When in Yoyogi Park in Tokyo, you can take a path through the park to reach the grounds of Meiji-Jingu shrine - a shrine dedicated to the Meiji Emperor since 1920.

Upon entering the gates of the forest, the heat, noise, and hustle-bustle of the city disappears and you find yourself engulfed in serenity. The large boulevard-esque path leading to the shrine, is surrounded by tall trees in a forest of 120,000 broad leaf evergreens. They stand tall above you as shelter and you can imagine how many feet have walked this path to the shrine in years past, shaded by the trees.

What I found most fascinating and beautiful were the large torii gates - wooden structures that are believed to mark the transition from mundane to sacred in Shintoism.

Sake barrels, donated by the sake makers of Japan were also sent as a blessing and decorate the path to the shrine.

A monk stands quietly seeking donations in a brass bowl from passersby. When one drops something into his bowl, he breaks into a melodious song - perhaps well wishes - for you.