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)