Togo Shrine in Harajuku

Continuing on that walk from the beautiful Togo Shrine garden, the temizuya area is reached. This is where people can perform temizu, washing to purify themselves before entering a shrine area. The one at Togo Shrine is impressive with the large stone lanterns.

The simplicity of the mon, or gate, for Togo Shrine is noticeable. Still it is large and imposing.

I was unable to find information about the shrine crest, but it does contain the Imperial chrysanthemum. Since the person enshrined here was a national hero and much decorated, it would not be surprising to see the chrysanthemum in the crest.

The person this shrine is dedicated to is Marshal-Admiral the Marquis Togo Heihachiro, who defeated the Russians in the Battle of Tsushima during the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905).

The interior courtyard of the shrine reminded me of nearby Meiji Shrine. In fact, Togo Shrine was rebuilt with concrete in 1964 after being destroyed during WWII.

There is another shrine in Togo Shrine, Uminomiya, dedicated to sailors and fishermen, and the palaces of the sea.

The main building of worship for Togo Shrine, the Haiden. Behind this is where the Marquis Togo Heihachiro is enshrined. 

Kami are not housed in the Haiden, but in a building, the Honden, which is located behind the Haiden. If the Kami is a mountain, tree or other physical object like that, there may not be a Haiden building.

Very muscular komainu here.

There were many omikuji and omamori offered for purchase. Those are papers with your luck written on them, and amulet charms for protection and luck. These have a paper inside with a prayer on them, so they are not suppose to be opened. 

I picked a bead omikuji. I was happy I received a pretty one and thankfully my omikuji said good luck 吉.

The stairs leading out of Togo Shrine. The colorful image on the banners and on the Haiden is a Z flag. It is an international maritime signal flag, signifying that fishermen are putting out their nets. Admiral Togo raised the flag on his flag ship during the Battle of Tsushima. It was a pre-arranged signal that "The fate of the Empire rests on the outcome of this batter. Let each man do his utmost". (info from Wikipedia here)

While the shines are interesting, it is the grounds that make this place attractive. Tall trees surround Togo Shrine, giving relief in hot weather and make one forget they are only a short distance from crowded Takeshima Dori in Harajuku.

Even outside the shrine there are monuments and interesting buildings like this warehouse.

And further on more sacred objects.

The narrow streets and walkways here are another peaceful place to spend time, with the lush greenery.

I really do enjoy exploring what lies beyond the tourist places. Especially in Harajuku where there are many interesting things to see. Even if it is a first time visit to there, it is worth stepping off of the main roads to see the other side of Harajuku.