In this featured series, we introduce you to ‘power spots’ and goshuin at shrines on the outskirts of Tokyo. Today, we’ll take a look at Onden Shrine, one of the locations where “MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2018 in SHIBUYA” will take place, Japan’s biggest inbound event set to hit Shibuya and Harajuku on March 24^th and 25^th. Ellie visited the shrine to learn about the manners and etiquette behind praying at shrines in Japan.   The Waterwheel at Onden (Katsushika Hokusai, Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, Reproduction)   Onden Shrine is located just a 10-minute walk from both Shibuya Station and Harajuku Station via the JR Yamanote Line or 7-minutes from Meiji-Jingumae Station via the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. It has been enshrined in Harajuku for more than 400 years where it has watched over the area. The area around Onden has a long history. In the Edo Period, the flowing Onden River was used for rice cultivation. This historical background is depicted together with Mount Fuji in Katsushika Hokusai’s Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji.   Deities enshrined at Onden Shrine include Omodaru no Kami and Ayakashikone no Kami. These deities give blessings for marriage ties between husband and wife, as well as in blessing and improved skill in art. The picture above is of Mutsuko Funada who lectured Ellie on the manners and etiquette of worship. You too can use this opportunity to learn together with Ellie.   Shrines are sacred places. Upon visiting one, be sure to bow once at the torii gate. Keep in mind that the center of the path up to a shrine is where the gods walk, so it’s  best to walk at the edge of the path rather than directly down the middle.   Next, you must cleanse yourself at the temizuya, or “water purification basin.” Take the ladle with your right hand, scoop up some water, and rinse your left hand.   Do the same again but this time switch hands – hold the ladle with your left and rinse your right hand.   Take the ladle again in your right hand, pour some water in your left hand and rinse your mouth. It’s best not to show your mouth as you do this.   Lastly, tip the ladle to drain the water. Don’t scoop water from the basin multiple times – use just one scoop of water for the entire cleansing.   手水舎で身を清めたら、いよいよ参拝です。社殿の前で軽く一礼しましょう。お賽銭を入れて鈴を鳴らして、神様にお参りに来たことをご奉告します。そして、社殿に向かって二礼、二拍手、一礼をします。           Red and white plum blossoms dotted the surroundings of the shrine. We recommend taking photos in a photogenic area like this for your social media.   It’s common at shrines to see komainu. They take on the form of an imaginary lion-dog-like animal, and it’s said that the shape of their mouth makes express the sacred ‘om’ sound. The one with its mouth opened is called Agyou and the one with its mouth closed is called Ungyou. Be sure to check them out when you visit a shrine.   There is also an Inari shrine at the grounds which is home to the deity of agriculture, industrial manufacturing and commerce, so be sure to pray to them all collectively.   Today’s main mission was also a success – Ellie managed to collect her ‘goshuin’ shrine stamps! She received one for each shrine – the Inari shrine stamp is on the left and the Onden Shrine stamp is on the right. Both cost \300.   Onden Shrine is a site for blessings in things like marriage and beauty. It offers a lot of keywords particularly favoured by girls, so it’s definitely one to visit. There’s a range of good-luck charms for sale at the shrine, including one for marriage that’s inspired by the blooming plum blossoms in the shrine grounds, one for beauty and more, so if you’re interested you should definitely check them out. We will be holding an event called “MOSHI MOSHI ENNICHI” at “MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2018 in SHIBUYA.” You can look forward all sorts of stalls like you’d see at a Japanese festival lined with lots of food, activities like yo-yo fishing and more! There will also be a stage where you can witness a Japanese ‘taiko’ drum performance, and there will also be a character DJ festival where DJs will dress up and perform. The bustling atmosphere of a Japanese festival is perfect to enjoy on dates, please be sure to drop by.     Outfit： Aymmy in the batty girls

In this regular article series, we introduce you to ‘power spots’ and goshuin at shrines on the outskirts of Tokyo. This time, our navigator Ellie visited Ōmiya Hachiman Shrine which you can reach from Shibuya Station via the Keio Line and Inokashira Line. Take the train to “Nishi-Eifuku Station” and it’s a 7-minute walk from there. The shrine is the third largest in Tokyo after Meiji Shrine and Yasukuni Shrine.   Ōmiya Hachiman Shrine has a long history – this year marks 955 years since it was established. There are numerous Kami (gods) enshrined here, including Emperor Ōjin, who also goes by the name Emperor Taichu which translates to ‘center of the womb.’ He is a Kami of household harmony, marriage, conception after a shrine visit, easy childbirth, and child rearing. The shrine gets the nickname “Tokyo’s Belly Button” for being located in the center of the city. It’s famous as a ‘power spot’ where one can return to the womb.   This sacred tree is called Kyosei no Ki, or “Tree of Symbiosis.” A nutmeg tree, it gets its name from the parasitic inuzakura flowering cherry that grows from it, living in a symbiotic relationship. Because the two trees have continued to live together mutually as one, many people visit the tree to pray for family happiness.   This is another power spot at the shrine: the chikaraishi, or “power stones.” During the Edo period, these stones were offered to compare the strength of the divine. There are 14 stones of varying weights and sizes, from 101kg to 187kg.   Another popular power spot is the “Happy Gaeru” – large stone frogs placed which, if you stroke, are said to bring happiness.   Before praying at a shrine, it’s customary to cleanse yourself at the temizuya (water basin) before heading in. First, pick up the ladle and hold it with your right hand and rinse your left hand.   Do the same thing but this time hold it with your left hand and rinse your right.   Afterwards, take the ladle in your right hand once more, pour some water into your left hand and rinse your mouth with it. Make sure not to bring the ladle to your mouth and don’t swallow the water. Spit the water next to the fountain – never directly into it. Rinse your left hand one more time.   Lastly, take the ladle with both your hands and pour out the remaining water from it next to the fountain. Once your ‘temizu’ session is complete, return the ladle neatly to its original upside-down position so it’s ready for the next person to use. Let your wet hands dry naturally, don’t use a handkerchief or hand towel.   You can’t receive your goshuin stamp straight away, so it’s best to wait on the goshuin reception before you make your way to the main shrine. (Make sure you get your stamp after you have prayed!)   It’s time to pray. Firstly, perform two deep bows at a 90°angle. Bring both hands to your chest and open them up shoulder-width apart. Clap twice. Keep your hands together and pray. Once you have finished praying, bring your hands down and perform one last deep bow.   We successfully received another goshuin stamp in our book. It costs just ￥300 to receive one.   Did you enjoy this Tokyo Stroll? Ōmiya Hachiman Shrine is also known as one of the three big shrines of Musashi Province. It brings good fortune to childbirth, child rearing and marriage, so it was a shrine we wanted to recommend for women. The power spots in the spacious shrine grounds are perfect for refreshing your mind.       Outfit： Aymmy in the batty girls

In this edition of Tokyo Stroll we head to a Japanese shrine, often dubbed a ‘power spot’ where one can uplift their energy and spirit. It’s also a place where you can get a ‘goshuin,’ a special type of stamp obtainable at many temples and shrines around Japan. Today, Ellie takes us to Tokyo Daijingu, a 19^th century shrine hugely popular with women as a power spot for love & relationships. Let’s go!

Tokyo Daijingu is easily accessible from all parts of the city by train. The closest station is Iidabashi Station which is linked to the JR Chuo-Sobu Line, the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho, Namboku and Tozai Lines, and the Toei Ōedo Line. If you’re up for a longer stroll, then you’ll be happy to know that this area is a popular tourist spot complete with Tokyo Dome City, Koishikawa-Kōrakuen and more, so be sure to have a walk around and check out the area.

Tokyo Daijingu was originally constructed in Hibiya and was popularly known by the name Hibiya Daijingu. After the Great Kantō Earthquake struck in 1923, it was moved to where it sits now and was renamed Tokyo Daijingu after the Second World War. Enshrined at Tokyo Daijingu are the deities Amaterasu-Sume-Okami and Toyouke-no-Okami, as well as 3 deities responsible for the creation and growth of all things, which has brought Tokyo Daijingu great value as a shrine for love, relationships and weddings.

A frequently asked question when visiting shrines is how to maintain proper etiquette when it comes to ‘temizu,’ a process of cleansing one’s hands and mouth before entering a shrine. There are people who tend to ignore the process, but cleansing your mind and body the ‘temizuya’ (water basin) is key etiquette in Japan before worshipping at a shrine.

Firstly, hold the ladle in your right hand, scoop up some water and rinse your left hand.

 

Then do the same swapping both hands – hold with your left and rinse your right.

Afterwards, take the ladle in your right hand once more, pour some water into your left hand and rinse your mouth with it. Make sure not to bring the ladle to your mouth and don’t swallow the water.

Spit the water next to the fountain – never directly into it. Rinse your left hand one more time.

Lastly, take the ladle with both your hands and pour out the remaining water from it next to the fountain. Once your ‘temizu’ session is complete, return the ladle neatly to its original upside-down position so it’s ready for the next person to use. The origins of temizu note that people would cleanse themselves at the surrounding rivers and spring waters before entering the shrine precincts. Today, however, there are concerns about the quality of the water in rivers as well as the guarantee of true spring water. The ‘temizuya’ was introduced to replace them.

Tokyo Daijingu is famous for being the first shrine to establish the Shinto wedding ceremony in Japan. In 1900, the Crown Prince Yoshihito, who later went on to become Emperor Taishō, married at Tokyo Daijingu in front of the imperial sanctuary gods. Since then, it has come to be a location where the common people hold Shinto weddings.

The time has finally come – let’s go get our goshuin at the reception located to the left of the shrine! The first stamp costs ￥300.

By the reception are lots of cute ‘omikuji’ (fortune slips) lined up, so be sure to get your hands on one when you visit to have your fortune told. They are also famous for their marriage blessings. And if you’re coming from overseas, then do not fear as the omikuji are also written in English.

The omikuji are self-service, so pay your donation into the box and take out a slip while thinking about what fortune you want.

Ellie also prayed for marriage and chose a ‘love’ omikuji. She received a ‘chu-kichi’ blessing! Omikuji are ranked by blessings: there’s dai-kichi (great blessing), kichi (blessing), chu-kichi (middle blessing), sho-kichi (small blessing), sue-kichi (ending blessing), kyo (curse) and so on. No matter what blessing you receive they are words from god, so make note of their contents and work with them in your daily activities.

 

Tokyo Daijingu is a power spot and that is especially so at the sacred tree. Mini waterfalls murmur here, making it a relaxing place to heal yourself.

While we’re here, let’s also take a look at the proper etiquette for praying at a shrine! When there’s an offertory box at a shrine you must first offer a donation. Then, once you’re relaxed, you can begin with the bowing.

Firstly, perform two deep bows at a 90°angle.

Bring both hands to your chest and open them up shoulder-width apart. Clap twice.

Keep your hands together and pray. Be sure to give gratitude for the everyday things in your prayer.

Once you have finished praying, bring your hands down and perform one last deep bow. Be sure you don’t forget that final bow. This is the most common form of etiquette for praying at a Japanese shrine. It’s easy, just remember: 2 bows, 2 claps, 1 bow. It’s the most common form of prayer at any shrine so be sure to have it memorized before you go to pray.

 

Tokyo Daijingu can be accessed from also anywhere in the heart of Tokyo. The shrine grounds have a peaceful atmosphere and are a perfect breather after praying. Make it your first shrine visit of the year and make a wish for you and your loved one.

 

 

Model： Ellie

Writer：Ryoichi Komaba

Photograph：Haruka Yamamoto

Shrines in Japan are considered a 'power spot' which means they are overflowing with energy and healing properties. They're also a place where you can receive a very special stamp known as a goshuin. Today, Ellie will take us on a stroll to Atago Shrine, a fantastic tourist destination that is easily accessible from Roppongi. Atago Shrine is a great place for people to stop by during their work break due to its easy accessibility. You can reach the shrine in 5 minutes by foot from Kamiyacho Station via the Hibiya Line or 8 minutes by foot from either  Toranomon Station via the Ginza Line or Onarimon Station via the Toei Mita Line. If you're up for a real stroll then you can reach Atago Shrine in 20 minutes by walking from JR Shimbashi Station. The first thing you will see upon arriving at Atago Shrine is the towering set of stone steps which go by the name Shusse no Ishidan. A samurai called Magaki Heikuro is known for having gallantly ascended the flight of steps on horseback during the Edo period. It's quite a challenge to climb the stairs quickly, but it's a good idea to try as the stairs are symbolic of climbing the ladder to success in life, so be sure to give it a go! But do not fear as there is an elevator for anybody unable to ascend the steps. Atago Shrine is located atop Mount Atago, the highest mountain of Tokyo's 23 wards at an altitude of 25.7m. It was formerly a place where many people would gather to look out over the mountain where one can see Tokyo Bay and even the Bōsō Peninsula. The red gate at Atago Shrine (pictured above) is known as Ninuri no Mon, or "red painted gate." Arranged on various sections of the gate is the aoi-mon crest, a familiar symbol with Mito Kōmon. The Atago Shrine was built on the order of Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603 to enshrine a deity of fire protection. Before praying at the shrine, you must first purify yourself by washing your hands and mouth at the water basin. Initial cleansing of yourself is the proper etiquette to praying at a shrine.   In front of the shrine is a maneki-ishi (beckoning stone). It is said that if you stroke the stone you will be blessed with good fortune. So many people have touched the stone that the surface has become smooth! The fire god Homusubi no Mikoto is the main deity enshrined at Atago Shrine who not only offers protection against fire and fire-related disasters, but brings good fortune to businesses and marriages too. Another hidden wonder of Atago Shrine are the many cute animals that roam around. Photographed above is Tina-chan, a dog based at the shrine offers who watches over visitors to the shrine. They also offer omamori, or 'charms' for your pet, so if you're an animal lover then make sure to drop by the shrine office. There are many other animal guests besides Tina. There are 3 cats that used to be lost who now roam around various places at the shrine grounds during the day. Those who encounter them might be a lucky few. If you can't find them then you should wait for feeding time at 9am and 5pm - you'll meet them much easier this way.   There's also a huge healing pond home to lots of koi carp looked after by the shrine staff that are sure to raise your spirits! Here we are at last, the main event—receiving a goshuin (shrine/temple stamp) in our goshuincho (stamp book). It costs a ￥300 donation to receive one here (this is the common price). You can receive special inscriptions in your goshuincho at Atago Shrine during certain events such as the Nanakusa Hotaki Matsuri in January and Sennichi Mairi Hoozuki Ennichi at the end of June. This is an Inari shrine where Uganomitamanokami is enshrined. People worship this guardian deity for the protection of the necessities of daily life and agriculture. There's also a Benzaiten shrine to worship Ikichishihime-no-Mikoto, a god that brings luck of economic fortune, so can be prayed to for either a thriving business or a successful career. Atop the apex of the highest mountain in Tokyo's 23 wards you will find healing nature in lavish abundance, so much so that you will completely forget you are even in the city! The NHK Museum of Broadcasting is also close by, another recommended tourist spot to consider after visiting Atago Shrine. The shrine is associated with good fortune when it comes to success in life and business, so if you're an adult and working full time, why not stop by for a visit?           Model:  Ellie Writer: Ryoichi Komaba Photograph: Haruka Yamamoto Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

Anamori Inari Shrine is located near Haneda Airport. Many visit Anamori Inari Shrine to pray for success in business, or for safe travels. This is one of the many places where one may honor Oinari-san (the god of wealth, harvests and fertility). The sand at the shrine is believed to bring good luck. Take some home and scatter it to bring good fortune in business or for good health. Many visitors return home from this Shrine with this sand. We took a walk to this shrine with Elly-chan to discover its long-lasting history and traditional culture.

 

Anamori Inari Shrine’s mascot – “Kon-chan”

Anamori Inari Shrine is located approximately 2 kilometres away from Haneda Airport. The nearest station to the shrine is Anamori Inari station, which is a 3-minute ride on the Keihin Kyuko line (Keikyu line) from Haneda Airport International Terminal station. If you’re in Shibuya, change to the Keihin Kyuko airport line (Keikyu airport line) at Shinagawa station. The journey is approximately 20 minutes.

 

Exit Anamori Inari station and you will notice the cute fox mascot “Kon-chan” waiting for you. As the locals commute to work or school and as the tourists go by, Kon-chan watches over all of them, bringing them warmth. Throughout the seasons and on special occasions, the stone statue of Kon-chan is dressed in stylish clothes, which we’ve heard were made by the locals by hand.

 

The hall of worship protected by a large shrine archway and a fox

Anamori Inari has a history dating back to the year 1818. The shrine was built to protect Haneda, which was once flooded. The shrine was once located within the premises of Haneda airport before ww2, but it was moved after the war to a nearby location, as many of the locals were forced to move. The large shrine archway we see at Haneda airport today originally belonged to the old Anamori Inari shrine. Even to this day, as if the shrine archway protects the surrounding area.

There are foxes both on the left and right side of the hall of worship. These foxes greet the visitors. Look to the left and you will be greeted by a male fox. Look to the left and you will see a female fox embracing a baby. Looking closely at their faces reveals their impressive expressions.

 

Receive a cute fox stamp book

We visited the Juyosho, which is the building that sells temple goods. Here, we bought a stamp book. The design was an orange undertone and cute image of a fox. The ceremony fee costs ￥1,500 and to receive a shrine stamp in your stamp book costs ￥300.

The gorgeous stamp is a sign of worship. When you receive one, first join hands and pay your respects to the shrine.

There are many items available for purchase at the Juyosho, such as fox “Tsukaihime” and “Anamamori”, which bring good fortune. There is also a small charm you can purchase which will provide you with a safe flight – a charm that holds historical value with Haneda Airport and can only be purchased here.

 

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A row of shrine archways leading to the shrine

Many red shrine archways pile up close to one another, leading the path to a mysterious world. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the majestic spiritual atmosphere created by the archways will soothe you.

Once you exit the path of red archways, you will arrive at the centre of the shrine, which is also known as “Oana-sama”. There are many small shrine archways that you can purchase for your home. Many people come here to pray or to honor the shrine once their requests have been heard and granted.

You can take as much sand as you want from the shrine area. It is said that casting this sand in the entrance hallway of your home will bring good luck in business, and throwing it on the floor will bring good health. There are bags available for visitors to collect their own lucky sand.

 

Mitake shrine on the peak of the hill

Pass through the main shrine and take the side path through the entrance and you will arrive at the shrine of Inari, which brings good fortune. Here you will find two fox statues that were built before the war, paying their respects to the shrine.

Along the path to the shrine, you will come across a shrine of good fortune, a shrine of prosperity and a small wayside shrine. Mitake shrine is located at the peak of the hill. Visit each shrine and it will feel like a pilgrimage. Anamori Inari shrine is a gathering place of faith, so please come visit!

 

Once you walk to the peak of the hill and visit Mitake shrine, your day has finished! This is a great spot away from the busy rush of city life. Enjoy the mysterious atmosphere created by the shrine arches, and the comfort of the shrines! How about it? If you’re ever in Tokyo, come spend a fulfilling day here!

 

Photographer & Writer：Haruka Yamamoto

Model：Ellie

 

 

Related artilcle：Visit Temples and Shrines, and Collect Goshu-in!

 

Related article：【Tokyo Stroll】Strolling around Asakusa for half of the day finding the stereo typical sightseeing spots and new spots.

Many people find themselves with a lot of free time when at Narita Airport, whether in transit or going back home, and must find things to fill the time with. In this edition of Tokyo Stroll, we take a look at some of the best tourist spots around Narita Airport to fill your time with if you find yourself in this situation.

 

From visiting temples to buying souvenirs, the surroundings of Narita offer a range of exciting things to make those long hours fly by! Let's take a stroll together with Yuna Yabe and Eri to see some of the wonderful sights.

Visit "Naritasan Shinshoji Temple" just 10-minutes from the airport by train

If you have a spare 2 or so hours to kill then Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is a great location to stop by. Simply board the Limited Express train from Narita Airport via the Keisei Main Line and get off at Keisei Narita Station. The journey is just 10 minutes. What greets you as you approach the shrine is a 15 meter high gate constructed from keyaki wood. Many people enter through this gate to go and worship at the main building.

As Yuna and Eri walked toward the main building through the Niomon Gate they came to the Nioike Pond where turtle-shaped rocks were poking out of the water. There were lots of turtles sunbathing on top of the rocks. Legend says that if you throw a coin onto one of the rocks and a turtle goes onto the same rock your wish will be granted. You can see lots of coins on the rocks.

Once you pass the pond and climb the stairs you will arrive at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple's main building.

The Goma Ceremony has been practiced at the temple every single day since its founding. People's prayers are offered to Fudomyoo in front of a fire to fulfill people's worries and wishes. After praying, Yuna and Eri received a temple seal for their goshuincho temple seal notebook.

They also got their hands on an omikuji each. They opened it up, and... both of them received "Great Blessing," the best fortune you can receive from an omikuji! The omikuji have English written on the back too, so be sure to flip yours over if you can't read Japanese.

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple also has a number of designated important cultural properties, so there's plenty of amazing architecture to see if you visit. If you've got some spare time while in transit, then how about taking some time to learn some Japanese history?

 

 

Get souvenirs at the AEON Mall only available in Japan!

While you can get your hands on souvenirs at the airport, it wouldn't be wrong to assume that most people want something sold only in Japan such as snacks or other little trinkets. The next spot we're taking a look at is the Narita branch of the AEON Mall. You can get a direct bus there from Narita Airport. Buses also leave from Keisei Narita Station, the closest station to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.

 

The AEON Mall has it all - clothes shops, entertainment facilities, sundries, food and more. It's perfect for shopping with friends or having fun together with your family at the entertainment services. It's equipped with just about anything for anyone to enjoy.

 

We recommend doing your souvenir shopping at AEON Mall. And what better to spend your money on that Japanese snacks!

 

Yuna's Recommended Snack

The most popular snack bought by travelers is the baumkuchen cake. It's packed with just the right amount of sweetness. You can get a full, uncut cake in its distinct round shape, or you can get individual cut pieces in bags.

 

Eri's Recommended Snack:

One of the big snacks to buy from Japan is matcha flavoured Kit Kat. You can get this and many other flavours of Kit Kat at the AEON Mall. There are even limited edition seasonal flavours that are sold with the changing seasons, so make sure to be on the look out.

 

Besides snacks, cosmetics are another popular item. The AEON Mall is lined with a string of different brands who also offer testers of their products. There are plenty of affordable items to find in the line-up perfect as a gift to a friend. The best way to find something you like is to just get in there.

 

People from all over the world visit the AEON Mall in Narita so there are duty free counters. It's possible to get tax exemption from items purchased in the mall. There's a counter near the 1st floor beauty products corner so make sure to head there once you've bought something.

 

After a long day of sightseeing and shopping, we're back at Narita Airport. Did you enjoy seeing some of the tourist spots around the airport?

 

Narita Airport also offers the Transit & Stay Program for people who have long layovers, so be sure to check it out and make the most of your time there.