The Tokyo Traveler » Meiji Jingu

La Festa Mille Miglia

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:00:29 +0000

A 1,000 mile overland race, La Festa Mille Miglia, will kick off from Harajuku on October 11th and traverse through Tokyo, Fukushima, Tochigi and Kanagawa prefectures before finishing in Yokohama on the 14th.

One hundred and sixteen classic cars will compete in the 12th running of this race where the average driver is 50 years old and no replica automobiles or cars built after 1967 are permitted to race. A 1923 BUGATTI BRESCIA T22 is the oldest car in the race while a 1967 TOYOTA 2000GT MF10 is the youngest. Ferraris, Aston Martins, MGs and Alfa Romeos are also among the cars competing in this grueling four day event. The flag will fall, signaling the start of the 2008 La Festa Mille Miglia, at 11AM on October 11th from the south gate of the Meiji Jingu Shrine in Harajuku and will continue through the Roppongi Hills area before leaving Tokyo behind.

On October 14th the racers will return to the Tokyo area with a spin through Chiba’s Baytown and Makuhari Messe areas just after 10AM. They will then head towards the finish line in the Motomachi area of Yokohama between 4:30PM and 7PM the same day.

The time plan for La Festa Mille Miglia provides estimated times for the various checkpoints along the 1,000 mile route and will help you find the closest one to you.

This is one event that vintage car lovers in Japan won’t want to miss!

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, L2 Magna 1933

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

Wooden Plaques and Prayers in Tokyo

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:00:30 +0000

Upon approaching the main building of a shrine in Tokyo you may notice a number of wooden plaques tied to a simple structure or tree. These are ema and visitors purchase them from a stall on the shrine premises, write a prayer on the back, and then leave them behind in the hope that their prayer might be answered. People employ ema to pray for good health, bountiful harvests, prosperity in business, success on exams, overall happiness and just about anything else you can imagine.

The literal translation of ema is “horse picture” and it is a tradition that dates back to feudal Japan when it was common for wealthy people to donate a horse to a shrine when making a prayer request. Eventually the image of a horse on a wooden plaque became a symbolic representation of this ancient practice.

Today, you will find many different images on the ema at Tokyo area shrines and throughout Japan. The image of the ema above was taken at Meiji Jingu Shrine and is indicative of how the ema are left at many shrines in the city.

I love the graphic shape of the ema and the scenes depicted can be quite colorful and fun. Here are some examples that I found recently at Chiba Shrine.

Different ema are appropriate for different prayers. Anyone can purchase an ema and many of the larger shrines in Tokyo have bilingual signs explaining the meaning behind each ema or have staff that can help you select one that is appropriate for your prayer.

The shrines in Tokyo are beautiful and they are open to everyone, regardless of faith. If you are unsure of the proper etiquette when visiting take some time learn how to pay your respects at a shrine.

Image Credit: Personal Collection

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Wed, 07 May 2008 11:00:15 +0000

The Meiji Jingu Shrine is beautiful Shinto shrine located within a 175 acre forested area in central Tokyo. As you walk about the grounds it’s hard to imagine that you are in the middle of the bustling metropolis of Tokyo.

The deities (spirits/souls) of the Emperor Meiji and His Consort Empress Shoken are enshrined at Meiji Jingu. Empereor Meiji (1852-1912) led Japan out of isolation by promoting international ties and encouraging cultural pursuits. His reign marked a very prosperous time in Japanese history. Empress Shoken (1850-1914) was an advocate of education for women and was a contributor and supporter of the Japan Red Cross. Both the Emperor and Empress were well loved by the people of Japan and the Meiji Jingu Shrine was built in thier honor. It was completed in 1920 but was destroyed by fire during World War II and was rebuilt in 1958.

The gravel pathway to the shrine is demarcated by trees along each side and a number of torii (gates). The otorii (grand shrine gate) is 12 meters high with a 17 meter cross piece made of Japanese cypress and is an impressive sight.

As you pass through the various tori and approach the shrine take note of the entrance to the inner garden. For a small fee you can meander through a stunning garden that was created by the Emperor for the Empress long before the shrine was built.

The shrine itself is located in a courtyard which is accessed via an ornately carved gate guarded by paper lanterns on each side. This Shrine is one of the largest and most popular in Japan and is a pleasure to visit. If you are lucky you might get to see a newly married couple in traditional bridal attire like my friends and I did on our last visit!

Meiji Jingu Shrine is located near the Harajuku and Meiji Jingumae Stations in central Tokyo. It’s well worth a visit!

Photo Credit: Personal Collection

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler