Journey to Japan: French wine at Meiji temple and a Disney reunion

Day 8

In the morning, we visited the Meiji Shrine, one of Tokyo’s most important and serene spiritual sites. Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, the shrine honors the emperor who helped lead Japan into the modern era during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Set in a vast forested area in the heart of bustling Shibuya, the shrine feels like a tranquil retreat. Towering trees surround wide gravel paths leading to the grand torii gates, offering a refreshing escape from the city’s noise and pace.

L and I both took part in the traditional custom of writing down our wishes on paper slips and placing them with a small donation at the shrine’s designated area.

The shrine grounds are lined with rows of sake barrels, known as kazaridaru, which are traditional offerings from sake brewers across Japan. These barrels symbolize gratitude and prayers for prosperity, reflecting the deep connection between Shinto rituals and Japan’s cultural heritage.

In addition to sake barrels, Meiji Shrine also displays wine barrels from France. This unique inclusion traces back to Emperor Meiji himself, who played a pivotal role in opening Japan to Western influences during the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century. As part of Japan’s modernization and internationalization efforts, cultural exchanges between Japan and Western countries, including France, were encouraged.

The presence of French wine barrels at Meiji Shrine symbolizes this spirit of friendship and cultural exchange between Japan and the West. While sake remains the traditional ceremonial drink in Shinto practices, the wine barrels reflect the blending of cultures and the emperor’s vision of embracing new influences while honoring Japan’s traditions. These barrels stand as a testament to Japan’s journey from isolation to becoming a global nation, bridging spirituality, culture, and international goodwill.

After soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and strolling through the tranquil gardens, we made our way to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for its famous observation deck. The panoramic views of Tokyo’s sprawling skyline stretched endlessly, offering a fantastic perspective on the city’s vastness and energy. 

From there, we wandered around Shinjuku during the daytime. It felt calm and orderly, but I imagined how different this area must be at night, alive with neon lights, crowds, and endless entertainment options. As hunger crept in, we decided it was time to check off another item on our food list: sushi. We had originally envisioned something simple, but somehow ended up seated at a counter directly in front of two sushi chefs. Backing out would have felt awkward, so we just rolled with it and went for their recommended set. Watching each piece being prepared in front of us was a show in itself. My personal challenges were sea urchin and fish roe, textures and flavors I’m usually cautious about, but they went down surprisingly well, no regrets or grimaces. The wallet took more damage than expected, but the whole experience was absolutely worth it.

Back at the hotel, we took some time to refresh before meeting S, my old neighbor from 2001 when we both worked at Disney in Florida. Together, we went to a nearby izakaya, settling onto traditional tatami mats with a clever twist: the floor beneath the table was recessed, allowing us to sit comfortably with legs stretched out, a perfect blend of tradition and ease. The atmosphere was lively and a bit loud, filled with locals enjoying the start of the weekend on a Friday night. The place buzzed with laughter and conversation, a true slice of Tokyo’s social life.

Shortly after sitting down, the server brought out otoshi, a small appetizer served automatically with drinks, a customary “cover charge” in food form. It was a simple, tasty starter, setting the stage for the evening. The combination of good food, good drink, and good company made for a memorable night in the city.

After dinner, we stopped by the nearby Kanda Myoujin shrine to soak up some quiet spirituality before heading back to the hotel. Though we intended to go out again, exhaustion from the day took over, and we called it a night.