Japan Trip 2023: Meiji Jingu Shrine

It is another hot and humid day in Tokyo. Last week was great as the temperature averaged around 25C. Even with the high humidity it was bearable. This week the temperature has increased to around 31C on average, making it much tougher to spend much time outside without becoming an overheated, sweaty mess. This type of weather is definitely not my idea of a good time. The high humidity really gets to me.

Despite this, we decided to head out into the city. We were originally planning to go to Team Labs Tokyo. The kids really like this place but it is closed this week for what appears to be maintenance. This is unfortunate. I've heard it is really interesting and immersive. I've never been there before. Given the closure, we decided to head out to Meiji Jingu Shrine instead to get a taste of nature within the city. 

The shrine grounds are an amazing oasis of forest surrounded by the concrete jungle of Tokyo. The city just melts away as you progress through the park. Meiji shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the memory of Emperor Meiji, who was "restored" after the Tokugawa shogunate was overthrown back in the late 1860's during the "Meiji Restoration". The park and shrine are impressive monuments and provide a well-preserved piece of natural landscape in an all too unnatural urban environment.

For most of our trek through the park, it was quiet and peaceful. Tons of forest and long winding paths. Birds singing, crows chirping, and things rustling in the underbrush. It was very relaxing despite the intense humidity.

As we got closer to the shrine site, the number of tourists expanded exponentially. So many people wandering around! So much for the peace and quiet of the far reaches of the park.

At one point at the shrine there was a group of young ladies in their kimonos - a rare sight these days. It was nice to see them get dressed up to visit the shrine.

It was an enjoyable afternoon stroll through the park and the shrine. Then we headed out to a nearby trendy shopping street. Time for me to find something else to do....