Meiji Shrine and Harajuku

“Ichi-go-ichi-e” (一期一会)Tour report of Feb.25 Meiji jingu Tour

Meiji Shrine and Harajuku

We could not express how we were deeply impressed to welcome all of you at Meiji-jingu this day. Since it was our very first time to hold a weekday tour at this place, all of our guides were excited.
On the other hand, the warning at a relatively high alert of Corona virus  made us a bit worry if we could meet any of our guests this day.
No matter , We would like to thank each of you from Malaysia, Spain, France, Italy, totally 20 wonderful guests indeed. There is a word  called “Ichi-go-ichi-e(一期一会)” in Japanese, whichi means “an oppurrtunity to meet you is one time in one life”.  Don’t you think that this word has been  created just for us?

The precinct was apparently quiet with less people visiting than usual. To avoid crowded areas, we were afraid that we have to skip areas like Takeshita-dori street but could rather spend more relaxed space and time inside the precinct. Some of our guests even tried omikuji or writing their wishes to dedicate them to the shrine.  When we reached to the main area inside the precinct, we could encounter some interesting scenes like a wedding couple dressed in Shinzen-style kimono or a Shinto ceremony going on   accompanied by many shrine maidens.


Meiji Jingu offers a variety of displays and ceremonies which makes visitors feel not only solumn but also amused. That is why this shrine has been followed by both young and elderies for many decades. Also, it stays to be a top spot for foreigners to  visit. Again, thank you very much for joining us and sharing your precious time. We sincerely wish your trip would become unforgettable and safe. For those who plan to come the our tours from now on,  we are afraid that  are tours would be suspended until Mar.29 ( at present time) . Nor we are  very much awaiting and expecting to see you soon.

<Additonal Information >  – posted on Mar.3

We feel very sorry that many amusements parks, facilities including indoor venues like museums and exhibitions are closed or cancelled at present. For those who are searching some spots to visit,   here might be some tips . I can recommend you to go to a temple named “Goutoku-ji Temple” in Setagaya ward, Tokyo. This place  is actually popular for foreigners  to take a photo genic snap since many and many cat charms are displayed there. The charms are called “Maneki-neco(cats bringing good fortune).  You can even buy these charms at the office inside  the same precinct. Goutoku-ji is is also famous for a person buried in the backyard grave.  His name is “Ii Naosuke” who was a great lord  in the late Edo period(1815-1860). Actually the following word “Ichi-go-ichi-e” was created by this Naosuke. Naosuke loved the practice of Japanese tea, frequently  invited guests to have a tea ceremony together and made this famous word.

(posted by Nori)