Meiji Jingu shrine, despite being an iconic tourist attraction featuring authentic Japanese culture, can be a bit inaccessible to foreigners unfamiliar with Shinto. We are thus arranging this tour to help you make the most of Meiji Jingu and leave you with a peace of mind by guiding you through the philosophy and practices of Shinto and enjoying a personal prayer session during with you can experience the essence of Shinto.
In the personal prayer, you first write down your wishes to God for family safety, marriage, health, academic success, etc. Then you are taken to a tatami room where you can watch priests in ancient costumes purify the place with the sound of bells, a performance of Gagaku (ancient court music) on ancient instruments and flutes (a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage), and a Miko (shrine maiden) dance performance. Finally, with your heart cleansed and refreshed, you receive an Ofuda, which is an amulet filled with your wishes along with the power of today's prayer.
Posted By : 485tianyis
My visit to the Meiji Jingu shrine was a special experience for me and is one of the most unforgettable parts of my trip to Japan.
As I bowed at the Torii, cleansed my hands and mouth at chozuya and stepped into the precincts of the shrine, I felt a pleasant sense of tension. As I made my way down the approach to the main shrine, I felt a sense of tightening, but at the same time, I also felt a sense of security. As I watched the worshippers clasping their hands together in unison, I was naturally able to calm my heart as well.
The personal prayer in the Kagura hall was really the essence of this visit. In stark contrast to the precincts crowded with worshippers and visitors, the Kagura hall is an oasis of tranquility and serenity. When I arrived at Kagura hall, I was overwhelmed by its beautiful architecture and sacred atmosphere. The ceremony starts soon after. The ancient Japanese court music, despite being exotic, firmly conveys a sense of tranquility to my heart. The rhythmic movements of the Shinto maidens, dressed in vibrant traditional costumes, mesmerized me as they gracefully danced in harmony with the music. Their every step and gesture seemed to embody a profound spirituality, connecting the earthly realm with the divine. As the ceremony progressed, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of reverence. The sacredness of the moment enveloped me, and I found myself swept away by the beauty and grace unfolding before my eyes. It was as if time had stood still within the walls of the Kagura hall, allowing me to be fully present and immersed in the spiritual essence of the shrine.
After the ceremony, an ofuda was bestowed upon me. It is not just a physical object; it held the prayers and blessings of the shrine, a tangible reminder of the spiritual experience I had just undergone. As I carefully tucked the ofuda into a secure place, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude.
My visit to Meiji Jingu shrine was not merely a tourist attraction; it was a transformative experience that touched my heart and soul. It allowed me to witness the power of faith, the beauty of ancient rituals, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Meiji Jingu shrine stands as a testament to the enduring spirituality of Japan and serves as a sanctuary where visitors can find solace, inspiration, and a connection to something greater than themselves. As I reflect on my visit to Meiji Jingu shrine, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have experienced its sacredness and to have been a part of its rich tapestry of traditions. It is a place that will forever hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the profound beauty and spiritual essence that exists in the world around us.
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Posted On : 2023-06-19 12:23:26 
