Tōgō Shrine, Tokyo

Togo Shrine, nestled in Tokyo's vibrant Harajuku area known for youth fashion, stands as a serene Shinto sanctuary. It was founded in the late stages of World War II to honor Admiral Heihachiro Togo, a prominent figure in Japanese history.

Admiral Heihachiro Togo (1848-1934) is a revered figure in Japanese naval history. Having honed his naval skills in the United Kingdom, Togo achieved fame for leading Japan to a monumental victory over the Russian Baltic Fleet at the Battle of Tsushima in May 1905. This triumph during the Russo-Japanese War marked a historic moment where a non-Western nation overpowered a major Western power. Togo, celebrated as the "Nelson of Japan," became a national icon and a symbol of victory.

The shrine, constructed in 1937, four years after Togo's passing, occupies the former estate of the Tottori prefecture's lord. Its location near the Meiji Jingu Shrine is significant, as it is close to the site dedicated to Emperor Meiji, Togo's mentor.

In 1945, the shrine suffered destruction due to Allied bombings but was reconstructed in concrete in 1964. In 1989, it faced an attack attempt by a radical Japanese left-wing group just weeks before Emperor Hirohito's funeral.

Togo Shrine comprises two main areas: the Togo Memorial Hall, set in a picturesque garden with a pond, and the shrine itself, situated on elevated terrain. The Hall and its adjacent garden, featuring a pond with vibrant carp, bridges, and traditional Japanese landscaping, offer a peaceful and visually appealing environment. The shrine primarily hosts Shinto weddings, making it a common sight to see newlyweds taking photos in the scenic garden.