Tokyo, Japan: Yoyogi Koen

Compared to its fancy and well-manicured counterpart like Shinjuku Gyoen, Yoyogi Koen, is the park for locals to go to for just about anything - dance rehearsals, dog walking or evening jogs - right beside the Meiji Shrine, in the heart of the city in Shibuya. Yoyogi Koen, today a city park, has its roots as a US military barracks post-Second World War and later, the athletes village during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

It's a park that slows you down and reminds you of the lighter side to life - right from the park entrance.

A Park for the Masses - Get to meet everyday people doing everyday things.

It's a nice cherry blossom viewing spot in spring but the golden ginkgo forest in autumn is also not-to-be-missed. But come winter, the gingko trees turns bare and the gold blankets the ground instead.

Deeper in the park, discover the pond fountain.

Apparently there's a cycling centre, but that's an adventure for another time.

Yoyogi Koen

Cost: free

Access: JR Harajuku Station / Odakyu Line Yoyogi-Hachiman (5 min walk)

Related Posts:

My Japan Itinerary (December 2012)

Japan Day 3 – Tokyo, Day 3:

• Shinjukugyeon National Garden 1 (where some cherry blossom trees bloomed)
• Shinjukugyeon National Garden 2
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories (for a free panoramic view of the city)
• Meiji Jingu Shrine (disguised as a guide to visiting shrines)
• Yoyogi Park
• Shibuya (seeing Tokyo in a different light)
• Roppongi

Tokyo, Japan: The Meiji Shrine - A Guide to Visiting Shinto Shrines

The Meiji Shrine (or Meiji Jingu) dates back to 1920 and is a Shinto (the ancient Japanese religion that is intertwined with nature) shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji, notably the first Emperor of modern Japan, and Empress Shoken. It sits regally in Shibuya, Tokyo, and is nested deep within approximately 100,000 donated trees, making it a fairly long, but nonetheless, scenic, walk to get to the main shrine area.

The entrance to the shrine grounds is marked by this massive torii gate (or shrine archway)

*Bow once when entering or leaving.

The distinct barrels of sake or nihonshu donated to the Shrine

Don't get sidetracked by the Meiji Jingu Garden (Gyoen) if time is running out - Come for the Iris Garden in June!

Right before you step into the shrine, you will notice a small hut or Temizuya

*Rinse your hands and mouth without touching the dipper directly with your lips and never throw coins in the water

Upon entering the Shrine, as a rule of thumb, you should not take photographs when there is a roof over your head - it's quite easy to follow.

The Main Shrine Building - rebuilt following the air raids during World War II

*Make a token donation, bow twice, clap your hands twice, make a wish (if you wish to), and bow again.

All Shinto Shrines have a Juyosho or amulet office that sells items like the Omamori (a lucky charm, talisman, or amulet to be carried around), the Ofuda (an emblem to be kept at home) or the Omikuji (slips of Waka poetry by said Emperor and Empress, making this unique to the Meiji Shrine).

As per most attractions in Japan (and Taiwan), do keep a watchful eye for stamps and seals which you can collect (even at the train stations!), it's a piece of memorabilia that goes a long way

You can also write your wishes on a wooden tablet or Ema (to be hung under the giant campor tree) or a letter to the deities or Kiganbun (remember to enclose some offering in the envelop and place it in the offering box)

More of the Shrine's minimalist architecture

You will also notice the Imperial Seal or the 16-petaled Chrysanthemum Seal dotted around Shinto Shrines

Come the New Year, the Meiji Shrine is so popular that millions of visitors drop by for hatsumode or first prayers. Meanwhile, all year round you can observe the Kigansai (a special prayer ceremony where the sacred dance or Kagura is performed) or even a Shinto wedding if you are lucky! Also, there are other places like the Homotsuden (Treasure Museum), Shiseikan (Martial Arts Hall), Gaien (Outer Precinct) and the Kinenkan (Memorial Hall) which I missed as the Shrine closes as early as 4pm in winter.

*Remember to bow before leaving the torii gate

Meiji Shrine

Cost: free

Access: Yamanote Harajuku Station / JR Meiji Jingu Mae ’Harajuku’ Station (1 min walk)

Related Posts:

My Japan Itinerary (December 2012)

Japan Day 3 – Tokyo, Day 3:

• Shinjukugyeon National Garden 1 (where some cherry blossom trees bloomed)
• Shinjukugyeon National Garden 2
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories (for a free panoramic view of the city)
• Meiji Jingu Shrine (disguised as a guide to visiting shrines)
• Yoyogi Park
• Shibuya (seeing Tokyo in a different light)
• Roppongi

Tokyo, Japan: The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Why not scale the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Tokyo Tocho) for a panoramic view of Tokyo city? Best yet, it's absolutely free - such is the hospitality of the Japanese! The Building is itself a landmark and is located in the bustling business district of the Shinjuku area, and houses 2 observatories - the North and South - some 202 metres above the ground.

If the skies are clear, try your luck at spotting Mount Fuji, the Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine and the Tokyo Dome, or take a break and spend some time in the observatory cafe or souvenir shop.

The Stunning View

Not afraid of heights? 

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Cost: free

Access: Oedo Subway Tocho-mae Station / JR Shinjuku West Exit (10 min walk)

NB: Visit the North Observatory after dark for another side of Tokyo.

Related Posts:

My Japan Itinerary (December 2012)

Japan Day 3 – Tokyo, Day 3:

• Shinjukugyeon National Garden 1 (where some cherry blossom trees bloomed)
• Shinjukugyeon National Garden 2
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories (for a free panoramic view of the city)
• Meiji Jingu Shrine (disguised as a guide to visiting shrines)
• Yoyogi Park
• Shibuya (seeing Tokyo in a different light)
• Roppongi