Meji Shrine
Meji Shrine is one of the most iconic places in Tokyo and it must be included in your list of must visit places. The shrine is dedicated to spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife.
Located in the Shibuya district of Tokyo, the construction of the shrine began in 1915 and it was completed in 1926. The architecture of the shrine reflects the typical features of the Japanese architecture. The shrine is located in a forest that has got more than 120.000 trees with 365 different species. It is common for Japanese people to visit the shrine, especially for special occasions such as weddings and celebrations.
The Meiji Shrine consists of two different parts; the first is Naien, the inner part. In Naien, there is a treasure museum in which the visitors can see the belongings of the emperor and his wife. The second part, Gaien is the outer part of the shrine and there the visitors can see the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery as well with the National Stadium and Meiji Memorial Hall.
Meiji Shrine is open from 06:30am to 4:30pm. If you would like to go there by using the subway you can use Chiyoda Line and get off at Meiji Jingu Mae Station or Fukutoshin Line and get off at Meiji Jingu Mae Station.
Senso-ji Temple
Senso-ji is not only the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, but also the most famous one. It is located in the Asakusa region of the city, which is one of the oldest regions in Tokyo. You can both admire the beauty of the temple and get the chance to understand how it was in Japan back in the times.
There is also a big market just around the temple. If you would like to buy some souvenirs to take home with you, then you must also pay a visit to the market as well. Some the stores located are bit more expensive there however they offer you a wide range of items in one place.
Senso-ji is highly accessible by local transportation. You can get off at Asakusa station and it takes around 3-4 minutes to arrive there on foot. If you don’t want to enjoy the temple with thousands people, make sure you go there the earliest in the morning since the place is almost very crowded.
Tokyo National Museum
Tokyo National Museum is one of the best museums in the entire world. It has got its reasons why and you are going to understand these after a visit.
Established in 1872, the museum is Japan’s oldest museum and is home to more than 110,000 pieces of artwork. There are five exhibition buildings in the museum, these being; Honkan (Japanese Gallery), Toyokan (Asian Gallery), Hyokeikan, Heiseikan and Horyu-ji Homotsukan (The Gallery of Horyu-ji Treasures). In these five, you can get to know more about Japanese art, as well with other Asian countries’.
Tokyo National Museum is located in Ueono Park, which is one of the most popular parks in Tokyo. If you decide to go to the museum, don’t forget to take walk across the park since it is truly beautiful at any season of the year.
Main Image Credit: christophervo