Tokyo Trip: Meiji Jingu Shrine

Torii Gate

I planned our first destination in Tokyo to Meiji Jingu Shrine. It is situated in Shibuya which is only around 10 mins ride by train from Ikebukero (where we stayed). I done my research which indicated the Shinto shrine is best visited on a Sunday. Many traditional Japanese Shinto weddings would be held there and provided many great photo capturing opportunities.

Sacred Sake Offering

The popular Meiji Jingu Shrine was built and dedicated to the Meiji Emperor and his wife. A route (15 mins walk) leads from the Harajuku Station through a tranquil forest to the Main Shrine. We were greeted by a huge wooden Torii gate at the main entrance. The toriis are commonly found at Shinto shrines and temples and represent a unique icon of Japan. No visit to Japan would be completed without a photo with a Torii.

Family Photo at the Main Shrine's Torii

Purification Fountain

Along the way, we passed by another massive Torii gate which was made from the trees from Ali-shan at Taiwan. But the sight that beheld us was the Sake Offering Hall. Decorated with exaggerated characters and sometimes vivid pictures, the sacred sake (omiki) offerings look like individual piece of master crafts to me.



We soon reached the main shrine. Before entering the shrine to offer your prayers, visitors are expected to cleanse themselves at the Purification Fountain. Do not be worried. There are clear procedures in English at site. You can refer to this site if you are interested in the purification ritual (Shubatsu).

The main building inside the shrine is the Offering Hall. We needed to walk through a large square to offer our prayer. At the right side of the hall, there is a fence around a tree which many "Ema" are hung. An Ema is a wooden plate which you use to write your wishes.

Main Gates into the Square

Main and Offering Hall

Ema

Thru the Doorway

It was not long before a traditional wedding procession took place. Many photographers have already secured a strategic spot for their shooting. I was lucky to secure a place myself at the last moment. The star of the wedding was the bride. Dressed in an all white kimono (Shiromuku), she struck a strong contrast with the groom in black formal kimono and the others in coloured outfits. The procession took place across the square and lasted about 15 mins. A few other wedding processions were to take place and I was happily snapping away with my faithful camera. Mission completed :-).

Traditional Japan Shinto Wedding Procession

Japanese Family Photo Shoot

The Groom and Bride

There is an inner garden (500 Yen) which is famous for the Iris flowers. They are supposed in full bloom in June. We went a a tad too early and only a few of them are fully bloomed. The garden is good enough for a stroll but in my opinion can be avoided if you do not have a lot of time. There is also a Homotsuden (Treasure Museum) which we did not explore.

The experience at the Meiji Jingu Shrine is an enjoyable one. Compare with other temples and shrines I have visited, the setup of the shrine may not be very impressive but the atmosphere and culture that bind to the holy ground are invaluable. Seeing many Japanese (young and old) offering their sincere prayers at the shrine, I could see the highly-esteemed place Meiji held inside their hearts. I could finally understand the reason why Japanese couples like to celebrate the wedding at the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Do not miss this place when you have the chance to visit Tokyo.
         

Family Photo at the Sake Offering Hall

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The Tokyo Trip

Senso-ji Temple at Asakusa

I have planned this since the beginning of this year and was glad that I finally visited Tokyo with my family on June this year. My wife and I have been fascinated by Japan when we visited it a decade ago. We were impressed by the Japaneses' politeness and service level, great food and marvelous shrines and temples. Being on a guided tour, we did not bother to do any homework and follow blindly where the tour bus brought us to. I remembered I was totally awed and confused when the tour guide showed us the complicated train network at a train station. I was silently relieved then that I did not need to navigate the dense transport network. My role then was to enjoy the good food and scenery at the Land of the Rising Sun.

Toriis at Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine

10 years down the road, the "complicated train network" nightmare came to haunt me when we planned to re-visit Tokyo on a free and easy trip. The same "awed and confused" feeling struck me again when I scanned through train map. Terms like "Yamanote Line, Fukutoshin Line, Saikyo Line Rapid,  Keio Line Express,   Marunouchi Line,  Tobu Tojo Line Semi-Express etc" were like Japan secret codes to me. It was a struggle at first but after deciphering and understanding how the train network operated, it became plain sailing. I am not going too much into this but will be sharing some of my tips at traveling in Tokyo at a later blog.

Full bloom flowers at Hase-dera Temple at Kamakura

My 11 days trip in Tokyo would take us to the following area:

(For a detailed itinerary, please Like our Facebook page and contact me by Email)

Day 1: Arrived at Tokyo
Day 2: Harajuku-Meiji Shrine, Togo Shrine, Takeshita Dori Street
Day 3: Sanrio Puroland (Hello Kitty Land)
Day 4: Asakusa-Senso-ji,Temple Nakamise Dori Street, Sumida River,
            Tokyo Skytree
Day 5: Kamakura-Komachi Dori Street ,Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine, 
           Hasedera Temple, Kotokuin Temple(Daibutsu), Inamuragasaki beach
Day 6: Tokyo Disneysea
Day 7: Tsukiji Market, Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple
            Imperial Palace
Day 8: Ikebukero
Day 9: Ueno -Ueno Park and Zoo,Kiyomizu Kannon-do Temple, Benten-do, 
            Shinobazu pond, Ameyoko Dori Street        
Day 10: Kawagoe-Kurazukuri zone (Old Storehouse Zone)
Day 11: Back to Singapore 

Family photo with Sumida River, Tokyo Skytree and Asahi Beer Hall

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo does not changed much since my last visit. But do not get me wrong, it's charm still remains. This trip has helped me uncovered more of Tokyo and to savour authentic Japanese food at will. My family (especially my wife!) enjoyed great shopping experience that we must always resist  the urge to grab everything from the shops' displays and shelves!

Do follow my later blogs as I share my delightful experience at the different parts of Tokyo.

See you soon! 

Related Posts: Meiji Jingu Shrine-Tokyo, Japan;Sanrio Puroland (Hello Kitty Land); Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple; The Tokyo Skytree and Sumida River; Day Trip at Kamakura (Part 1)-The Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine; Day Trip at Kamakura (Part 2)- The Hase-dera Temple; Day Trip at Kamakura (Part 3)-The Daibutsu, Great Buddha of Kamakura; Day Trip at Kamakura (Part 4)-The Inamuragasaki Beach

Daibutsu at Kamakura

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Visit Singapore on a Cheap Budget (Part 2)

This blog is the continuation from my previous "Visit Singapore on a Cheap Budget (Part 1)" article. Here goes part 2!

1. Little India

Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple

Scent of spices and flowers greet you when you visit the Little India of Singapore. This is where the Tamil community gather to buy their daily groceries, offer prayers at a local Indian temple, feast at their favorite restaurants etc. Immerse yourself into the local culture. You will be able to witness the preserved colonial buildings along the streets. Take a free tour at one or more of the Indian temples.  Be fascinated by the awesome Gopuram which raise above the entrance of every temple. The famous temples there are Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple and Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple. Remember to remove your shoes before stepping into the religious grounds. Pamper yourself with the Indian delicacy -Curry Fish Head at one of the Indian restaurants. One of my favorites is Muthu's Curry.

Cost: Free
How to get there: Take MRT to Litte India station.
Further info: Here


2. Singapore Botanical Gardens

Swan Lake

I always find it amazing that for a little country like Singapore, we have abundance of gardens. I have already mentioned Gardens by the Bay.  The other one on your radar shall be the Singapore Botanical Gardens. The Gardens is more than 150 years old and currently an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Gardens houses more than 10000 types plants and is a favorite weekend outing ground  for families to bring their kids to. Many of them love to hang around the ECO and Swan Lake to admire the beautiful Swans and Mandarin Ducks. For a small price (SGD$5), you can choose to visit the National Orchid Garden to admire Singapore National Flowers in beautiful setup.

Cost: Free
How to get there: Take MRT to Botanical Gardens station
Further info: Here

3. Chinatown

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

Although now much commercialized, your trip will not be accomplished without paying a visit to the Chinatown. The interesting old colonial buildings will surely attract your attention once you step into the area. Be sure to visit Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. Tourists will also not miss the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. The 4th story air-conditioned temple has a lot to offer even if you are not into Buddhism. Take your lunch or dinner at the Chinatown Food Center or nearby Maxwell Hawker Center. You will have a taste of local authentic delicacies at very affordable pricing.  

Cost: Free
How to get there: Take MRT to Chinatown station.
Further info: Here

4. Kampong Glam

Sultan Mosque

Singapore's largest and most important mosque-The Sultan Mosque is situated at Kampong Glam. The Malay Heritage Center (SGD$4) is also nearby. A tour here will let you have a deeper understand of the local Malay Muslim culture and history. As in Little India and Chinatown, there are also many preserved colonial architectures here. Eat at one of the local Muslim restaurants. Order local favorites like Mee Goreng, Roti Prata, Murtabak, Briyani etc and wash them down with Teh Tarik. One of the most popular outlets there is Zam Zam restaurant.

Cost: Free
How to get there: Take MRT to Bugis station. Follow directional sign and walk 15 mins to Kampong Glam.
Further info: Here

Related Posts: Visit Singapore on a Cheap Budget (Part 1) 

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