets visitors write their prayers and wishes on to offer up to the deities of the Meiji Shrine.



Beautiful, isn't it?