Hello Hivers! I was planning to write about my experience exploring the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo but I didn't get to explore the place fully. Instead, we got sidetracked when we went to a supposed side trip inside the Meiji Shrine. First, let me talk about the Meiji Shrine.
The Meiji Shrine
The Meiji Shrine was built in the 1900s. It was built to commemorate Emperor Meiji who led Japan through the transformative Meiji Restoration, which ushered the nation from a feudal society into a modern industrial power. If you have seen Samurai X, then you will be familiar with that period in Japanese history. The original structure was destroyed during World War II air raids, but it was rebuilt in 1958 thanks to a nationwide public effort.
Entering the Meiji Shrine feels like being transported to another world or a different timeline. Stepping through the massive torii gate at the entrance, you will be greeted by so many trees whose leaves cover the path from the morning sun. Being used to the hustle and bustle of urban life, the peace and quiet inside the shrine is a surprising contrast.
Our first rest stop were the sake barrels and Burgundy wine barrels. These colorful sake barrels are donations from sake brewers all over Japan. These are called “kazaridaru", decorative barrels used for ceremonial display and not consumption.
Just across from the sake barrels, are row of French wine barrels from the Burgundy region of France. These were donated by French wineries, and displayed here because of Emperor Meiji’s embrace of Western culture during Japan’s modernization in the late 19th century.
It's a nice contrast seeing the Japanese sake to the right and French wine to the left.
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After spending some time taking photos in the area we continued our walk hoping to reach our destination. We found another massive torii gate.
Kiyomasa's Well
To the left of the path we found a side trip, Kiyomasa's well. We were expecting this to be a quick side trip inside a small area within the Meiji Shrine.
The entrance to Kiyomasa's well starts with a narrow path.
A few moments walking the path we soon found this tea house. The original tea house was built by the order of Emperor Meiji for the Empress Shoken in the 1900s. It was destroyed during the war and rebuilt in the 1950s.
Walking further along, the path opens to a wide area. This was pleasantly surprising. We thought it was just a small place but we were wrong. This place is huge!
There is a lake in the garden which was a fishing spot (Otsuri-Dai). The Empress Shoken frequently enjoyed fishing in this spot.
After the fishing spot, we continued our exploration of the place.
The place is huge and we just followed the paths suggested by the markers.
Eventually we reached Kiyomasa's well. It was named after Kato Kiyomasa, a legendary samurai and castle-builder of the 16th century. He was a master engineer and a Devout Buddhist. It is believed that he hand-dug the well himself during his time in the region. The well is still bubbling with clean, cool water, a lasting symbol of his legacy.
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After exploring the area around Kiyomasa's well, we were already tired and decided to postpone our trip to the Meiji Shrine. It was a tiring but enjoyable walk.
