While at Meiji Shrine just before the biggest downpour I have ever experienced, I took photos outside the public worship area where an event of some sorts was occurring. There were these glass automatic sliding doors that took you just inside and right into the center of the action.
I was in search of a Temple Stamp Booklet that I could use for my entire Japan visit (calligraphers will sign the book at each shrine for a small fee). I wanted to give that to my daughter as a gift upon my return--she had wanted to buy one on her trip, but her sensei was moving too fast to allow a trip to the temple stores (understandable, but unfortunate at the time).
But how was I to get a booklet when an event was in progress? Well, the shop helper (you can see what they were selling outside the hall in the reflection) told me I could go discreetly inside and ask to purchase a book. Actually, she didn't say that, but I gathered that was what she said by her actions. :)
I timidly stepped on the pad to activate the glass doors (silent! Whew!) Motioned my hands as if they were a book, and the person just inside the doors completed the transaction for me!
I love this photo for it's overall storytelling effect. Just inside is the ceremony (later dignitaries of some sort came out under umbrellas and the torrential rains), and outside are all of us tourists aiming a camera or recording device in some fashion.
