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Nov 23 2011 8 Comments

A Meiji Jingu wedding yesterday, or years ago?

Western-style weddings conducted in recreated chapels and churches are incredibly common in modern Japan, but traditional Shinto affairs can still be seen — there’s just less call for them that’s all. And there’s arguably nowhere better to see one than at Tokyo’s Meiji Jingu. Scenes of which, apart from the odd giveaway, could quite easily have been taken years ago, rather than just yesterday.

Meiji Shrine shinto wedding

Categorized: Culture, Photography, Religion

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. sixmats says

    11/23/2011 at 8:34 am

    Nice shot and I like the black and white.

    The only give aways in this picture are the skyscraper in the background and the people going to the shrine.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      11/23/2011 at 9:43 am

      Thanks! I like the timeless feel black & white gives it. And yeah, that’s all I noticed too. Elements that I quite like actually, as they perhaps aren’t immediately noticeable.

      Reply
  2. winnie says

    11/23/2011 at 10:36 pm

    Traditional Japanese style Weddings are imposing and beautiful. But it seem like more Japanese prefer
    Western style.
    I love this black and white shot!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Lee says

      11/24/2011 at 7:38 am

      Thanks Winnie! Yes, it does. I suppose they are a little less formal.

      Reply
  3. Bernard says

    11/29/2011 at 10:23 am

    Years ago if the DoCoMo tower was not in the background. Great shot and I love the Meiji Shrine in the morning. Ala Col Kurtz.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      11/29/2011 at 8:42 pm

      Thanks Bernard. Yeah, for all its fame, it can be quite a peaceful place at certain times of the day.

      Reply
  4. Hans ter Horst says

    11/29/2011 at 6:27 pm

    Excellent shot; I cannot understand why Japanese couple prefer a western wedding; I had a Shinto ceremony at Shiogama jinja 10 years ago and loved it! It was really special and I remember well the walk you captured from the meeting area to the shrine area in front of the honden.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      11/29/2011 at 8:45 pm

      Thanks a lot.

      I know what you mean. I used to think it was the formal nature of such ceremonies, but western-style weddings are hardly relaxed and casual affairs. Nor are they cheap.

      Simply fashion perhaps?

      Reply

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