Stepping into serenity, we find ourselves before Ten Shrine, a hidden gem nestled within Tokyo’s bustling landscape. Ten Shrine may not boast the grandeur of some of Tokyo’s larger shrines, but it holds a special place in the city’s spiritual tapestry as part of the Tokyo Ten Shrine Course. This course, revived in 1975 to commemorate Emperor Showa’s 50th reign, encompasses ten shrines within Tokyo’s twenty-three wards. Ten Shrine, along with the others, is believed by some to be a “power spot,” radiating a unique energy. The history of the Tokyo Ten Shrine course stretches back to 1868. When Emperor Meiji relocated from Kyoto to Edo Castle (now the Imperial Palace), he designated twelve shrines for prayers for the new capital’s prosperity. These shrines were seen as a spiritual barrier protecting the emperor’s residence. Over time, some were forgotten or destroyed. The current course focuses on the surviving ten. Visiting Ten Shrine offers a glimpse into a lesser-known side of Tokyo, a quiet respite from the city’s vibrant energy. For a tangible memento of your visit, consider purchasing a goshuincho, a stamp book specific to the Ten Shrine Course, available in wooden or purple fabric covers. Each shrine offers unique stamps, adding a personal touch to your pilgrimage.
Hauptfriedhof
Lost in time stands the Hauptfriedhof Trier. A tranquil expanse in the bustling city it’s more than just a cemetery.