First to visit Meiji Jingu Shrine (Meiji Shrine), a Shinto Shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1852-1912) and Empress Shoken (1849-1914), who played a crucial role in modernizing Japan while excelled in writing Waka (traditional Japanese poems of 31 syllables in the pattern 5-7-5-7-7). Meiji Shrine is also a popular venue for traditional weddings, where you will have the opportunity to witness a Japanese wedding procession and experience the charm of Japanese traditional culture.
The Meiji Shrine is nestled within a tranquil forest that covers an area of 70 hectares, providing a peaceful escape from the bustling city. This forest is home to over 100,000 trees that were donated from regions across Japan during the shrine's construction, in honor of their beloved Emperor Meiji (who established Shinto as the state religion) and Empress Shoken.
Take a stroll along the paths and enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty. You will walk through Japan's largest wooden Torii gate, standing in its natural wooden hue and weighing up to 13 tons. The Torii gate serves as the Symbol of Shinto Shrines, marking the transition from the worldly to the sacred. Then, you will notice the impressive Sake Barrel Wall along the South Approach, which features offerings from sake breweries and believers across Japan, including barrels of sake and Western liquor, reflecting Emperor Meiji's fondness for Western culture.
At the main hall of Meiji Shrine, you can witness locals washing their hands and rinsing their mouths at Purification Font before worship as a sign of respect. You can offer a 5-yen coin (symbolizing a connection) like locals and pray for blessings. In the eyes of the Japanese, Meiji Shrine is considered to have such boundless capabilities, from naming ceremonies for newborns, to coming-of-age ceremonies, graduation ceremonies, seeking marriage partners, praying for world peace, family well-being, safe travels, good health, warding off calamity, etc.
Then, take a walk to Meiji Jingu Gaien, where you'll find the Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue lined with rows of ginkgo trees. Every autumn, as the ginkgo leaves turn yellow, the entire street becomes covered with golden leaves, creating a beautiful scenic view.
Next move to visit Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world, accommodating approximately 3,000 people per minute. As one of Tokyo's iconic locations, Shibuya attracts tourists and photographers from around the globe who come to observe and capture its essence. Numerous movies, TV shows, commercials, and music videos are filmed at this location, such as "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift."
Additionally, if you're interested in the story of Hachiko, the loyal dog, you can also visit his bronze statue. This Hachiko statue is located outside Shibuya Station and was erected to commemorate Hachiko's loyalty. Not only is it a popular meeting spot, but it's also a must-visit attraction for tourists. The statue symbolizes the power of loyalty and love, serving as a touching tribute.
In the afternoon, head to Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa Kannon Temple), a must-visit for anyone traveling to Tokyo. While there, be sure to capture a photo of Tokyo Skytree, Japan's tallest tower, visible in the distance.
Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa Kannon Temple), is one of the oldest and most famous Buddhist temples in Tokyo, located in the Asakusa district of Taito, Tokyo. The temple is dedicated to Kannon Bosatsu (Avalokiteshvara), the Bodhisattva of compassion. According to legend, in 628 AD, two fishermen retrieved a statue of Kannon from the Sumida River and decided to construct a temple to enshrine it. Completed in 645 AD, Senso-ji has since become a spiritual symbol of Tokyo.
The temple's entrance is marked by the iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), featuring a massive red lantern and protective deity statues that symbolize the temple's guardians against evil spirits. This gate is a popular photo spot and marks the beginning of Nakamise Street, a lively shopping street lined with stalls offering traditional Japanese snacks, crafts, and souvenirs, which leads up to the temple's second gate, the Hozomon.
Beyond the Hozomon lies the main hall, dedicated to Kannon and adorned with exquisite decorations, where devotees pray and worship. Adjacent to the main hall is the temple’s five-story pagoda, another striking feature, representing the traditional Japanese architectural style and symbolizing the five elements of Buddhist cosmology - earth, water, fire, wind, and void.
From Senso-ji looking south, you capture a photograph of Skytree Tower (Japan's Tallest Tower; 634 meters). On this street, you can see both old buildings and modern skyscrapers together, providing a visual contrast between traditional and modern.
After that, you can explore Akihabara (The Electric Town).
Akihabara is a district in Tokyo renowned as the center of anime, manga, video games, and electronics. It's a paradise for tech enthusiasts, you'll find countless stores selling anime merchandise, computer parts, and electronics. On the streets of Akihabara, you can see various cosplay enthusiasts showcasing and interacting while dressed in costumes of their favorite anime or game characters.