Yoyogi Park is one of the more peaceful spots in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. With a dense, fragrant forest (the scent of which I wish I could bottle) and plenty of walking trails, it’s a beautiful place to forget that you are in a city with a population equal to the entirety of Canada.

Meiji Shrine is also located within its borders. Destroyed during WWII, the current structure is a faithful reproduction of the original which was dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. Many people of the Shinto and Buddhist faiths make regular pilgrimage to the site for prayer and to make offerings. In a world that feels increasingly hostile in so many ways, I decided to do the same.