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Temples and Shrines - Tokyo Hotels .com

A Tokyo temple
The temples and shrines of Tokyo are an important aspect of understanding Japanese culture. These monuments offer glimpses into Japan's past from a historical, religious, and mythical perspective.

Some of the most famous and active shrines today are the ones that re-enact the most dramatic -- and some say bloodiest -- moments in history. For instance, the events and festivals that take place at the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura (Yokohama-Kamakura) honor Lady Shizuka, whose infant son was slaughtered by the emperor when she refused to dance for him. The Ritual Dance Stage in the center of the courtyard is dedicated to her.

One of the most popular yearly celebrations is the Kanda Festival (Kanda Matsuri at Kanda Myoujin Shrine) at the ancient (730 A.D) Kanda Myojin Shrine. Ostensibly a commemoration to honor the bravery of a tenth-century warrior who revolted (unsuccessfully) against the Kyoto Imperial Court, the Kanda Festival is known as a form of competitive "party piety"--who can be the rowdiest, the loudest, and drink the most beer.

The beauty of the artwork makes the Nikko Toshogu Shrine a popular destination. A marvel of carvings, the gateway alone features over 300 depictions of dragons, giraffes, lions, mythical beasts, and Chinese sages. This is the site of the famous "see-no-evil, speak-no-evil, hear-no-evil" monkeys.

The Meiji Jingu Shrine in Shibuya (Shinjuku-Shibuya) is an excellent destination for those who want a historical perspective on a particular era. In addition to a treasure museum of objects belonging to the Emperor Mejii and his wife, Empress Shoken, a Memorial Picture Gallery features a collection of 80 murals depicting scenes from court life.

Finally, some of the most beautiful and evocative shrines are those that were constructed as places of mourning and grief. In the on-site museum at the Yasukuni Shrine, the haunting -- and occasionally horrifying -- photographs of the young war dead are in stark contrast to the exquisite cherry blossoms, carefully cultivated bonsai trees, and striking floral arrangements that enliven the grounds. This braiding together of opposing qualities -- the bloody and violent, the beautiful and reverent -- is a window into understanding the relevance and importance of these structures throughout time.