“Bridge to fandom” might be the perfect nickname for Meiji Jingu Bridge. Here we are at the Meiji Jingu Bridge. It is more than just a way to cross.
Meiji Jingu Bridge is a landmark in Tokyo. It is a gathering place for fans of many things. Anime cosplay heavy metal music and pop music fans meet here. It attracts fandom in general.
This bridge is free of motor traffic. It is a large footbridge. Its location is key to its popularity.
The bridge sits right by the entrance to Yoyogi Park. Rock bands often hold free concerts there. It is also near the Harajuku JR train station. Takeshita Dori is a block away. That street is a popular shopping area for teens. Subcultures also thrive there.
Sunday brings the biggest crowds to Meiji Jingu Bridge. Weekdays are quieter. Even then you might see interesting people.
I read that some death metal fans posed for photos. Girls in maid outfits were also there. The maid look was very popular around 2006 in Japan.
There is a friendly vibe on the bridge. It is hard to miss. Stop by Meiji Jingu Bridge if you are in Tokyo. It is on the way to the Meiji Shrine. The shrine is worth visiting itself.
Meiji Jingu was set up in 1920. It honors Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. They helped build modern Japan. Scholars planned an eternal forest. People could pray there in silence. This would honor the Emperor and Empress.
About 110000 young people helped build Meiji Shrine. They planted trees and made paths. Jingu Bridge was built when Meiji Shrine was being constructed in 1920.
Close by is the Olympic Bridge. It was built in 1964 for the Tokyo Olympics. It helped people get to Yoyogi National Stadium. That stadium was the main swimming venue.
The Meiji Shrine’s Otorii gate is very large. It is 12 meters high and 17.1 meters wide. It weighs 13 tons. It is the largest wooden Myojin torii gate in Japan. The current gate was rebuilt in 1975.
As you walk you might see modern art. Tomokazu Matsuyama’s Wheels of Fortune was created in 2020. It uses stainless steel polished to a mirror finish. It mixes deer antlers and car wheels. The deer are said to be sent by gods. The car wheel looks like a copper mirror. These shapes create a contrast. The mirror shows the majestic forest. It also reflects artifacts. The artwork connects art and society. It includes Japan’s modernization. Meiji Shrine symbolizes this.
Kohei Nawa’s White Deer also stands near the road to the Meiji Shrine Museum. It is a series of works. The latest work has mysterious white pearls. Nawa sees the work as a view of the sky at Meiji Jingu. It connects areas of Japan. These include depopulating Inujima and Ishinomaki which was hurt by an earthquake.
The Meiji Jingu Gyoen was once the garden of the Kumamoto clan. It was also owned by the Kato clan. In the Edo period the Ii clan also had it. In June the irises bloom. Emperor Meiji enjoyed visiting them. There is also a well linked to Kiyomasa Kato. It is known as a power spot.
Sixty wine barrels were donated by Burgundy producers. Sake brewers from Japan donated 201 barrels of sake.
The main hall has a common shrine style. The entrance faces the roof ridge. The roof is warped. A curved line goes to the front entrance for worship.
Meoto Kusunoki is in front of the worship hall. It is a famous power spot. Two large trees stand side by side. They are about 100 years old. They are said to increase love luck. This is especially true for married couples.
CAFÉ Morino Terrace is a cafe. It fits in with the forest of Meiji Jingu. It is a good place to remember a peaceful time.
So next time you cross Meiji Jingu Bridge remember it is a landmark. It is more than just a way to get somewhere. It is a place full of history art and culture.