Last day in Tokyo - where should I go? After considering the options, I went with Doraemon Museum and Meiji-jingu (Meiji Shrine). However, on my way to the shrine, I stumbled upon Yoyogi Park because I stopped at the wrong stop.
Yoyogi Park is one of the largest city parks in Tokyo and clearly with the crowds around, it is one of the best place to spend your free time with friends in a lush green environment, surrounded by ponds and wide lawns.
That weekend also happened to be a celebration before the national stadium in Tokyo is demolished to make way for the new stadium. It also coincides with South American festival, and there were loads of foreigners and little kiosks selling food from those countries. There were a lot of locals who join in the fun too!
There were a lot of people at the park as well. Most of them were families with small kids so they're out playing frisbee or any games with balls, and some were youths playing guitar and singing along in the park. The whole environment is just so warm and friendly.
Yoyogi Park is located just next to Meiji Shrine so if you're on a visit to the shrine, just stop by and enjoy the greenery in this busy city!
At the shrine at long last! This is a shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his consort.
Just like most shrines, there were sake displayed but at Meiji Shrine, I noticed that there's also wine on display. I wonder if it's a contribution from foreign dignitaries to the Japanese.
There are also some exhibits along the way to the main complex of the shrine from the main torri gate to educate visitors about the emperor, his consort and also some details on the shrine itself.
This shrine was destroyed during WWII but was rebuild shortly after that. The architecture and the structure of the main complex is really pretty, and carries along this vintage-elegant feeling.
As with the many other shrines in Japan, many visitors will purchase the little tablets to write their wishes and to hang near the rack provided.
Meiji Shrine is also a favourite place among the locals to hold their traditional Shinto wedding ceremony. Other occasion where the shrine is a favourite is during new year for the locals to perform their first prayers (hatsumode).
Meiji Shrine is only about 5-10 minutes walk from JR Harajuku station. Do not miss out this place!
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