Hey everyone.// It’s Josh from Accessible Japan.// Today we’ve come to Meiji Jingu.// Meiji Jingu  is probably the most famous shrine in Tokyo, if not Japan.// It’s surrounded by a beautiful forest.// As we come to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, it is also the 100-year anniversary of the founding of this shrine.// As we move towards this anniversary, the shrine is preparing to make the shrine area more and more accessible for those with special needs.// That includes adding slopes as well as paths to make it easier for everyone to come enjoy this special place.// Let’s go check it out.//
　　Traditionally, on the approach to the shrine, there is a gravel path to purify you before you go to the shrine.// But as we approach the 100-year anniversary, the shrine wanted to make it easier for people to travel here, and added these smooth paths.// This huge forest is over 70 hectares.// And it’s filled with trees.// Trees weren’t here originally, but donated by people all over Japan.// One of my favorite Japanese words is komorebi.// Komorebi  means the light leaking through trees.// And you can really experience that here, when you are in Meiji Jingu.//
　　We’ve come 400 meters from the entrance of the shrine.// And now we’re coming to the Forest Terrace.// It’s a great place to rest your legs, and if you need to use a wheelchair-accessible washroom, there’s one in here as well.//
　　We’ve arrived at a popular Instagram location.// Over 200 Japanese sake  makers from across the country make offerings of their sake  to the shrine.// The beautiful colors represent the different companies that have made their offerings.//
　　After a beautiful walk through the forest, we’ve arrived at our destination.// Meiji Jingu, the main shrine complex.// The path on the right-hand side cuts off at this point.// So, if you’re using a manual wheelchair, it is recommended to take the left-hand side path.// One of the great features of Meiji Jingu  is that there is a ramp that leads right into the haiden.// Not only is it smooth and easy to use, it also blends in perfectly with the atmosphere.// As you enter into the main courtyard, the shrine is surrounded by beautiful huge trees.// And it’s really an awe-inspiring sight.// This slope was added three years ago.// It’s very smooth and easy for someone to push a wheelchair up.// It also allows visitors to go to the main haiden  and offer their prayers as well, just like any other visitor.//

Shinto priest :

Welcome to Meiji Jingu.//

Josh :

Thank you for having me.//

Shinto priest :

It’s great to see you.//

Josh :

It’s great to see you too.// Up until now, I’ve only ever come here by train, so I didn’t know that there’s actually a parking lot nearby for people who, using wheelchair-accessible vehicles, also come and visit the shrine.//

Shinto priest :

Yes.// People can use the paved pathways from the parking area located at the east side of this precinct.//