Meiji Jingu is a lovely oasis right next to the uber consumerist pop-culture of Harajuku, Omotesando, and the cosplay kids dressed up on the bridge in front of Yoyogi Park. The temple unfolds itself in a series of gates within a green enclave of trees. With the passing of each gate, a bit more of the 21st century world evaporated behind me. I quite like the unvarnished wood color-it felt somehow very humble and quiet. The secret-garden enclosure reminds me of the Cloister Museum tucked away on 190th Street in upper Manhattan.

Upon entering the largest courtyard, I came across a number of weddings in various stages: group photos, solemn processions (with the big red umbrella), photo album setups. The brides in their gorgeously rich kimonos outshone the grooms by far - it was the complete opposite of the animal kingdom where males generally had the flashiest plumage or markings and females reduced to drab dullness. Even so, the grooms, in their recessive neutral hues of grey, were noticeably pleased as punch to be associated with their glorious brides...