Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine.
It is near to Sakura Hotel Hatagaya, within 30 minutes walk.
Shinto is Japan's ancient original religion, and it is deeply rooted in the way of Japanese life.
Shinto has no founder, no holy book, and not even the concept of religious conversion.
It is a mixture of animism, folklore, history and traditional ethics.
In Shinto, almost everything can contains a kami, divine spirit.
Natural edifices like mountains, trees, great rocks, rivers and othres, rare animals like biggest boars and white deers, and even heroic humans can be called kamis.
So, you can see kamis in mythology, in nature, and in human beings.
And, yes, Japanese imperial families are considered as the direct descendants of the holiest kami, Amaterasu,
and their main duty was not only ruling a nation but also worshipping kamis.
This latter aspect as high-priests of kamis is inherited by imperial families even now.
Meiji Jingu, that means Meiji shrine is dedicated to the divine souls of Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken.
From ancient times, Japanese people have felt awe and gratitude towards emperors and dedicated shrines to many of them as they themselves were believed as kamis too, accordingly.
And at this Meiji shrine, you can see a part of ancient imperial worshipping rituals
due to close connction between Meiji shrine and imperial families.
On the occasion of the celebrations of the anniversary of Emperor Meiji's birthday and Meiji Jingu's enshrinement anniversary, various ceremonies are held (including Chinzakinensai and Reisai).
Also, arts are performed in honour of the deities at the beginning of November, mainly from November 1st to 3rd.
If you are interested in histrical or spiritual Japanese tradition, this celebration is must see.
