Reflection

The Gates to the Meiji Shrine

Although Japan has two dominant religions – Shinto and Buddhism – locals seem quite utilitarian when it comes to practicing, often choosing one or the other depending on which best fits the particular occasion.  For example,  many associate Shinto rituals with birth and wishes for success and Buddhist practices with  ceremonies around death and remembrance. 

Tying up the bad fortunes

Japanese appear to believe very strongly in the power of a wish and good luck and many go to pray at the Shinto Shrines when they are eager for something to go their way.  There are numerous good luck charms that people carry with them to promote things like safety, good fortune and  health.

A place to write wishes

There are also some beautiful associated rituals.  Making wishes is often a strategic process involving the tossing of a coin, clapping or bowing and clasping one’s hands together.  There are also plaques for people to write down and then hang their wishes.  

In addition, people often collect their fortunes at the shrines.  Those who receive good fortunes carry those notes with them but those who receive bad fortunes tie them to a nearby fence to ensure the bad fortunes are left behind when they leave. 

MEIJI SHRINE:

Sake offerings

Undergoing the cleaning ritual before entering

Meiji Shrine in Shibuya is widely considered Tokyo’s greatest shrine and was built in 1920 to commemorate Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.  The Emperor is credited with bringing Japan into the modern era during his reign in the 1800s.  The Shrine is visited regularly by locals, particularly around New Years where over a million people coming to make wishes for a good year ahead.  Extensive offerings of sake and wine line the walkway to the actual shrine.    While visiting the Shrine, we were lucky to stumble on a Shinto wedding taking place – with the bride wearing a hathorn (a large hat to "cover her horns"!) and the bride and groom and their immediate families marching through the square.

SENSO-JI:

Senso-ji is an ancient Buddhist temple in Asakusa.  It is Tokyo’s oldest temple but has embraced modern elements to stay relevant and appeal to the youth.   As an example, it hosts Tokyo’s largest and most popular festival, Sanja Matsuri.  At the entrance to the grounds is a large “thunder gate”, featuring an enormous paper lantern that is said to weigh 700kgs.  The gates open onto a thriving shopping arcade where local treats and knick knacks abound.

ZOJOJI TEMPLE:

The Zojoji Temple in Minato is a shrine that is primarily and visited by locals, rather than travellers.   It is located in the business district and was abuzz during lunch hour as people came to enjoy the outdoor spaces and take time for reflection.  The Temple leaders here have also worked hard to ensure its continued relevance for today’s generation, often projecting installations onto the attractive buildings.

One of the touching features of this Temple is the Unborn Children Garden which hosts rows of stone child statues representing children who were lost before their time.  Parents can choose a statue in the garden and decorate it with small clothing and toys.  Most also have pinwheels spinning the in the wind to embrace the free nature of the children and also draw in more adults and children to reflect on the deeper message.