Visit Meiji Shrine, an oasis in the middle of Tokyo!

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Hello everyone! Today, I’m going to take you to explore Meiji Shrine, an oasis in the heart of Tokyo that’s not only peaceful but also full of spiritual power and fascinating stories! Get ready and follow this quirky reviewer on an adventure!

Meiji Shrine was built to honor Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who were key figures in leading Japan into the modern era. It was completed around 1920! Imagine this: the large, shady trees we see today were mostly planted at the same time the shrine was built. Pretty cool, right? It’s like a sacred forest that has grown alongside Japan’s history.

As soon as you enter the shrine grounds, the hustle and bustle of Tokyo seem to disappear instantly. The atmosphere is quiet and shaded by a variety of trees (rumored to be hundreds of thousands!). The gravel path stretches toward the main shrine building. The architecture of Meiji Shrine emphasizes simplicity but looks majestic and elegant with natural wood. There are no flashy colors, yet it surprisingly draws your eyes. I love strolling along the path, looking up at the tall trees, feeling like I’m recharging my energy from nature.

Meiji Shrine isn’t just a beautiful tourist spot. It’s also a spiritual center where many people come to worship, pray, or just relax and take a walk. During New Year or important festivals, it gets especially lively with various ceremonies that let us experience Japanese culture up close.

If I were to recommend the best time to visit Meiji Shrine, it would be spring (around March-April) when cherry blossoms bloom. Both sides of the path turn pink, creating a dreamlike beauty. Another interesting time is New Year, when crowds come to pray for blessings, showing the true power of people’s faith.

Things to do when you arrive:
* Walk through the torii gate: a symbol of entering a sacred area. Don’t forget to bow slightly before passing through.
* See the sake and wine barrels: along the path, you’ll find many barrels of sake and wine donated by producers nationwide, a unique feature.
* Worship at the main shrine: join in worship, make wishes, or write on an ema wooden plaque to ask for blessings.
* Stroll in Meiji Jingu Gyoen (the inner garden): there’s a small entrance fee, but it’s worth it for the beautiful pond and very peaceful atmosphere.

After soaking in the tranquility of Meiji Shrine, don’t forget to explore the nearby area!
* Harajuku: a hotspot for edgy fashion and youth culture. If you love street style, don’t miss Takeshita Street! It’s a visual overload of extreme fashion.
* Omotesando: a luxury shopping street with many famous brand stores. The architecture of the buildings is beautiful, perfect for a leisurely walk.

Getting to Meiji Shrine is very convenient with several options:
* JR Train: get off at Harajuku Station (Yamanote Line) or Yoyogi Station (Yamanote or Chuo/Sobu Line), then walk a bit more to reach the shrine.
* Subway: get off at Meiji-jingumae 'Harajuku' Station (Chiyoda or Fukutoshin Line) or Kita-sando Station (Fukutoshin Line).

Meiji Shrine is like a hidden gem in the middle of Tokyo, offering peace, shade, and a deep sense of history and spirituality. The journey is easy, and the surrounding area has plenty of fun places to visit afterward. If you come to Tokyo and don’t stop by Meiji Shrine, you’re really missing out! I give it a 10/10!