Initially we wanted to visit the Disneyland and Disney Sea in Tokyo because which nation would make a better host than the Japanese? With their patience and their endless greetings, it will make Disneyland a great visit! Well since it was the end of the summer and it was a weekend, we were advise against it because the park will be crowded with families trying to catch the last heat of summer. So in the end, we opted to go venture Tokyo a little bit.
First stop, the Meiji Shrine. It was built by the Meiji Emperor for praying purposes and he also built a beautiful garden just for his empress. So we took the subway to the ever famous Harajuku where it will be packed with teenagers in the latest trend and also a place where teenagers will dressed up in their favorite anime characters. And so we went.
An over-exposed photo of me in front of the gate.
The Meiji shrinee is situated about 15 minutes walk from the subway station. The path to the shrine was huge and it was like never ending! Since it was rather humid and hot, we began walking with an excited spirit to gradually grumbling about the never ending road. Luckily there were some interesting spots along the walk to keep us going.
Endless wine barrels contributed for prayers throughout the years.
Each barrel carefully spelt out the name and company of the contributor.
These are wines by non-Japaneses
Finally we reached the gate and since we are in Tokyo, of course we have to act like the Japanese! So first thing we have to do it to cleanse ourselve before going into the shrinee. The directions were, pick up the scope, scope water, wash your left hand then right, and then pour a some water into your left palm and cleanse your mouth. Finally use the balanced water to clean the scope. Since KC has to be the one with the camera, i happily went along and did my cleansing.
Thinking to myself "remember the steps..dont screw up!"
And we are in! Yay!
Now the interesting about this visit is we got to witness how a traditional Japanese wedding is! It appears that summer is a great time to get married and there will always be at least 1 wedding ceremony going on in the Meiji shire during any given weekends. Just like any other foreigners, we went around chasing the poor couple who was busy getting their wedding pictures done before the ceremony.
I am sure they are the happy in-laws in pretty kimonos.
The bride in full traditional japanese kimono too. Look how professional the helpers dressed.
The handsome groom with a happy face.
And the wedding march...well no music though.. Look how everyone is in suits.
KC must be thinking, luckily it is not him in the suit during this time of the year.
And what else do you do in a shrine? You pray! Just like the locals, write down your prayers and together with the donations, put them in an envelope and drop them into the box piously.
Only noticed i could write my wishes on a small board after i dropped in mine. Oh well!
Love this most. Nothing specific means everything in his/her life is going really well.
Wanted to blog more but the internet in my house sucks to the max. So will just stop here for now until i could grab my lappy and visit the nearest Starbucks again tomorrow.
Next stop, the heart of Harajuku and the Crossplay girls!
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