One might think of Japan today as a modern society with modern skyscrapers and an ultra fast-paced, high-tech lifestyle. But dig a little deeper and one gets confronted by traditional Japan which runs at a much slower pace.
Dotting Tokyo are many parks, shrines and temples that serve as a breather for Tokyo’s millions of urbanites to find reprieve from fast-paced living. And I was able to visit two of the temples on my last trip to the Japanese capital, one Shinto and another Buddhist.
Shinto is as old as Japanese culture itself and has its roots in spirit worship. More like a collection of native beliefs and rituals, Shinto shines and temples are usually dedicated to a multitude of gods or kami. Buddhism on-the-other-hand came to Japan in the 6th century through China and Korea. The religion quickly spread through the centuries.
Both Shinto and Buddhism are Japan’s major religions and both are usually practiced hand-in-hand with each other.
Meiji Shrine
Located in Shibuya on the western side of Tokyo, the Meiji Shrine is a beautiful Shinto shrine that is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken.
Constructed in 1915 at an Iris Garden where the Emperor and Empress used to visit, the shrine was built in the traditional Japanese style, using primarily Japanese cypress and copper. By 1920, the temple shrine was formally dedicated and finally completed in 1921.
I was amazed at the pure pristine serenity of the grounds around the shrine with hundred year old trees buffering the area from the hustle and bustle of modern Tokyo.
Walking around the grounds, I was greeted by a display of Emperor Meiji’s collection of barrels of sake and wine from all over the world. A short distance beyond and I arrived at the torii, or spirit gate at the entrance of the shrine which dwarfed all passers by.
Before entering the shrine, a cleansing ritual was first performed using fresh clean water. My guide says that it is to ensure that one is pure in heart, body, and spirit.
At the shrine itself, there were people offering prayers and money to Emperor Meiji. There are also wooden prayer boards which people tie to the spirit trees flanking the building of the central sanctuary. These are often prayer requests for love, prosperity, and good health.
Asakusa Kannon Temple
Also known as Sensoji, the Asakusa Kannon Temple is Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple and is one of its most significant. The legend says that in the year 628, two brothers fished a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, out of the Sumida River, and even though they put the statue back into the river, it always returned to them. Consequently, Sensoji was built nearby for the goddess of Kannon.
To enter the temple, I had to first pass by the Kaminarimon or Thunder Gate. Built of wood and painted in bright red, the Kaminarimon was a sight to behold. It was this feeling of awe that, according to my guide, made the gate a symbol of the Asakusa Kannon Temple as well as of Tokyo itself.
In contrast to the more somber atmosphere of the Meiji Shrine, Sensor’s grounds are vibrant and full of life, this is thanks to a 200-meter long shopping street called Nakamise which leads from the outer gate to the temple’s second gate, the Hozomon.
I loved darting around the area looking looking for souvenirs as well as local snacks and brickabrak. This is definitely the place for shopaholics with stores selling typical Japanese souvenirs such as yukata and folding fans, located besides shops selling various traditional local snacks.
Although I was only able to find enough time to visit these two temples, I was able to catch a glimpse of Japanese culture that is more gentile, reflective, and spiritual.
