This year I made my Hatsumode rather late, which enabled me to see some of the trappings of the new year while avoiding all the crowds. Shrine staff were in relaxed mood and had time to chat, while taking stock … Read the rest
Category: Shrine visits (Page 7 of 21)
In the days leading up to the New Year, it seems right to turn attention to what will be the nation’s no. 1 most popular spot for shrine visiting. That’s just what The Japan Times did yesterday with its celebratory … Read the rest
Last weekend I happened to be in the liveliest part of Kobe, Sannomiya, amidst bustling crowds. It’s noted for its nightlife, with a dense concentration of bars, restaurants, live houses, karaoke and all kinds of other interesting dives. And there … Read the rest
At the Fushimi-ku Fukakasa Ward Office, I enquired whether they knew anything about Oiwa Jinja. The offices are not very far away from Oiwa Hill, some fifteen minutes by car, so I presumed they’d know about such a striking abandoned … Read the rest
The main part of Oiwa Jinja is the upper section, for it contains the sanctuary with altar and goshintai (spirit-body) of large and small rock. As far as I could tell, this was elemental Shinto as it used to be … Read the rest
Yesterday Kyoto’s Aoi Festival took place, and since I’ve seen the festival several times I thought I’d take a stroll this year around Kamigamo Shrine after the proceedings had ended. I was glad I did, for I found the shrine … Read the rest