In the Tokyo Stroll series, we take you on a trip to various locations around Japan's capital. One of the frequent locations are shrines. In this entry, navigator Ellie takes a stroll to Imado Shrine in the Imado area of Asakusa where the first maneki-neko, or waving cat was created during the Edo Period. The shine is said to be the birthplace of the maneki-neko. The closest station to Imado Shrine is Asakusa Station. It's about a 15 minute walk from there, but you can reach it quicker on the Megurin Bus for just ¥100. Emperor Ōjin is enshrined at Imado Shrine, as is Izanagi and Izanami, who are the central deities in Japan's creation myth and the country's first husband and wife deities. As such, the shrine is popular as a 'power spot' for successful marriage. The god of wealth and longevity and one of Asakusa's Seven Lucky Gods, Fukurokuju, is also enshrined here. The shrine is also recognised as one of Tokyo's 8 Shitamachi shrines that people make a pilgrimage to. As always, when arriving at a shrine, wash your hands at the chozuya water purification basin before heading to the main shrine. Take the ladle with your right hand, scoop up plenty of water, and rinse your left hand first. Next, switch hands. Hold the ladle with your left hand and rinse your right. Then take the ladle with your right hand once more, pour some water into your left hand and rinse your mouth. Never bring the ladle directly to your mouth, and do not swallow the water or spit it back into the basin. There will be an area below the basin, like a bed of rocks, where you can spit the water out. After rinsing your left hand one more time, pour out any remaining water into the rocks like the motion pictured above, and return the ladle. Once you've finished purifying yourself at the chomizuya, it's time to head to the main shrine. When praying, remember this: two bows, two claps, one bow. Straighten your posture and begin with two bows. Clap twice and bow one final time. Decorating the main shrine are waving cats the size of children! Their names are Nagi-chan and Nami-chan, a reference to Izanagi and Izanami. The patterned cat on the left is Nagi-chan, the male, and on the right Nami-chan, the female. There are also stone cats sat by the shrine. There's a rumour that if you set a photo of these cats to your phone's wallpaper you'll find a good matching partner for yourself! Generally, it's said that waving cats with their right paw raised are for good financial luck while cats with their left paw in the air are beckoning humans. Nagi-chan and Nami-chan have their right paws raised. At Imado Shrine, it's thought that it's easier to call someone over with your dominant hand, and that people and money are interlinked, so even though they have their right paws up these waving cats are good for finding a match. There are cats scattered all over the shrine grounds, so you're sure to feel your heart warmed and healed simply by walking around. The ema wooden plaques are an eye-catching sight around the grounds, packed together tightly around the sacred tree and around the chomizuya. Round-shaped ema aren't seen very often, they are normally a square shape with a tip at the top. Ema are used for writing on your prayers and wishes. 'Round' in Japanese is en (円) which is a homophone also meaning 'destiny' (縁). The round-shaped ema originate from the idea of a sense of harmony and peace in life with nothing sticking out, i.e. a circle has no edges. To ensure your destiny, when you pray, write on the ema with a red string illustration around it, and when your prayer is fulfilled, write on the one with the kimono. Once your prayers are all done, it's time to head to the confer area. They have many things on display, including ema, waving cats, lucky charms and more. Ellie gets herself a goshuin stamp for ¥300. The goshuin stamp at Imado Shrine is waving cats and Fukurokuju. They sell original goshuincho stamp books at the shrine with waving cat designs. There's pink, blue and navy and they're all very cute. If you're thinking of starting to collect goshuin at shrines and temples around Japan then you should definitely visit Imado Shrine first. There's several different omamori charms too, including the regular designs as well as round designs. Just like the ema, the round designs are made to represent no 'edges' in your life, just harmony. They're all ¥800 and each have the same effect. The pink one is limited-edition and has hearts embroidered on the front and back♡ The limited-edition designs change on a whim which many people look forward to. Imado Shrine is also said to be the place where sword master Souji Okita met his fate, so if you're a history buff be sure to check out the gravestone.   Imado Shrine is a must-visit while sightseeing in Asakusa. It has a happy aura to it thanks to the clowder of waving cats around. You can also see Tokyo Skytree from the grounds.     Model: Ellie Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto Writer: Sayoko Ishii Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

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

Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu) is just a short walk from Harajuku station. Those who visit the shrine at New Year boast that it is the best shrine in the whole of Japan. The shrine proudly holds its reputation as a famous tourist spot, originally built to honour the spirits of the Meiji Emperor and his wife Empress Dowager Shoken.

Walking around the busy city, you really would not expect to suddenly encounter such a deep forest that contains a majestic shrine. The location also offers a famous well that is the perfect power spot, and many cafés that will make your heart glow with warmth. Join Elly-chan as she explores the wonderful city oasis of Meiji Shrine.

 

Starting point: Café Morinoterasu (社のテラス)

Just a one-minute walk from JR Harajuku station or Tokyo Metro Meiji Jingu-ma station lies the glorious Meiji Shrine. You can also easily access the shrine from Shibuya as it is just one stop away. Here, at the heart of the city, you’ve finally reached a calm oasis. It’s no surprise that it’s a popular tourist spot.

Morinoterasu café is located before the large and mighty Meiji Shrine torii gate, which is the first gate that leads to the shrine. The café is united with nature and will sweep you away with peace and tranquility. This is the first stop for our adventure!

 

You can feel the warmth of the trees inside the café. The counters and chairs were made from old, withering trees on the shrine grounds. Japanese zelkova wood, evergreen oak, Japanese oak, camphorwood or wood from a sakura tree?

Look out for the names of the types of trees used to make the furniture as they are discreetly carved into the wood.

 

 

The menu includes Morinoterasu’s special limited éclairs and croissants that are prepared every day for the famous Meiji Kinenkan (Meiji Memorial Hall). These make for the perfect light snack.

Before or after exploring the shrine, extend the exploration to your taste buds! How about treating yourself to a thirst-quenching cup of coffee or a soft drink, or the creative tofu milk gelato?

 

The symbol of Meiji Shrine: The Otorii

Enter the Harajuku entrance and you will be faced with the second shrine entrance – a large, wooden myojin-torii . (Large shrine gate) This is the symbol of Meiji Shrine.

Being Japan’s largest shrine gate, there’s no wonder that the countless numbers of visitors taking commemoration photos here never die out. Japanese Cypress tree bark was used to make the torii shrine gate 1,500 years ago. Take a closer look and you’ll be blown away!

 

 

Enter the Harajuku entrance and you will be faced with the second shrine entrance – a large, wooden myojin-torii . (Large shrine gate) This is the symbol of Meiji Shrine. Being Japan’s largest shrine gate, there’s no wonder that the countless numbers of visitors taking commemoration photos here never die out.

Japanese Cypress tree bark was used to make the torii shrine gate 1,500 years ago. Take a closer look and you’ll be blown away!

 

 

As soon as visitors arrive at the shrine, they are greeted with a poem created by the Meiji Emperor, which is posted for all to see. The true elegance of Japanese culture can be felt through the words. Usually, shrines have boxes of “omikuji”, from which visitors are invited to pull out a strip of paper. Each of these paper strips contains a unique fortune such as “kichi” which means “lucky”, or “daikichi” which is even luckier!

These are followed by a commentary. However at Meiji Shrine, these are replaced by poems written by the Meiji Emperor and Empress Dowager Shoken in order to honour their spirits.

 

>>next page  Go to the power spot

Kiyomasa’s well: The popular power spot

Meiji Shrine’s imperial garden is covered with a blanket of beautiful Japanese iris flowers called “Shobuda”. Here, you can also find the famous power spot Kiyomasa’s well, a fishing stand, a summerhouse, and much more. To maintain the imperial garden, all guests are required to pay an entry fee of just ￥500 so please prepare your small change in advance!

 

The imperial garden is lush with green. You would not believe that such a world of vast nature exists so deep in the heart of Tokyo! Every year in June, the Japanese iris flowers of the imperial garden bloom with beauty that attracts many visitors. The beauty of the sacred lotus flowers can be admired until around July.

 

 

And of course, Kiyomasa’s well. The city’s mysterious well gushes with water, attracting much attention from the media and causing shocking queues that stretch all the way to the entrance of the garden.

 

Paying respect to the main shrine and receiving a seal stamp.

Finally arriving at the main shrine, I passed through the third grand torii gate and stopped by the “Temizuya”. This is a basin filled with water for the visitors to cleanse themselves spiritually. Using the wooden ladle provided, I followed the steps to ritually cleanse myself and then passed through the two-storied Romon gate.

 

 

Upon entering the main shrine, I noticed two camphor trees on the left hand side. They were tied together at the trunk by a large, chunky rope. From afar, it looked like one tree. The two trees appear to be snuggling up to one another – no wonder they are called the “couple camphor tree”. This tree provides a blessing to grant a strong marriage and family safety.

 

 

Facing the main shrine, enter the Kagura hall on the right. Once you enter, to your immediate right is the “Goshuin no Juyosho”, (御朱印の授与所) where you can receive your shrine seal stamp! For just ￥500, you will receive the stamp and a picture postcard! Make sure to visit the shrine and collect your stamp together!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once you collect your shrine seal stamp, the day is complete! Starting from the large torii gate, making our way through the imperial garden, recharging at power spot Kiyomasa’s well and then a calm break to feel the nature at Morinoterasu café. Today was packed with activity and wind-down time. What did you make of it?

 

Planning to make a trip sometime? How about travelling around Tokyo!

 

 

Photo & Writer：Haruka Yamamoto
Model： Ellie

 

 

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The number of shrines in Japan is staggering – there’s over 80,000. That’s even more than the number of convenience stores in the country! Since there’s so many, you might be wondering which shrines would be good to visit. We’ve picked a selection of shrines that we have covered in detail in our popular “Tokyo Stroll” series on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON, plus one extra.   You’ll see the word goshuin pop up in some of the articles. These are stamps or seals given to worshippers at shrines and temples around Japan, where somebody will stamp your goshuincho (stamp book) with the sites’ unique seal along with the temple’s name and the day you visited handwritten in ink.   Collecting goshuin has become a boom, with even younger people getting in on the action. Be sure to check them out.   Tokyo Daijingu (Marriage) 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. Tokyo Daijingu is also famous for being the first shrine to establish the Shinto wedding ceremony in Japan. The sacred tree at is known as a power spot, a place where one can uplift their energy and spirit. Full Details:https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/84089         Hie Shrine (Marriage, Prayer for Safe Childbirth, Expelling Evil, Traffic Safety) Hie Shrine is known for hosting the Sannō Matsuri, one of Edo’s three biggest festivals. It’s a popular power spot visited by many foreign tourists. As you pass through the bright red torii archway, you’ll be greeted by another shrine in the Hie Shrine grounds – Sannoinari Shrine. This is also a lucky power spot, so make sure you don’t miss it! Full Details:https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/37037         Atogo Shrine (Life Success, Business Success, Marriage) The Atago Shrine was built on the order of Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603 to enshrine a deity of fire protection. The first thing you’ll see at the shrine entrance is a long set of stone steps known as Shusse no Ishidan, famous for bringing success not just in life and in businesses, but also in marriage. The god of fire will light a fire on love. It is said that if you turn up on the day of Sennichi Mairi at the end of June, you will be blessed for one thousand days. Full Details:https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/80038         Anamori Inari Shrine (Business Success, Family Safety, Prayers Answered, Recovery From Illnesses, Traffic Safety, Better Fortune) The sand at Anamori Inari Shrine is believed to bring good luck. If you take some home and scatter it, good fortune will be brought to your business and you will be in good health. Many visitors return home from this Shrine with some sand. 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 true pilgrimage. Full Details:https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/43762         Meiji Shrine (Healing, Purification) Meiji Shrine bestows many blessings, including blessings for good health, curing of illnesses, family safety, traffic safety, business success, academic success, school success, fulfillment of finding employment, warding off evil, travel safety, marriage, better fortune, easy childbirth and more. “Kiyomasa’s Well” needs no introduction – it’s a well-known power spot featuring a mysterious well that gushes with water which offers blessings for family safety and marriage, and it’s said to bless husband and wife couples too. Full Details:https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/51035       Did you enjoy our selection? If you’re thinking you’d like to pray at a shrine in Tokyo, then be sure to reference our list.