The Meiji era was a huuuge turning point for Japan. In my opinion, which is almost worthless since I no almost nothing about Japanese history, its the era that is most thoroughly reflected in modern Japan. During the Meiji era the young emperor started wearing western clothes, cut his traditional Japanese hair into a western style, ate western food, and enjoyed wine with most of his meals (as a result there's a huge collection of wine vats on your walk to the shrine).
I think that emperor set precedence for the now modern young westernized Japanese who pretty much do the same things he did except with respect to modern culture.
Anyways, the shrine is just as magnificent as the era of the emperor whose name it carries. If you have a chance to see it, don't miss it. To get there you go to the Omatesando train stop (Harujuku area); its also a big bustling shopping area and if you ask around for the "bazaar" you should be able to find a street lined with shops and crowded as hell that has lot of fun little stores to shop at or get gifts for friends back in the states. Its pretty much the equivalent of our flea markets, minus the tacky name.
The walk to the shrine is probably the best and the worse part. Its just soooooo loooooong. And it isn't clear why, but you've got to treck what feels and probably is about a mile before you actually reach the temple, so make sure you've got an ipod or an interesting friend with you. The scenery is gorgeous though which makes up for it. You are also shaded by a thick forest of trees and you can hear the birds chirping and everyone is generally really quiet which creates a very serene and relaxing walk (minus the distance).
When I got to the temple, I was lucky enough that they also had a flower arrangement display out (about 10 or so collections). But I'm pretty sure that's not a normal thing. But who knows, you may get lucky. If you are into flower arrangement though, summer and spring time, you can find them even in department stores, but if you pay attention while walking through the subways or just ask around a bit, you shouldn't have any problems locating one.
I can't remember the prayer ritual that well off the top of my head but I believe its throw a coin, clap twice, bow twice, clap once, and pray... Something to that end.
So the extra bonus is that for some reason outside this shrine, the goths gather outside daily. Its the hang out place and I guess where they display their new outfits/make up ideas. They will happily pose for a photo or take one with you. You'll also see the girls that love to dress up as maids or dolls as well as people giving out free hugs or playing music. Either way, its worth seeing. P.S. that's a guy in the far left of the above picture.
