Meiji Shrine

Torii Gate

One of the most popular shrines in Tokyo is Meiji Shrine, which is located within a 170 acre forest in the middle of the city. The shrine was built in 1921 in memory of Emperor Meiji who passed away in 1912. The walk to the shrine is beautiful, as the gravel path winds through the forest. Along the way, you pass through several gigantic torii gates and can view sake and wine barrels that have been donated to the shrine from around the world. Emperor Meiji is an extremely respected Japanese leader because he paved the way for Japan's modernization and combining eastern and western cultures. During his reign, he wore western style clothing and adopted western aspects of every day life, including often eating western foods. He had a love for French wine (hence the donated wine barrels) and established a strong friendship between Japan and France.

Sake Barrels

Wine Barrels