明治神宮 秋の大祭
Autumn Grand Festival on 2019, AKI no TAISAI at Meiji Jingu
I went to Meiji Jingu (Meiji Shrine) this morning. Arriving around 11:00, I surprised to find many foreigners. Tokyo truly became the city of tourism. Coincidentally, AKI NO TAISAI (Autumn Grand Festival) was held there. On the way to shrine, the pots of KIKU flowers are displayed. In the grounds of the shrine, many IKEBANA (flower arrangements) are displayed.
I was so lucky to enter into thttps://blog.hatena.ne.jp/ksfavorite/ksfavorite.hatenablog.com/edit?entry=26006613459610802#sourcehe inside of the yard of Main Shrine Buildings and watch the BUGAKU (court dance and music flourished in the Heian Period, 794-1185). The was first come first serve base. Last one hour. Only today. If you are interested in, you need to check ahead for another year or another place for performance since Meiji Jingu Autumn Festival is only Nov. 1 to Nov. 3.
The ancient music was very slow and comfortable to listen with instruments made by bamboo or natural material while watching under the clear autumn blue sky. I was so impressed with the beauty of the costumes. It was different from the familiar Japanese Kimono, but still Japanese fabric pattern. I am interested in finding the exhibition to see in detail the costumes in the future too. I was so lucky and satisfied with two hours of short visit Meiji Jingu today.
Locations: JR Harajyuku or Bus from Shibuya
About 1 to 2 hours sacred visit next to the center of shopping town Harajyuku, Omotesando. Recommended only in good weather thought. 10 to 15 min walk from TORII (gate) to Shrine one way. Spiritually the morning visit is said appropriate (Old Japanese saying).
Meiji Jingu Official Website: http://www.meijijingu.or.jp/english/
Limited time exhibition: Meiji Jingu Museum: In celebration of the Enthronement of the Emperor October 26 to March 29, 2020.
* 期間限定開館記念展 明治宮廷の世界 10月26日～2020年3月29日
* 宝物殿は工事中 Treasure Museum is still under construction.
明治神宮にお参りのため立ち寄ったところ、11月1日より3日まで秋の大祭をやってました。そして偶然にも、御社内に入れていただき舞楽を拝見できました。着席してからアナウンスがあり、1時間かかり途中退席ができないので、時間を許す方は機会がありましたら来年ご参加ください。天気もよく、御社内など普段は入れない所まで入れ、笙の音、ゆるやかな舞、そして豪華な衣装。本当に素晴らしい時間を過ごさせていただき、幸運でした。鳥居前からはとても外人の方が多くて、日本も様変わりしたものと驚きました。若い頃は大学も近く好きで通った表参道でしたが、何十年ぶりの街並みに、相変わらずの人の多さでしたが、とても良い休日になりました。
