Getting there: Subway station Harajuku

The Meiji Shrine was built in dedication of Emperor Meiji (1852-1912) and Empress Shoken. He was the first Emperor of modern Japan, a period in which the feudal era came to an end and the Emperor was restored again (Meiji Restoration). The Meiji Shrine is situated in a large forested area, it feels like you are walking in the woods. During the WOII the Shrine was destroyed but was rebuilt shortly after the WOII. The Meiji Shrine is one of the most popular Shrines in Japan. On the first days of the New Year more than 3 million Japanese come for the year’s first prayers (hatsumode). It is also a popular place for traditional Shinto weddings. When we visited the place we saw at least three couples that were marrying at that time. Close by the Meiji Shrine the Meiji Jingu Treasure House can be found. This is a kind of museum where they show interesting personal belongings of the Emperor and Empress. Also an Inner Garden can be visited, for the entrance you have to pay a small fee. In Summertime the garden is famous for its blooming irises and the Kiyomasa’s Well.