Consecrated Sake Barrels (Houken Seishu Komodaru / 奉献清酒菰樽) are decorative, straw-wrapped wooden barrels displayed at Shinto shrines across Japan, with the most famous installation located along the main forested approach to Meiji Jingu Shrine in Shibuya, Tokyo. Offerings to the Gods (Kami): Sake (Omiki) plays a central role in Shinto purification rituals, symbolizing a link between worshippers and the enshrined deities. Sake brewers across Japan donate these barrels (komodaru) annually to honor the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken at Meiji Jingu. Decorative Display (Kazaridaru): The wall of barrels displayed along the shrine path is known as Kazaridaru ("decoration barrels"). While the displayed barrels on the path are empty for safety and longevity, the breweries supply actual sake to the shrine throughout the year for use in religious ceremonies, festivals, and blessings. Intricate Craftsmanship: Each barrel is bound in woven straw (komo) and hand-painted with the distinct crest, logo, and calligraphy of its originating sake brewery from across Japan's prefectures. Directly across the gravel path from the sake barrels at Meiji Jingu sits a matching stack of Bourgogne (Burgundy) wine barrels. Donated by French wineries, these reflect Emperor Meiji’s historical role in opening Japan to Western culture during the Meiji Restoration and his personal appreciation for foreign culture and wine.

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Terrific - a real 'Japanese' experience. The consecrated sake barrels form one of the shrine’s (and parks) most visual landmarks. The barrels are donated as offerings to the deities enshrined here. Each barrel bears the crest or calligraphy of the brewery that dedicated it - and provide a very colourful contrast to the surrounding forest / parkland. Really good.

an amazing photo site. many sake, rise wine barrels, with chinese characters of japanese version. interesting, very distinguished japanese atmosphere.

The display of consecrated sake barrels at Meiji Jingū — known as kazaridaru — forms one of the shrine’s most recognisable visual landmarks. These are ceremonial barrels donated by sake brewers from across Japan as offerings to the deities enshrined here. Wrapped in traditional komodaru straw coverings, the barrels are empty, serving not as storage but as symbolic gifts expressing gratitude, respect and the hope for continued prosperity. Their presence reflects the close connection between Shinto and the agricultural cycles of Japan. Sake has long been part of ritual practice — used in purification, celebration and the act of offering itself. Each barrel bears the crest or calligraphy of the brewery that dedicated it, turning the long row into a quiet testament to regional craft and the cultural reach of the shrine. Although purely ceremonial, the barrels create a striking contrast with the forested approach paths of Meiji Jingū. They stand as a reminder that the shrine is supported not only by worshippers but also by communities and industries throughout the country, all participating in a tradition that links devotion, craftsmanship and ritual continuity.

An impressive display of gifts to the temple. Not only the sake "wall", but also the opposite wall of French wines form a grandiose passage. By the way - beware of crows. They are very persistent and unceremonious...

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