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.

The first date of 2018 with Yutaro was to visit a ‘power spot’ so we can have a wonderful year this year too. That being said, we went to “Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine” in Sendagaya which is next to Harajuku. This was our hatsumou, the first shrine visit of the New Year, and we went wearing kimono.   Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine is a 5-minute walk from Kita-Sando Station via the Tokyo Metro Fukukoshin Line, just one stop from Meiji-Jingumae Station in Harajuku. It’s super easy to get there from Harajuku or Shibuya. You can also walk there in 5-minutes from Sendagaya Station if you take the JR Sobu Line. Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine has a long history, even going as far as to be recorded in the Edo meisho zue, an illustrated guide to famous Edo places that was published at the end of the Edo period. The shrine grounds features the shogidou, where a huge Shogi (like chess) piece is enshrined; the Koga Inarisha shrine where the Koga-Gumi, a group of ninja serving the Tokugawa Shogunate, would pay reverence; a Noh stage; the main building that was completed in 1993, and more. According to the Shinto chief priest Hirano, the oldest things in the shrine grounds are the 3 ginkgo trees planted there. If you visit the shrine, be on the lookout. We finally arrived. After bowing, we headed through the torii gate and onward towards the shrine. We cleanse our hands and mouth before praying. I wonder what could he be praying for? He has an unusually serious expression. After praying, we climbed the fuji-zuka, a manmade mound made to imitate Mount Fuji. It has received much attention as a ‘power spot,’ a place believed to heal visitors through special energy. The Edo period was a time when it was difficult for people to climb Mount Fuji, so common folk would look to fuji-zuka as Mount Fuji for their worshipping. It is said that Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine was constructed in 1789, and the fuji-zuka, the oldest still standing in the city, was designated a Tangible Folk Cultural Property. Yutaro-kun hasn’t climbed Mount Fuji before, so this will be his first! Mount Fuji has 5 stations you can stop off at leading up. Climbing fuji-zuka was tougher than we thought, so we agreed to wear sneakers next time. While being cautious we continued our climb without falling. Writing from the Kansei era is written on the komitake sekison daigogen at the 5^th station. You can’t help but feel the length of the fuki-zuka’s history at Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine! The view from the top is amazing! When you see the tree-wrapped shrine grounds, your heart feels gentle and calm.  

“It’s a dream come true that we can climb Mount Fuji in Tokyo.”

We took a different route going down. This route is steep too! After we safely reached the bottom, we receive a goshuin shrine stamp to commemorate today’s Mount Fuji worship. The ceremony fee is ￥300. Be sure you get one too after reaching the top! Finally, we drew one of Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine’s unique “Hato Mikuji.” The omikuji blessing was “small blessing” (sho-kichi). After reading the omikuji carefully, we tied it to tie a link with the gods. Before we knew it, the date had come to an end.   How was this first kimono date? If you’re thinking you want to walk around Harajuku in a kimono like Yutaro, then we recommend checking out a rental kimono store. The kimono worn today was rented at the Moshi Moshi Kimono Salon in Harajuku. Please enjoy yourself by going out in a kimono with your friends or on a kimono date with that special someone.        

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.

Visiting shrines and temples is one of the must-do activities when visiting Japan to really experience the traditional culture. But did you know there are certain rules to follow when praying at a shrine? But do not worry, it’s actually quite simple. We will walk you through the process step by step so you know exactly what to do when you arrive at a shrine or temple during your trip to Japan.   1：Shrines? Temples? What’s the difference? First of all, let’s clear up the difference between a shrine and a temple. Temples came from countries such as China and India to spread Buddhism. They are places to worship Buddha and are installed with statues of Buddha. Buddhist monks live to spread the teachings of Buddhism. Inside the temples are bhikkhu (monks), bhikkhuni (female monks), temple masters and more who enshrine the image of Buddha.   Related article：【Tokyo Stroll】Strolling around Asakusa for half of the day finding the stereo typical sightseeing spots and new spots.     On the other hand, shrines originated from primitive, scared altars such as “iwakura” (sacred rocks) and other places where the gods are said to live – places where people cannot enter. They were temporarily erected during special occasions. Shrines that you see today were not originally a permanent structure. Their origin is different from those of temples that came from abroad. Shrines originated in Japan and their history there goes back further than Buddhism, making them much different from temples.

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

    2：So, how do I pray? There are several steps to follow when praying at a temple or shrine in Japan. These steps may also differ from temple to shrine, so be sure to check properly before starting.   Shrines & TemplesPraying： The general starting point is to throw some money into the offertory box. Most people throw in a ￥5 coin. This is because “5 yen” in Japanese is pronounced “go-en,” which is a homophone with the word for “good luck” (ご縁).   Bell： If there’s a bell positioned above the offertory box, then be sure to ring it by shaking it back and forth. This is done to call the gods to the shrine.   Can I take photos： Many places will not allow you to take photos. Be sure to check thoroughly whether there is a warning sign or not. Even if you see people taking photos, make sure to check for yourself.  

Related article：【Tokyo Stroll 】A power spot at the heart of Tokyo? Half a day at Meiji Shrine!

  Shrines & Temples“Temizuya” The first thing you’ll find when arriving at a shrine and many temples is the “temizuya” (water purification basin). This is where you wash your hands and rinse your mouth to cleanse yourself before praying.   There are several steps to follow: 1) Hold the ladle with your right hand and wash your left hand – then do the opposite. 2) Take the ladle with your right hand and scoop some water. Pour the water into your left hand and rinse your mouth with it. Make sure to never bring the ladle to your mouth. Spit the water next to the fountain, never directly back into it. 3) With the ladle still in your right hand, rinse your left hand one last time. Done.   Praying at a shrine - bowing and clapping

1. Come before the shrine, perform a light bow and ring the bell.
2. Toss your money into the offertory box.
3. Perform 2 deeper bows (30°-45° angle), bring your hands to the front of your chest, pray, then clap twice.
4. Finally, bow deeply one last time, and you’re done!

  TemplesPraying at a temple – bowing

1. Perform a light bow, throw your money into the offertory box and ring the bell.
2. Bring your hands to the front of your chest, pray, and perform a final light bow.

  What’s the best way to tell if you’ve come to a shrine or temple, I hear you asking? If you passed under a “tori” on your way in, you’re at a shrine. They’re usually red and look like big gates with two main pillars. If you passed under a “sanmon,” you’re at a temple. These are often complete with a roof and look like mini-temples in their own right. The praying process at shrines and temples are much different so be sure to check where you are first!   TemplesIncense Some temples have an incense holder stationed outside, where you can purchase your own bundle of “osenko” (incense) to burn. If you’re lighting your own incense, be sure to put out the fire by hand and never blow it out. But before you do, make sure you wave some of that incense smoke onto you as it’s said to have healing powers! If there’s a weak part of your body, too, then be sure to try it out.     ３：What’s a “Goshuin”?Goshuin The must-do popular thing right now is collecting “goshuin” (red seal stamps). These stamps are given at shrines and temples to show that you have visited those places. In addition to the shrines’ and temples’ unique seals, specially trained writers will write the name of the shrine or temple, the date at which you visited and sometimes other information, all in calligraphic writing. One of the reasons for the goshuin popularity is for the artistry behind it all as the penmanship and designs are different depending on which place you visit. Whether you visit the same place twice or just the date is being written for you, each and every goshuin entry has its own unique characteristics and feeling put into the characters depending on the person writing for you, meaning your entry will be the only one of its kind in the world. You will require a goshuin stamp book to receive a stamp entry. They are sold at many of the popular shrines and temples. We have an article about collecting cute goshuin on the MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON website so be sure to check it out!  

Related Article: 【Tokyo Stroll】 Lost in a world of shrine arches and lucky sand! Head to Anamori Inari Shrine near Haneda airport!

  Was our guide useful? We hope you use it for reference when visiting shrines and temples in Japan.   MMN will continue to answer questions related to Japan and Japanese culture. If you have any questions about Japan then be sure to hit us up on our Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/msmsnippon/