The Meiji Shrine is located within the forest of Harajuku, lively city with young people. Once you enter the shrine, there exists a quiet world not well-matched with Tokyo.
Did you know that this forest was artificial?

The Meiji Shrine was built to worship the Meiji Emperor when he passed away. The region was originally a wasteland without any wood and a number of Japanese, Taiwanese, and Korean trees were systematically planted due to the need of a man-made forest for the Shrine construction. They held the enshrinement festival in 1920, and this year is the 90th anniversary of the enshrinement.

In order to commemorate it, the Meiji Shrine held an event called “Akarium” where a lot of lights and illuminations were placed along the approaches to the shrine and on the inner shrine, impressing visitors during night.

The shrine closes at sunset, so there are actually few opportunities to pay a visit during night. But the lights are turned on after sunset, which would be a valuable view.

On the entrance was dedicated a Nubuta. It was because the Nebuta festival was held in Aomori Prefecture during the same season. I was able to see it, a rare chance in Tokyo.

After passing the big torii, there stand a number of lanterns along the approach to the inner shrine.

The inner shrine was artistically lit up.
Enjoy the following visionary pictures!
I felt delight at seeing a different Meiji Shrine.