The village of Edo was renamed to Tokyo at this point, which is now the capital of Japan, and where the Meiji-Jingu shrine is located. All places of Shinto worship are referred to as shrines. Shinto is the original religion in Japan, which is based on the worshiping of nature, rather than a scripture like other religions do. According to the Japanese, there are eight million gods (kami) in Shinto, a number which symbolizes eternity in Japanese culture and traditions. Shinto does not have a concept of religious conversion, so anyone is free to practice this religion. The emperor and empress's bodies are not in this shrine, but in Kyoto. However, it is said that, because this shrine was built in honor of them, their spirits inhabit this place. The Meiji-Jingu shrine was constructed in 1920, eight years after the death of Emperor Meiji (1852-1912), and five years after the death of Empress Shoken (1850-1914). The construction of this site is preceded by an important period in the history of modern Japan: the Meiji Restoration. Happening in 1868, the Meiji Restoration marked the end of the Shogunate era, and the reinstating of governing powers to the Emperor of Japan. The entrance to the shrine is guarded by two giant Torii gates made from ancient Cypress wood, which is estimated to be over 1,600 years old. These Torii gates are the largest in all of Tokyo. Torii gates are considered to be the division between the profane world, and the realm of the gods. To properly cross the gates, one must stand on either side, bow before crossing, and take a large step. One must not walk in the middle of the path, because it is reserved for the gods. Following the path to the place of worship, an old growth forest can be appreciated. This forest is composed of over 100,000 trees that were donated from all over Japan, and it has the unique ability to regenerate itself overtime, ensuring that there will always be trees around this place. At some point through the long path, on one side, there is a wall with hundreds of Sake Barrels on display. Sake is a traditional Japanese beverage based from rice starch, and Japanese history traces its origins back to over 2,000 years. These barrels are empty and only for decoration.
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