Tokyo - a rare insight
No, the insight isn't a rare gem of wisdom from me! The insight refers to the wonderful thing we were able to witness at the Meiji Shrine on sunday. Before we spent time with the Harajuku kids on the bridge, we had a leisurely stroll around the grounds of this lovely shrine, and even sat and ate our breakfast there after the longer-than-expected walk up the tree-lined path. 
As we were entering the main complex, we suddenly noticed a procession of maybe 20-30 people coming towards us and the shrine entrance. It was a wedding! Yey! It was so exciting, as other people realised that a traditional Japanese wedding party was coming our way, and cameras were hastily pulled from bags. The long train of people slowly and gracefully walked past us, and into the shrine grounds, where more people were waiting to witness what happens in a Japanese wedding. The wedding party disappeared from sight into one of the larger shrine rooms, and the captivated crowds dispersed.
Around 15 minutes later, they appeared again, and walked the length of the shrine grounds once more, towards their waiting wedding photographer. The bride (who was obviously now a Mrs something or other!) did not look particularly happy, but it is rarely the Japanese way to beam broadly for photographs!
Besides, her kimono looked soooo heavy, and difficult to walk in, that I'm sure smiling was the last thing on her mind...just walking, and remaining upright must have been a chore! We watched them sit for their photographs, and then also saw the bride's hood also being removed at the end, to reveal the most elaborate and high hair-style/construction I have ever seen! I felt very lucky to have had this chance to gain an insight into Japanese weddings, and to have seen all the kimonos, and outfits in all their close-up glory. Whilst in Miyajima 2 weeks ago, we were also lucky enough to see another wedding party...but this time we got a chance to see the ceremony itself. A Japanese wedding was not on my 'list' of things to see before I left, but it is certainly a welcome, unexpected, and captivating addition.
As we were entering the main complex, we suddenly noticed a procession of maybe 20-30 people coming towards us and the shrine entrance. It was a wedding! Yey! It was so exciting, as other people realised that a traditional Japanese wedding party was coming our way, and cameras were hastily pulled from bags. The long train of people slowly and gracefully walked past us, and into the shrine grounds, where more people were waiting to witness what happens in a Japanese wedding. The wedding party disappeared from sight into one of the larger shrine rooms, and the captivated crowds dispersed. Around 15 minutes later, they appeared again, and walked the length of the shrine grounds once more, towards their waiting wedding photographer. The bride (who was obviously now a Mrs something or other!) did not look particularly happy, but it is rarely the Japanese way to beam broadly for photographs!
Besides, her kimono looked soooo heavy, and difficult to walk in, that I'm sure smiling was the last thing on her mind...just walking, and remaining upright must have been a chore! We watched them sit for their photographs, and then also saw the bride's hood also being removed at the end, to reveal the most elaborate and high hair-style/construction I have ever seen! I felt very lucky to have had this chance to gain an insight into Japanese weddings, and to have seen all the kimonos, and outfits in all their close-up glory. Whilst in Miyajima 2 weeks ago, we were also lucky enough to see another wedding party...but this time we got a chance to see the ceremony itself. A Japanese wedding was not on my 'list' of things to see before I left, but it is certainly a welcome, unexpected, and captivating addition.
posted by Lauren @ 6:52 am
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