Around The World w/Scott 2011: These are the days of My Life

Well today was a good day. I finalized my India volunteer paperwork and it was actually sunny for most of the day. I was able to head out to the streets by early afternoon. I headed out to Shimbuya but i thin i ended up in Shumbuku?? go Figure. The streets of Japan are NOT, I repeat are Not set up in any kind of grid pattern. Once you leave the subway station you are on your own. Well success today. That's right people I actually found the Meiji Jingu Temple and I actually meant to. Usually I end up bumping into something but never the actual location that I had intended to discover. Fun and frustrating at the same time.

Today was a fun day. I met a great guy from Hiroshima that is in Tokyo on business and he recommended that I head over there and just maybe I will luck out and see a traditional Japanese wedding which are from time to time held on the property. Well today was my lucky day. I took the JR line which I normally do not as this subway line is not as clearly documented but lo and behold just as easy to navigate if you pay attention. It got me just where I wanted to go, there was an actual information sign that showed the park where the Shrine/Temple was located. Hating to depart from the main road as once you go down the many small tributary, one way or smaller side streets there is no return as one leads to another and before long without street signs or a large loaf of bread to drop bread crumbs I am hopelessly lost. Don't laugh...it has happened more than once...ok so it happens every time. But not today. I found a friend in the JR subway as I have finally been told that most of the sights worth attempting are on the JR line. Just a note, it is a major line used by business people so I am the only one not in business attire. I'm getting used to being ignored and definitely not fitting in dress wise. Oh well I'm traveling not here for a photo shoot.

Well speaking of photo shoot; look what I found on the streets of Tokyo. Love this place.

On your mark....get set....Go! A really small but common crossing site. All the car directional light turn read at the same time and all pedestrian crosswalk light turn green so everyone dives off every conceivable corner and crosses in every way imaginable. When the pedestrian light changes to red, get out of the road you had your turn and the cars rule the road again.

Torii - Shrine Gate, made of Japanese cypress.

Traditional Japanese Shinto wedding party.

Traditional Japanese Shinto Bride and Groom.

Wedding Party awaiting the arrival of the Shinto Preists.

The small group then proceeded at a very slow pace out of the chapel, across the grounds and out the side gate. It was quite a spectacle.

A very official procession.

So cool to have captured such an important moment on such a beautiful day.

There is an official process for approaching any shrine. There is a fountain with handled scoops that you ceremoneously, wash your left hand, transfer the ladle to your now cleansed left hand and cleanse your right, then cleans the ladels handle. If you are big time into it you can take a scoop of water rom your right hand and swish it into your mouth and spit on the ground.

This is one of many prayer trees. There is also a process for a prayer request which requires 2 initial bows to show respect, the clap of the hand together twice to wake the diety, say your prayer, bow twice as you back away never turning your back on the temple out of respect.

Weird Shinto Shrine collection. French wine caskets that were sent to the Emporer as he was the first to begin transitioning the country to western ways.