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Located in a scenic area filled with evergreens, the Meiji Shrine honors Emperor Meiji and his wife with their spirits enshrined. It was established by government resolution after Emperor Meiji's death to celebrate his influence on Japan's modernization. The site chosen was an iris garden that the emperor and empress used to visit, in Tokyo. Itō Chūta started its construction in 1915, using the Nagare-zukuri architectural style, featuring Japanese cypress and copper predominantly.

By 1926, the shrine and its surrounding grounds were complete, with initial dedication in 1920 and final construction in 1921. It held a prominent position as a Kanpei-taisha (top-ranked government shrine) until 1946. World War II bombings destroyed the original structure, but a public fundraising drive rebuilt it by 1958.

The shrine is in the middle of a forest, spanning 700,000 square meters with 120,000 trees from 365 varieties, donated from across Japan at the shrine's inception. It's a popular spot for leisure and is especially crowded during New Year's first prayers. Visitors engage in Shinto practices here, like offerings and wish-making on wooden plaques.

Meiji Shrine comprises two main precincts: the Naien, or inner area, with shrine buildings and a museum containing royal memorabilia, constructed in the Azekurazukuri style, and the Gaien, or outer area, featuring a gallery with murals of the emperor's life and sports venues, including the National Stadium. The Meiji Memorial Hall, once a political meeting place, now hosts Shinto weddings.

Why You Should Visit:
Amazing for taking a walk and enjoying the views offered. The setting for this shrine is perfect: woodlands that are well over 100 years old and comprise close to 365 different tree species.

Tip:
If you can organize your schedule, try going on a Sunday, when weddings are held in the compound, which are traditional, colorful and fascinating, and the entrance is free from sunrise to sunset.
There is also a lovely cafe in the grounds, a gift/souvenir shop with reasonably-priced articles, and a large collection of sake barrels stacked and lined up in a large display.

Yoyogi Park, located near Harajuku Station and Meiji Shrine in Shibuya, is one of Tokyo's largest parks. On Sundays, it serves as a gathering place for various activities such as music performances, cycling, and martial arts practice. Inside the park, you'll find the Yoyogi National Gymnasium, often used for hosting concerts and other events.

Interestingly, Yoyogi Park has historical significance, as it occupies the site where Japan's first successful powered aircraft flight took place on December 19, 1910, by Captain Yoshitoshi Tokugawa. Later, it became an army parade ground and, from September 1945, served as the "Washington Heights" military barracks for U.S. officers during the Allied occupation of Japan.

In 1964, during the Tokyo Olympics, this area was transformed to accommodate the main athletes' village and the Yoyogi National Gymnasium. This distinctive building, designed by Kenzo Tange, hosted swimming and diving events, with an annex for basketball. Then, in 1967, most of the land between the gymnasium complex and Meiji Shrine was converted into Yoyogi Park.

Today, Yoyogi Park remains a popular destination for residents and tourists in Tokyo. During the spring, thousands of people visit the park to enjoy cherry blossoms during hanami (cherry blossom viewing) season. The park offers a landscaped environment with picnic areas, bike paths, bicycle rentals, and public sports courts for visitors to enjoy.

Near the Western Terminus of Takeshita St, this is a store with TONS of bubble style vending machines.

Takeshita Street, situated in the vibrant Harajuku district of Shibuya, is a bustling 350-meter thoroughfare renowned for its eclectic mix of stores. The street slopes gently from Harajuku Station to Meiji Dori and is a pedestrian-only zone from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Takeshita Street is celebrated for its unique fashion culture and is frequently visited by students on school trips and international tourists, seeing a particular surge in visitors during weekends, holidays, and school vacations.

The street is characterized by small, trendy boutiques targeting a youthful demographic. Some stores have maintained their presence for decades, blending tradition with the latest fashion trends. Alongside major chains like The Body Shop, McDonald's, and 7-Eleven, the majority of local businesses are small independent shops that carry an array of styles. These shops are often a bellwether for broader fads, and some are known as "antenna shops," which manufacturers seed with prototypes for test-marketing.

The street's transformation into a shopping hub began in 1976, while the late 1990s saw the rise of subcultures like hip-hop, Gothic, and Lolita, which gained popularity among the youth. But above all that, it gained global recognition as the epicenter of "kawaii" culture in the 1990s.

In the mid-2000s, Takeshita Street attracted Chinese tourists in their numbers, drawn to Japanese souvenirs available at 100-yen shops like Daiso Takeshita Street and local drug stores.

Despite its dynamic history and diverse offerings, efforts have been made to maintain the area's cultural integrity, including regulations against adult entertainment establishments.

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.

Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku is a striking shopping complex in Tokyo known for its mirrored entrance and unique architectural design. Located in the fashionable Harajuku district, it combines trendy shops, cafes, and an iconic rooftop terrace offering city views and a peaceful escape from the bustling streets below. It’s a must-visit for those interested in Tokyo’s vibrant fashion scene, creative design, and urban culture.

The Ōta Memorial Museum of Art in Tokyo is a small but renowned museum dedicated to Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints, featuring rotating exhibits that showcase famous works from artists like Hokusai and Hiroshige. Located in the Harajuku area, it offers a peaceful, immersive look into traditional Japanese art and history, making it a meaningful stop for anyone interested in Japan's cultural heritage.

Omotesandō is a tree-lined avenue located in Shibuya and Minato, Tokyo, that extends from the entrance of the Meiji Shrine to Aoyama Street, where you'll find Omotesandō Station. Originally established during the Taishō era, it served as the grand approach to the Meiji Shrine, a sacred place dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken.

Today, Omotesandō serves as a vital route for both vehicles and pedestrians, connecting the vibrant neighborhoods of Harajuku and Aoyama. This area boasts an array of renowned international brand boutiques, including names like Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen, and Gucci, alongside popular fast fashion retailers like Gap, H&M, and Zara. In the book "Luxury Brand Management," luxury brand manager Michel Chevalier even considers Omotesandō one of Tokyo's prime locations for luxury goods stores.

Omotesandō is also home to notable establishments such as the Kiddyland toy store, Laforet shopping complex, and the Oriental Bazaar, offering diverse shopping experiences. The adjacent side streets, known as Ura-Harajuku, add to the neighborhood's appeal with their cozy cafes, bars, restaurants, and boutique shops.

Furthermore, Omotesandō plays host to Tokyo's annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade, adding a touch of international cultural celebration to this vibrant locale.

What to buy here: Rilakkuma bear.

This cute stuffed animal bear is always in a relaxed mood. The included sleeping bag made out of a soft boa will let you tuck your bear in at night and say good morning when the sun comes up. The Rilakkuma bear simply snuggles with your child to help remedy tranquility with children. The sleeping bag is also reversible with an adorable polka-dot fabric for the inside. Bears such as the Rilakkuma became popular in Japan in around 2008 when Kiddy Land underwent remodeling. Since then, the stores have housed the collection of these bears as an iconic symbol of the typical Japanese child. Kiddy Land, located 6-on 1-9 Jingu-mae in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo houses numerous furry friends, perfect for small children.