It was another hot day in Tokyo which was over 30 degrees Celsius at 10 am in the morning! Despite the heat, we welcomed nine Tokyo lover tourists from Australia, Belgium, U.K., U.S., and Vietnam. We divided up into four groups so that the guides can communicate closely in small groups.
Having got together in front of the first Torii Gate next to JR Harajuku station, we started the tour on time at 10 am, although some of the guest came pretty early. We were sorry to have them wait but the tour requires no reservation for any possible tourists to drop in on sight.
Crossing the Torii gate which separates the crowded human world and the holly God’s world, we had a “cool” refreshing walk in the forest surrounding the shrine. On the way toward the main building, things behind Japanese culture were introduced such as who was Emperor Meiji and history of the imperial family, the “spiritual” function of sake, etc.
The guests today were lucky enough to see a bride and groom once they entered the main building area. They were in formal traditional kimono costumes, the bride in white kimono and the groom black kimono.
In addition to practice praying in a formal manner, the guests experienced writing wish on a wooden tablet or in a letter, which was another fun event.
Due to the heat, some of the groups finished the tour only inside the shrine, but others went as far as through Takeshita Dori Street, the mecca of fad in Japan, toward the International Bazaar, the place to get decent Japanese souvenirs. The “finishers” would definitely have deserved Japanese-style shaved ice, Kaki-gohri.
(Posted by A.I.)