~ visiting places ~: June 2007

Thursday, June 07, 2007

The Inner Gardens of Meiji Shrine (Tokyo, Japan)

On 2007, June 1, the Members of Kanagawa International Association's Minami Circle made a trip to visit the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo which included their Inner Gardens.

This is the path entering the Inner Gardens. This has always been one of my most favorite quiet places in the downtown area of Tokyo.

This is the Kakuun-Tei (Tea House). The former building was built in 1900 by His Majesty the Emperor Meiji for Her Majesty the Empress Shoken. Unfortuantely during World War II, the original structure was destroyed by fire. This building was reconstructed in 1958.

This view is overlooking the lake towards the path which leads up to the famous Meiji Shrine's iris gardens.

In late May and early June, the famous Meiji Shrine's iris gardens display their beautiful Japanese iris.

The Kiyomasa-Ido (well) for the Inner Gardens at Meiji Shrine was built by Lord Kiyomasa during the Edo period. This well is located at the South Pond. It provides year-round the pure water.

While walking back from the well, I caught an amazing glimpse of the South Pond through the trees.

Here is the look-out for everyone to enjoy watching the colorful carp.

These are some of the colorful carp that are swimming in the Pond.

As I was walking turning to return to the Entrance, I caught a glimpse of the gorgeous trees that surround the Pond to my left side.

more later...

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Meiji Shrine (Tokyo, Japan)

On 2007, June 1, the Members of Kanagawa International Association's Minami Circle made a trip to visit the Meiji Shrine inTokyo.

This is the entrance (gate) to the Shrine. This Shinto shrine is dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and his wife, the Empress Shoken. Both are enshrined here.

These are the lanterns which are along the path to the Shrine. They are along the path from the gate to the shrine.

Note: I think there are some things in Japan are so beautiful and unique in design.

This is the wall that surrounds the Shrine.

This is the first entrance to the Shrine. The original buildings were dedicated in 1914. However, some buildings were destoyed during World War II. In October 1958, the reconstructed buildings which were destroyed were completed.

This is the main building. This is the prayer and meeting area of the Shrine. Shinto shrines are a place for worship. These celebrate festivals.

In the Shinto faith, there is no absolute right and wrong. They believe that nobody is perfect. The rituals which are performed are done so to keep the evil spirits away through purification, prayers, and offerings.

Another inner entrance to the Shrine. During the Meiji Period in Japanese history, the Shinto religion was made Japan's state religion. After World War II, the Shinto religion and state were separated.

Shinto priests perform many rituals and live on the grounds of the Shrine. The are many different types of rituals which are performed daily. Men and women can become priests. They can marry and have children.

The outer entrance to the Shrine. The wall that you see to the left and right of the gate is shown above.

One of the most important features of Shinto art is the architecture of the Shinto Shrine. Each building is unique and houses many ancient forms of art which include the No theater, calligraphy, and court music (which includes ancient dance music).

These are barrels of sake which are presented to the Shrine.

A closer view of the main gate to the Shrine. The name for gate in Japanese is torii.

What amazes me is that these gates are so tall and massive. I am always impressed with the height of a Japanese man when these were made. They were amazing engineers to erect such tall heavy structures that are made of solid wood.

more later...