Ema at Meiji Jingū Srine, Tokyo, Japan

Meiji Shrine 明治神宮, Meiji Jingū. Located just beside the JR Yamanote Line`s busy Harajuku Station, Meiji Shrine and the adjacent Yoyogi Park make up a large forested area within the densely built-up city. The shrine was completed and dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and the Empress Shoken in 1920, eight years after the passing of the emperor and six years after the passing of the empress. The shrine was destroyed during the Second World War but was rebuilt shortly thereafter. Emperor Meiji was the first emperor of modern Japan. He was born in 1852 and ascended to the throne in 1867 at the peak of the Meiji Restoration when Japan`s feudal era came to an end and the emperor was restored to power. During the Meiji Period, Japan modernized and westernized herself to join the world`s major powers by the time Emperor Meiji passed away in 1912. Entry into the shrine grounds is marked by a massive torii gate, after which the sights and sounds of the busy city are replaced by a tranquil forest. The approximately 100,000 trees were donated from regions across the entire country. Sake barrels are called kazaridaru, which means “decoration barrels.” The barrels on display are empty, at least in physical terms. Spiritually, they’re chock full of significance. Shrine visitors write their wishes on these wooden plates ema and then leave them at the shrine in the hope that their wishes come true. Most people wish for good health, success in business, passing entrance exams, love or wealth.

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