Meiji Shrine is one of the most famous places of worship in Japan, partly because it is also one of the most photogenic. As the number of tourists is expected to rise before the Olympics, you may want to get your Shinto selfies off your things-to-do list first.

Before you reach the main hall, you'll find two of the shrine's best photo opportunity backdrops: a large collection of wine barrels and a giant torii gate.

As you enter via the Harajuku-guchi entrance, you'll pass under a torii before seeing the barrels. Emperor Meiji, the shrine's namesake, reportedly loved wine, and these casks were gifts from the French region of Burgundy.

There is also a wall of sake casks in the grounds, which makes for another great photo, but the wine barrels are unique to Meiji Shrine.

One of Japan's biggest torii gates is not far from the wine. It is the second gate on your way to the main hall and it's made of wood from Taiwan.

For other scenic spots, check out the photo gallery with the online version of this article. (Miina Yamada)