Togo shrine

Why Togo shrine is special ?

For a rest from the press, it is a good idea to turn onto the side street leading to Togo Shrine. Togo Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Admiral Togo, who defeated the Russian fleet in the Russo-Japanese War in 1905. The Togo Antique Market was held around the shrine on the first Sunday of each month, but it was discontinued in December of 2009.

Source: http://www.japan-guide.com/

What to explore at Togo shrine?

The journey starts off in front of the wood Torii on Meiji dori. Standing at the entrance the first thing you will notice is the cleanliness and perfection of this scene; truly picture-esque. As you walk ahead you'll find the road splitting, the left goes around the pond and towards the Temple, to the right goes into the garden and pond, and then to the temple

The garden and pond are brilliantly landscaped, there is so much diversity in the flora that it makes other gardens in Tokyo look plain and with no fences along the shore you're free go right down to the water's edge, something very uncommon. Cutting through the pond is a wood boardwalk, which goes through a few twists and turns until it brings you to the opposing shore, through a large stone Torii, and you're on your way to the temple. A peak over the sides of the boardwalk will reveal schools of Koi fish and fairly large turtles swimming about.

Continuing through the winding paths, enclosed on both sides by trees you come to the Temple. Like the rest of the grounds, the Temple and its elements are also in top form, clean and neat. It is quite common for weddings to be held here on the weekends, the bride and groom, as well as an entire procession of clergy, musicians and family members will walk from the boardwalk to the Temple as part of the ceremony.

Source: http://www.exploringtokyo.com

How to get to Togo shrine?

The togo Jinja is a short walk from the Yamanote Harajuku station, and is located approximately 800 feet north of the Meiji dori & Omote Sando intersection (near at the Meijijingumae subway station)