There are 3 entrances into the sacred area of the Meiji Jingu Shrine from Tokyo, each with its own gate. The main entrance, from south, is through the Minami-Shinmon gate. Built in 1921, the Minami-Shinmon and one of the amulet offices (shukueisha), were the only constructions in Meiji Jingu not destroyed by the World War II raids.
Minami-Shinmon is made entirely of Japanese cypress, with a copper plates roof. Usually, these gates are austere, without painted decorations. However, the simple, white decorations of this gate warm the atmosphere and make the place friendlier. Actually, the whole complex gives a warm and welcoming impression, and that’s one of the reasons why Meiji Jingu is one of my favorite shrines.

Minami-Shinmon, Meiji Jingu, Shibuya, Tokyo

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Japanese superlatives, Shinkyo Bridge