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  • Kannushi is a shinto shrine priest sometimes known as shinshoku. Kannushi is a mediator between gods and humans, and served the kami on behalf of humanity. He is responsible for the maintenance of a shinto shrine, in this case Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine in Kamakura.  It is commonplace for Kannushi to marry - his children normally inherit their position at their shrine or a related one.  Shinto priest clothes do not have any particular religious significance, but are garments very similar to those worn in the past by the Imperial court. Miko or shrine maidens whose duties are sacred cleansing, ritual and performing kagara dance.
    shinto-priest-05.jpg
  • Kannushi is a shinto shrine priest sometimes known as shinshoku. Kannushi is a mediator between gods and humans, and served the kami on behalf of humanity. He is responsible for the maintenance of a shinto shrine, in this case Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine in Kamakura.  It is commonplace for Kannushi to marry - his children normally inherit their position at their shrine or a related one.  Shinto priest clothes do not have any particular religious significance, but are garments very similar to those worn in the past by the Imperial court. Miko or shrine maidens whose duties are sacred cleansing, ritual and performing kagara dance.
    shinto-priest-01.jpg
  • Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, shrines are mainly places where people can pray. Sometimes ceremonies such as wedding and milestone events for children are held at them. They are visited mostly on certain holidays or by people who want something. Many have specific purposes. There are shrines for pregnant women who want a safe delivery, ones for fisherman to return safely from the sea and even ones for achieving sexual gratification. Homes and offices have small Shinto shrines to ward off evil spirits and protect the building from fires, earthquakes and typhoons. Most Shinto shrines are regarded as dwelling places of the Sun Goddess. Shinto shrines are constructed according to sacred principals. They usually face south and sometimes to the east, but never to the north and west, which are regarded as unlucky directions according to the Chinese principals of feng shui.<br />
Headline:Making a Wish<br />
Title:Making a Wish
    shinto-cave
  • Shinto Priest, Japanese Ceremony
    shinto-ceremony-2.jpg
  • Shinto Ceremony fishing season at Morito Shrine, Hayama - Shinto or Shintoism is the indigenous religion of Japan. It is a set of practices, to establish a connection between present day Japan and its ancient past. Shinto priests carry out eriodic rituals, spiritual events in parishioners lives, and preside at festivals usually associated with seasons or harvest.
    shinto-ceremony-1.jpg
  • Kannushi is a shinto shrine priest sometimes known as shinshoku. Kannushi is a mediator between gods and humans, and served the kami on behalf of humanity. He is responsible for the maintenance of a shinto shrine, in this case Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine in Kamakura.  It is commonplace for Kannushi to marry - his children normally inherit their position at their shrine or a related one.  Shinto priest clothes do not have any particular religious significance, but are garments very similar to those worn in the past by the Imperial court. Miko or shrine maidens whose duties are sacred cleansing, ritual and performing kagara dance.
    shinto-priest-02.jpg
  • Kannushi is a shinto shrine priest sometimes known as shinshoku. Kannushi is a mediator between gods and humans, and served the kami on behalf of humanity. He is responsible for the maintenance of a shinto shrine, in this case Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine in Kamakura.  It is commonplace for Kannushi to marry - his children normally inherit their position at their shrine or a related one.  Shinto priest clothes do not have any particular religious significance, but are garments very similar to those worn in the past by the Imperial court. Miko or shrine maidens whose duties are sacred cleansing, ritual and performing kagara dance.
    shinto-priest-03.jpg
  • Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, shrines are mainly places where people can pray. Sometimes ceremonies such as wedding and milestone events for children are held at them. They are visited mostly on certain holidays or by people who want something. Many have specific purposes. There are shrines for pregnant women who want a safe delivery, ones for fisherman to return safely from the sea and even ones for achieving sexual gratification. Homes and offices have small Shinto shrines to ward off evil spirits and protect the building from fires, earthquakes and typhoons. Most Shinto shrines are regarded as dwelling places of the Sun Goddess. Shinto shrines are constructed according to sacred principals. They usually face south and sometimes to the east, but never to the north and west, which are regarded as unlucky directions according to the Chinese principals of feng shui.<br />
Headline:Making a Wish<br />
Title:Making a Wish
    shinto-stones-01.jpg
  • Shinto priest, banging drums during a wedding ceremony at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura.
    shinto-ceremony.jpg
  • Miko or Shinto shrine maidens' duties are sacred cleansing, performing rituals as well as traditional kagara dance.
    shinto-priest-04.jpg
  • Japanese Shinto Wedding - The Japanese couple must first be legally married by filing for marriage at their local government office, and the official documentation must be produced in order for the ceremony to be held. Traditionally, marriages were categorized into two types according to the method of finding a partner—miai, meaning arranged or resulting from an arranged introduction, and ren'ai, in which the principals met and decided to marry on their own.  The Japanese bride-to-be may be painted pure white from head to toe, visibly declaring her maiden status to the gods.  Traditional Japanese wedding customs "shinzen shiki" involve an elaborate ceremony held at a Shinto shrine.
    japanese-wedding-1.jpg
  • Shinto Shrine Festival
    obon-1.jpg
  • Japanese Shinto Wedding at Atsuta Shrine, Nagoya - Atsuta Shrine is one of the most venerated and holy of all Shinto shrines in Japan.  Familiarly known as Atsuta Sama (Venerable Atsuta) dedicated to the veneration of the "Five Great Gods of Atsuta" all of whom are connected with the legendary narratives of the sacred sword.
    atsuta-shrine-4.jpg
  • Japanese Shinto Wedding - The Japanese couple must first be legally married by filing for marriage at their local government office, and the official documentation must be produced in order for the ceremony to be held. Traditionally, marriages were categorized into two types according to the method of finding a partner—miai, meaning arranged or resulting from an arranged introduction, and ren'ai, in which the principals met and decided to marry on their own.  The Japanese bride-to-be may be painted pure white from head to toe, visibly declaring her maiden status to the gods.  Traditional Japanese wedding customs "shinzen shiki" involve an elaborate ceremony held at a Shinto shrine.  Traditional Shinto Wedding Procession at Meiji Jingu Shrine.  In addition to the shinto ceremony, there are often faux-western wedding ceremonies held in "wedding halls".
    japanese-wedding-2.jpg
  • Shinto Shrine at Goshoji Temple  -Goshoji - Midway up a small hill facing the Seto Inland Sea is Goshoji Temple, the 78th sacred spot along the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage.  It is said that Kobo Daishi paid a visit to Goshoji Temple in 807, where he made a vow to ward off evil, and built a statue there. Even today Goshoji is famous as the temple “where Kobo Daishi wards off evil”. During the Kamakura period, Ippen Shonin, the founder of the Jishu sect, visited Goshoji Temple and propagated the Nenbutsu Odori, a type of Buddhist incantation with dance. As a result, Goshoji Temple is the only temple belonging to the Jishu sect on the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage. As the majority of sacred spots on the pilgrimage are associated with the Shingon sect of Buddhism, the fact that Goshoji Temple is a place of worship for both the Shingon sect and the Jishu sect makes it very unique.
    Goshoji-15.jpg
  • Kaizoji Cave with Shinto Torii Gate -  It is not unusualy for Buddhist temples in Japan to have remnants of the original original Shinto within its grounds.  Though the two faiths are quite different, they sometimes merge in unusual ways.  Behind the main hall Ryugoden at Kaizoji there are caves and wells.  Because much of the water in Kamakura was once of low quality, these wells were very precious.  Some of the caves contain statues of Kannon Bosatsu as well as the wells themselves.
    kaizoji-cave-6.jpg
  • Kaizoji Cave with Shinto Torii Gate -  It is not unusualy for Buddhist temples in Japan to have remnants of the original original Shinto within its grounds.  Though the two faiths are quite different, they sometimes merge in unusual ways.  Behind the main hall Ryugoden at Kaizoji there are caves and wells.  Because much of the water in Kamakura was once of low quality, these wells were very precious.  Some of the caves contain statues of Kannon Bosatsu as well as the wells themselves.
    kaizoji-cave-4.jpg
  • Shinto Shrine at Goshoji Temple - Midway up a small hill facing the Seto Inland Sea is Goshoji Temple, the 78th sacred spot along the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage.  It is said that Kobo Daishi paid a visit to Goshoji Temple in 807, where he made a vow to ward off evil, and built a statue there. Even today Goshoji is famous as the temple “where Kobo Daishi wards off evil”. During the Kamakura period, Ippen Shonin, the founder of the Jishu sect, visited Goshoji Temple and propagated the Nenbutsu Odori, a type of Buddhist incantation with dance. As a result, Goshoji Temple is the only temple belonging to the Jishu sect on the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage. As the majority of sacred spots on the pilgrimage are associated with the Shingon sect of Buddhism, the fact that Goshoji Temple is a place of worship for both the Shingon sect and the Jishu sect makes it very unique.
    Goshoji-05.jpg
  • Shinto Shrine at Goshoji Temple  -Goshoji - Midway up a small hill facing the Seto Inland Sea is Goshoji Temple, the 78th sacred spot along the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage.  It is said that Kobo Daishi paid a visit to Goshoji Temple in 807, where he made a vow to ward off evil, and built a statue there. Even today Goshoji is famous as the temple “where Kobo Daishi wards off evil”. During the Kamakura period, Ippen Shonin, the founder of the Jishu sect, visited Goshoji Temple and propagated the Nenbutsu Odori, a type of Buddhist incantation with dance. As a result, Goshoji Temple is the only temple belonging to the Jishu sect on the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage. As the majority of sacred spots on the pilgrimage are associated with the Shingon sect of Buddhism, the fact that Goshoji Temple is a place of worship for both the Shingon sect and the Jishu sect makes it very unique.
    Goshoji-13.jpg
  • Shinto Shrine at Goshoji Temple  -Goshoji - Midway up a small hill facing the Seto Inland Sea is Goshoji Temple, the 78th sacred spot along the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage.  It is said that Kobo Daishi paid a visit to Goshoji Temple in 807, where he made a vow to ward off evil, and built a statue there. Even today Goshoji is famous as the temple “where Kobo Daishi wards off evil”. During the Kamakura period, Ippen Shonin, the founder of the Jishu sect, visited Goshoji Temple and propagated the Nenbutsu Odori, a type of Buddhist incantation with dance. As a result, Goshoji Temple is the only temple belonging to the Jishu sect on the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage. As the majority of sacred spots on the pilgrimage are associated with the Shingon sect of Buddhism, the fact that Goshoji Temple is a place of worship for both the Shingon sect and the Jishu sect makes it very unique.
    Goshoji-14.jpg
  • Japanese festivals are traditional festive occasions. Some festivals have their roots in Chinese festivals but have undergone dramatic changes as they mixed with local customs.  Matsuri is the Japanese word for a festival or holiday. In Japan, festivals are usually sponsored by a local shrine or temple, though they can be secular..There is no specific matsuri days for all of Japan; dates vary from area to area, and even within a specific area, but festival days do tend to cluster around traditional holidays such as Setsubun or Obon. Almost every locale has at least one matsuri in late summer or autumn, usually related to the harvests. Matsuri almost always feature processions which include elaborate floats and "mikoshi" or portable shrines which are paraded around the neighborhood.
    shinto-offerings-01.jpg
  • Japanese Shinto Wedding - The Japanese couple must first be legally married by filing for marriage at their local government office, and the official documentation must be produced in order for the ceremony to be held. Traditionally, marriages were categorized into two types according to the method of finding a partner—miai, meaning arranged or resulting from an arranged introduction, and ren'ai, in which the principals met and decided to marry on their own.  The Japanese bride-to-be may be painted pure white from head to toe, visibly declaring her maiden status to the gods.  Traditional Japanese wedding customs "shinzen shiki" involve an elaborate ceremony held at a Shinto shrine.  Traditional Shinto Wedding Procession at Meiji Jingu Shrine.  In addition to the shinto ceremony, there are often faux-western wedding ceremonies held in "wedding halls".
    shinto-wedding-02.jpg
  • Kanamara Matsuri, Festival of the Phallus, Fire Ceremony - Kanamara Matsuri or Festival of the Phallus is an annual Shinto fertility festival held in Kawasaki in spring. The penis forms the central theme of the event that is reflected everywhere: candy, carved vegetables, decorations, sake bottles and a parade. The Kanamara Matsuri is centered around a local penis venerating shrine once popular among prostitutes who wished to pray for protection against sexual problems and diseases.
    shinto-ceremony-3.jpg
  • Japanese Shinto Wedding - The Japanese couple must first be legally married by filing for marriage at their local government office, and the official documentation must be produced in order for the ceremony to be held. Traditionally, marriages were categorized into two types according to the method of finding a partner—miai, meaning arranged or resulting from an arranged introduction, and ren'ai, in which the principals met and decided to marry on their own.  The Japanese bride-to-be may be painted pure white from head to toe, visibly declaring her maiden status to the gods.  Traditional Japanese wedding customs "shinzen shiki" involve an elaborate ceremony held at a Shinto shrine.
    japanese-wedding-3.jpg
  • Benten-kutsu Cave is often overlooked by visitors to Hase-dera, but the inside is worthwhile for its ancient statues with lighted candles at their base. Benten is a Shinto deity and a perfect example of how Buddhism and Shinto are often intertwined in Japan as Benten-Kutsu Cave is within Hase-dera temple grounds. Benten-kutsu Cave is where Benzaiten and 16 children are chiseled out of the rock walls. Benzaiten is a sea goddess among the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan. Her temples and shrines are always located near water - rivers, oceans, ponds. She is the patron of music, the fine arts, and good fortune in general, and usually carries a biwa or Japanese lute.
    hasedera-cave-6.jpg
  • Shimogamo Shrine or Shimogamo jinja in Japanese is an important Shinto sanctuary in Kyoto.  Its official name is Kamo-mioya-jinja and is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan.  Importantly, it is one of the seventeen Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto which have been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
    shimogamo-10.jpg
  • Akutai Matsuri - Cursing Festival - Japan celebrates the annual Akutai Matsuri on Mt. Atago’s peak in Ibaraki. The festival is known as “The Cursing Festival” celebrated during the third Sunday of December, where anyone is free to cuss, shout, and curse.  It is worth mentioning that the Japanese language is not very prolific in curse words, about the worst is the Japanese word for fool or "baka".   Visitors note that this festival is rather light-hearted with the cursing mostly in jest, but even so most find this festival cathartic as way of expressing oneself in public.  Akutai translates as "abusive language" though die-hard fans of the profane will not hear any "four letter words" here.  The event finishes up at Atago Shrine with a scattering of rice cakes distributed by shinto priests.
    akutai-16.jpg
  • Zeniarai Benten Shrine Cave - Zeniarai Benten Shrine in Kamakura is famous with people who wish to wash their money.  Zeniarai means "coin washing” as people believe that money washed in the shrine's spring will increase or double.  Zeniarai Benten Shrine is an example of the fusion between the Shinto and Buddhist religions with many aspects of the respective religions melded into one shrine. Here  the unique custom of coin washing started and the Shrine maintains this belief of the power of enrichment. For this reason it isone of the most popular and busy shrines in Kamakura.  Bamboo baskets and ladles are available on the shelf to help with the money washing.
    zeniarai-benten-kamakura-3.jpg
  • Akutai Matsuri - Cursing Festival - Japan celebrates the annual Akutai Matsuri on Mt. Atago’s peak in Ibaraki. The festival is known as “The Cursing Festival” celebrated during the third Sunday of December, where anyone is free to cuss, shout, and curse.  It is worth mentioning that the Japanese language is not very prolific in curse words, about the worst is the Japanese word for fool or "baka".   Visitors note that this festival is rather light-hearted with the cursing mostly in jest, but even so most find this festival cathartic as way of expressing oneself in public.  Akutai translates as "abusive language" though die-hard fans of the profane will not hear any "four letter words" here.  The event finishes up at Atago Shrine with a scattering of rice cakes distributed by shinto priests.
    akutai-05.jpg
  • Benten-kutsu Cave is often overlooked by visitors to Hase-dera, but the inside is worthwhile for its ancient statues with lighted candles at their base. Benten is a Shinto deity and a perfect example of how Buddhism and Shinto are often intertwined in Japan as Benten-Kutsu Cave is within Hase-dera temple grounds. Benten-kutsu Cave is where Benzaiten and 16 children are chiseled out of the rock walls. Benzaiten is a sea goddess among the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan. Her temples and shrines are always located near water - rivers, oceans, ponds. She is the patron of music, the fine arts, and good fortune in general, and usually carries a biwa or Japanese lute.
    hasedera-cave-2.jpg
  • Zeniarai Benten Shrine Cave - Zeniarai Benten Shrine in Kamakura is famous with people who wish to wash their money.  Zeniarai means "coin washing” as people believe that money washed in the shrine's spring will increase or double.  Zeniarai Benten Shrine is an example of the fusion between the Shinto and Buddhist religions with many aspects of the respective religions melded into one shrine. Here  the unique custom of coin washing started and the Shrine maintains this belief of the power of enrichment. For this reason it isone of the most popular and busy shrines in Kamakura.  Bamboo baskets and ladles are available on the shelf to help with the money washing.
    zeniarai-benten-kamakura-7.jpg
  • Akutai Matsuri - Cursing Festival - Japan celebrates the annual Akutai Matsuri on Mt. Atago’s peak in Ibaraki. The festival is known as “The Cursing Festival” celebrated during the third Sunday of December, where anyone is free to cuss, shout, and curse.  It is worth mentioning that the Japanese language is not very prolific in curse words, about the worst is the Japanese word for fool or "baka".   Visitors note that this festival is rather light-hearted with the cursing mostly in jest, but even so most find this festival cathartic as way of expressing oneself in public.  Akutai translates as "abusive language" though die-hard fans of the profane will not hear any "four letter words" here.  The event finishes up at Atago Shrine with a scattering of rice cakes distributed by shinto priests.
    akutai-12.jpg
  • Zeniarai Benten Shrine Cave - Zeniarai Benten Shrine in Kamakura is famous with people who wish to wash their money.  Zeniarai means "coin washing” as people believe that money washed in the shrine's spring will increase or double.  Zeniarai Benten Shrine is an example of the fusion between the Shinto and Buddhist religions with many aspects of the respective religions melded into one shrine. Here  the unique custom of coin washing started and the Shrine maintains this belief of the power of enrichment. For this reason it isone of the most popular and busy shrines in Kamakura.  Bamboo baskets and ladles are available on the shelf to help with the money washing.
    zeniarai-benten-kamakura-11.jpg
  • Seijin-no-hi or Adults Day is a Japanese public holiday held on the second Monday of January.  When young people reach the age of twenty they officially become adults in Japan.  This gives them the legal ability to drink, vote and smoke.  Coming of Age Day is celebrated across Japan each January though some spots are more festive than others, such as this event that took place at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura. Girls usually wear kimono, while boys usually wear a regular suit and tie though some wear traditional Japanese mens kimono.  The ceremony seisin shiki takes place at the local city office before moving onto the shinto shrine. The day starts early for these new adults, especially girls who have to spend hours doing their makeup and hair and the long period of time it takes to put on a kimono.
    coming-of-age-02.jpg
  • Japanese Garden at Taga Taisha - Taga Taisha Shrine is dedicated to the creator gods Izanami-no-mikoto and Izanagi-no-mikoto and the shrine has been listed Japan's oldest book the Kojiki.  Visiting the shrine is said to bring long life, lucky marriage and the protection from evil. The shrine has been repaired many times though the shrine today is nearly the same as it was in ancient times. The entrance is marked by the Taiko Bridge - an arched stone configuration.  On the north side of the Okushoin there is a Japanese garden that focuses on a pond garden. It is rare to be able to look out from the shoin over a garden and even more so considering that this is not a Zen Buddhist temple but rather a shinto shrine. This garden was sponsored by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.  The garden uses large stones all throughout the garden.
    taga-taisha-3.jpg
  • Japanese Garden at Taga Taisha - Taga Taisha Shrine is dedicated to the creator gods Izanami-no-mikoto and Izanagi-no-mikoto and the shrine has been listed Japan's oldest book the Kojiki.  Visiting the shrine is said to bring long life, lucky marriage and the protection from evil. The shrine has been repaired many times though the shrine today is nearly the same as it was in ancient times. The entrance is marked by the Taiko Bridge - an arched stone configuration.  On the north side of the Okushoin there is a Japanese garden that focuses on a pond garden. It is rare to be able to look out from the shoin over a garden and even more so considering that this is not a Zen Buddhist temple but rather a shinto shrine. This garden was sponsored by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.  The garden uses large stones all throughout the garden.
    taga-taisha-5.jpg
  • Dry Stone Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - The garden was created in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.  The adjacent peony garden features large stones which were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government.  This peony garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.  The dry garden was created along Japanese lines similar to Zen karesansui gardens, although Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is a shinto shrine which honors various gods, and has little to do with Zen Buddhism.
    tsurugaoka-peony-2.jpg
  • Karesansui Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine  - The garden was created in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.  The adjacent peony garden features large stones which were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government.  This peony garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.  The dry garden was created along Japanese lines similar to Zen karesansui gardens, although Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is a shinto shrine which honors various gods, and has little to do with Zen Buddhism.
    tsurugaoka-garden-3.jpg
  • Dry Stone Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - The garden was created in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.  The adjacent peony garden features large stones which were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government.  This peony garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.  The dry garden was created along Japanese lines similar to Zen karesansui gardens, although Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is a shinto shrine which honors various gods, and has little to do with Zen Buddhism.
    tsurugaoka-peony-6.jpg
  • Zeniarai Benten Shrine Cave - Zeniarai Benten Shrine in Kamakura is famous with people who wish to wash their money.  Zeniarai means "coin washing” as people believe that money washed in the shrine's spring will increase or double.  Zeniarai Benten Shrine is an example of the fusion between the Shinto and Buddhist religions with many aspects of the respective religions melded into one shrine. Here  the unique custom of coin washing started and the Shrine maintains this belief of the power of enrichment. For this reason it isone of the most popular and busy shrines in Kamakura.  Bamboo baskets and ladles are available on the shelf to help with the money washing.
    zeniarai-benten-kamakura-16.jpg
  • Kamigamo Shrine Offerings - Kamo-wake-ikazuchi-Jinja in the Kita Ward of Kyoto is the oldest Shinto shrine in the ancient city. Since prehistoric times Kamigamo-jinja has preserved and transmitted the legends relating to the birth of the shrine deity, Wakeikazuchi. The area contains many large trees such as oaks, suda chinquappins and weeping cherry trees coexisting in harmony. Kamigamo-jinja was officially registered IN 1994 as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in recognition of its importance as a monument of ancient Kyoto.
    kamigamo-shrine-04.jpg
  • Japanese Garden at Taga Taisha - Taga Taisha Shrine is dedicated to the creator gods Izanami-no-mikoto and Izanagi-no-mikoto and the shrine has been listed Japan's oldest book the Kojiki.  Visiting the shrine is said to bring long life, lucky marriage and the protection from evil. The shrine has been repaired many times though the shrine today is nearly the same as it was in ancient times. The entrance is marked by the Taiko Bridge - an arched stone configuration.  On the north side of the Okushoin there is a Japanese garden that focuses on a pond garden. It is rare to be able to look out from the shoin over a garden and even more so considering that this is not a Zen Buddhist temple but rather a shinto shrine. This garden was sponsored by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.  The garden uses large stones all throughout the garden.
    taga-taisha-2.jpg
  • Samukawa Shrine Pond Garden - Kantakeyama is the formal offical name of the Japanese garden at Samukawa Shrine near Chigasaki, Kanagawa-ken.  The pond garden's centerpiece is a multi tiered waterfall cascade.  The shrine itself is ancient and has the interesting characteristic of saying prayers to protect one from evil, one of the few Shinto shrines in Japan to actually have rituals to perform this, the unique ceremony is called Happoyoke.
    samukawa-shrine-21.jpg
  • 78.1 Tsurugaoka Hachimiangu Shrine 鶴岡八幡宮 - is the most important Shinto shrine in Kamakura, as well one of the most prominent in Kanagawa Prefecture.  Although it is now a Shinto shrine, Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu was a Buddhist temple for most of its history. Many ceremonies are held here including weddings and Coming of Age day in January.  Most festivals, ceremonies and events in Kamakura are centered at and around Tsurugaoka Hachimangu.
    78.1.TENTATIVE-KAMAKURA-TSURUGAOKA-0...jpg
  • Tennoji is the 79th sacred spot on the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage, located in the foothills of Mt. Kana.  This temple does not have a gate, which is typical for temples, but rather a vermillion gate with tile roofing similar to that found at Shinto shrines, called miwa torii. Pass through this miwa torii and continue along the promenade to find Shiraminegu Shrine, which was built to appease the spirit of Emperor Sutoku.  In Japan it is not unusual to find Shinto shrines embedded within Buddhist temple compounds, or vice-versa.
    Tennoji-Kagawa-6.jpg
  • Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, shrines are mainly places where people can pray. Sometimes ceremonies such as wedding and milestone events for children are held at them. They are visited mostly on certain holidays or by people who want something.  Many have specific purposes. There are shrines for pregnant women who want a safe delivery, ones for fisherman to return safely from the sea and even ones for achieving sexual gratification. Homes and offices have small Shinto shrines to ward off evil spirits and protect the building from fires, earthquakes and typhoons. Most Shinto shrines are regarded as dwelling places of the Sun Goddess.  Shinto shrines are constructed according to sacred principals. They usually face south and sometimes to the east, but never to the north and west, which are regarded as unlucky directions according to the Chinese principals of feng shui.
    japanese-shrine-bells-3.jpg
  • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the most important Shinto shrine in the city of Kamakura.  A Shinto shrine now, Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu was also a Buddhist temple for most of its history. The shrine is at the geographical and cultural center of the city of Kamakura which has grown around it.
    tsurugaoka-hachimangu-3.jpg
  • Shinto Shrine/Modern Architecture - A torii is a traditional Japanese gate commonly found at the entry to a Shinto shrine.  The basic structure of a torii is two columns that are topped with a horizontal rail. Slightly below the top rail is a second horizontal rail. Torii are traditionally made from wood and are usually painted vermilion red.
    traditional-modern-2.jpg
  • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the most important Shinto shrine in the city of Kamakura.  A Shinto shrine now, Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu was also a Buddhist temple for most of its history. The shrine is at the geographical and cultural center of the city of Kamakura which has  grown around it.
    tsurugaoka-hachimangu-1.jpg
  • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the most important Shinto shrine in the city of Kamakura.  A Shinto shrine now, Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu was also a Buddhist temple for most of its history. The shrine is at the geographical and cultural center of the city of Kamakura which has  grown around it.
    tsurugaoka-hachimangu-4.jpg
  • 78.1 Tsurugaoka Hachimiangu Shrine 鶴岡八幡宮 - is the most important Shinto shrine in Kamakura, as well one of the most prominent in Kanagawa Prefecture.  Although it is now a Shinto shrine, Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu was a Buddhist temple for most of its history. Many ceremonies are held here including weddings and Coming of Age day in January.  Most festivals, ceremonies and events in Kamakura are centered at and around Tsurugaoka Hachimangu.
    78.1.TENTATIVE-KAMAKURA-TSURUGAOKA-0...jpg
  • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the most important Shinto shrine in the city of Kamakura.  A Shinto shrine now, Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu was also a Buddhist temple for most of its history. The shrine is at the geographical and cultural center of the city of Kamakura which has  grown around it.
    tsurugaoka-hachimangu-5.jpg
  • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the most important Shinto shrine in the city of Kamakura. A Shinto shrine now, Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu was also a Buddhist temple for most of its history. The shrine is at the geographical and cultural center of the city of Kamakura which has grown around it.
    tsurugaoka-hachimangu-2.jpg
  • Tennoji is the 79th sacred spot on the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage, located in the foothills of Mt. Kana.  This temple does not have a gate, which is typical for temples, but rather a vermillion gate with tile roofing similar to that found at Shinto shrines, called miwa torii. Pass through this miwa torii and continue along the promenade to find Shiraminegu Shrine, which was built to appease the spirit of Emperor Sutoku.  In Japan it is not unusual to find Shinto shrines embedded within Buddhist temple compounds, or vice-versa.
    Tennoji-Kagawa-9.jpg
  • Tennoji is the 79th sacred spot on the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage, located in the foothills of Mt. Kana.  This temple does not have a gate, which is typical for temples, but rather a vermillion gate with tile roofing similar to that found at Shinto shrines, called miwa torii. Pass through this miwa torii and continue along the promenade to find Shiraminegu Shrine, which was built to appease the spirit of Emperor Sutoku.  In Japan it is not unusual to find Shinto shrines embedded within Buddhist temple compounds, or vice-versa.
    Tennoji-Kagawa-3.jpg
  • Ema Votive Tablets at Fushimi Inari Shrine - one of the most venerated and holy of all Shinto shrines in Japan. Ema plaques are found at Shinto shrines across Japan   typically showing animals from 12-year zodiac depending on the year.  Visitors to the shrine buy the ema from the shrine attendants, by doing so contributes to the shrine. The attendant will then bless it. You then write a wish or prayer, on the ema and hang it, alongside others, on a frame for this purpose.  From the place you hang it, the kami, the enshrined deities or gods receive them.
    mojo-1.jpg
  • Tennoji is the 79th sacred spot on the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage, located in the foothills of Mt. Kana.  This temple does not have a gate, which is typical for temples, but rather a vermillion gate with tile roofing similar to that found at Shinto shrines, called miwa torii. Pass through this miwa torii and continue along the promenade to find Shiraminegu Shrine, which was built to appease the spirit of Emperor Sutoku.  In Japan it is not unusual to find Shinto shrines embedded within Buddhist temple compounds, or vice-versa.
    Tennoji-Kagawa-10.jpg
  • Tennoji is the 79th sacred spot on the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage, located in the foothills of Mt. Kana.  This temple does not have a gate, which is typical for temples, but rather a vermillion gate with tile roofing similar to that found at Shinto shrines, called miwa torii. Pass through this miwa torii and continue along the promenade to find Shiraminegu Shrine, which was built to appease the spirit of Emperor Sutoku.  In Japan it is not unusual to find Shinto shrines embedded within Buddhist temple compounds, or vice-versa.
    Tennoji-Kagawa-11.jpg
  • Tennoji is the 79th sacred spot on the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage, located in the foothills of Mt. Kana.  This temple does not have a gate, which is typical for temples, but rather a vermillion gate with tile roofing similar to that found at Shinto shrines, called miwa torii. Pass through this miwa torii and continue along the promenade to find Shiraminegu Shrine, which was built to appease the spirit of Emperor Sutoku.  In Japan it is not unusual to find Shinto shrines embedded within Buddhist temple compounds, or vice-versa.
    Tennoji-Kagawa-12.jpg
  • Tennoji is the 79th sacred spot on the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage, located in the foothills of Mt. Kana.  This temple does not have a gate, which is typical for temples, but rather a vermillion gate with tile roofing similar to that found at Shinto shrines, called miwa torii. Pass through this miwa torii and continue along the promenade to find Shiraminegu Shrine, which was built to appease the spirit of Emperor Sutoku.  In Japan it is not unusual to find Shinto shrines embedded within Buddhist temple compounds, or vice-versa.
    Tennoji-Kagawa-8.jpg
  • Tennoji is the 79th sacred spot on the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage, located in the foothills of Mt. Kana.  This temple does not have a gate, which is typical for temples, but rather a vermillion gate with tile roofing similar to that found at Shinto shrines, called miwa torii. Pass through this miwa torii and continue along the promenade to find Shiraminegu Shrine, which was built to appease the spirit of Emperor Sutoku.  In Japan it is not unusual to find Shinto shrines embedded within Buddhist temple compounds, or vice-versa.
    Tennoji-Kagawa-7.jpg
  • Tennoji is the 79th sacred spot on the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage, located in the foothills of Mt. Kana.  This temple does not have a gate, which is typical for temples, but rather a vermillion gate with tile roofing similar to that found at Shinto shrines, called miwa torii. Pass through this miwa torii and continue along the promenade to find Shiraminegu Shrine, which was built to appease the spirit of Emperor Sutoku.  In Japan it is not unusual to find Shinto shrines embedded within Buddhist temple compounds, or vice-versa.
    Tennoji-Kagawa-1.jpg
  • Tennoji is the 79th sacred spot on the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage, located in the foothills of Mt. Kana.  This temple does not have a gate, which is typical for temples, but rather a vermillion gate with tile roofing similar to that found at Shinto shrines, called miwa torii. Pass through this miwa torii and continue along the promenade to find Shiraminegu Shrine, which was built to appease the spirit of Emperor Sutoku.  In Japan it is not unusual to find Shinto shrines embedded within Buddhist temple compounds, or vice-versa.
    Tennoji-Kagawa-4.jpg
  • Tennoji is the 79th sacred spot on the Shikoku Henro pilgrimage, located in the foothills of Mt. Kana.  This temple does not have a gate, which is typical for temples, but rather a vermillion gate with tile roofing similar to that found at Shinto shrines, called miwa torii. Pass through this miwa torii and continue along the promenade to find Shiraminegu Shrine, which was built to appease the spirit of Emperor Sutoku.  In Japan it is not unusual to find Shinto shrines embedded within Buddhist temple compounds, or vice-versa.
    Tennoji-Kagawa-2.jpg
  • Benten-kutsu Cave is often overlooked by visitors to Hase-dera, but the inside is worthwhile for its ancient statues with lighted candles at their base. Benten is a Shinto deity and a perfect example of how Buddhism and Shinto are often intertwined in Japan as Benten-Kutsu Cave is within Hase-dera temple grounds. Benten-kutsu Cave is where Benzaiten and 16 children are chiseled out of the rock walls. Benzaiten is a sea goddess among the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan. Her temples and shrines are always located near water - rivers, oceans, ponds. She is the patron of music, the fine arts, and good fortune in general, and usually carries a biwa or Japanese lute.
    hasedera-cave-4.jpg
  • 11. Kamigamo Shrine 上賀茂神社 is the oldest Shinto shrine in Kyoto.  Kamigamo Jinja has preserved the legends relating to the birth of its shrine deity, Wakeikazuchi. The Kamo shinto gods protect Kyoto from malign forces.  The area contains many large oaks and weeping cherry trees coexisting in harmony.  The austere conical sand mounds symbolize purity. Kamigamo Shrine was under Imperial patronage during the Heian Period.
    11.KYOTO-KAMIGAMO-01.jpg
  • Benten-kutsu Cave is often overlooked by visitors to Hase-dera, but the inside is worthwhile for its ancient statues with lighted candles at their base. Benten is a Shinto deity and a perfect example of how Buddhism and Shinto are often intertwined in Japan as Benten-Kutsu Cave is within Hase-dera temple grounds. Benten-kutsu Cave is where Benzaiten and 16 children are chiseled out of the rock walls. Benzaiten is a sea goddess among the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan. Her temples and shrines are always located near water - rivers, oceans, ponds. She is the patron of music, the fine arts, and good fortune in general, and usually carries a biwa or Japanese lute.
    hasedera-cave-9.jpg
  • Benten-kutsu Cave is often overlooked by visitors to Hase-dera, but the inside is worthwhile for its ancient statues with lighted candles at their base. Benten is a Shinto deity and a perfect example of how Buddhism and Shinto are often intertwined in Japan as Benten-Kutsu Cave is within Hase-dera temple grounds. Benten-kutsu Cave is where Benzaiten and 16 children are chiseled out of the rock walls. Benzaiten is a sea goddess among the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan. Her temples and shrines are always located near water - rivers, oceans, ponds. She is the patron of music, the fine arts, and good fortune in general, and usually carries a biwa or Japanese lute.
    hasedera-cave-5.jpg
  • Benten-kutsu Cave is often overlooked by visitors to Hase-dera, but the inside is worthwhile for its ancient statues with lighted candles at their base. Benten is a Shinto deity and a perfect example of how Buddhism and Shinto are often intertwined in Japan as Benten-Kutsu Cave is within Hase-dera temple grounds. Benten-kutsu Cave is where Benzaiten and 16 children are chiseled out of the rock walls. Benzaiten is a sea goddess among the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan. Her temples and shrines are always located near water - rivers, oceans, ponds. She is the patron of music, the fine arts, and good fortune in general, and usually carries a biwa or Japanese lute.
    hasedera-cave-8.jpg
  • Benten-kutsu Cave is often overlooked by visitors to Hase-dera, but the inside is worthwhile for its ancient statues with lighted candles at their base. Benten is a Shinto deity and a perfect example of how Buddhism and Shinto are often intertwined in Japan as Benten-Kutsu Cave is within Hase-dera temple grounds. Benten-kutsu Cave is where Benzaiten and 16 children are chiseled out of the rock walls. Benzaiten is a sea goddess among the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan. Her temples and shrines are always located near water - rivers, oceans, ponds. She is the patron of music, the fine arts, and good fortune in general, and usually carries a biwa or Japanese lute.
    hasedera-cave-1.jpg
  • Akutai Matsuri - Cursing Festival - Japan celebrates the annual Akutai Matsuri on Mt. Atago’s peak in Ibaraki. The festival is known as “The Cursing Festival” celebrated during the third Sunday of December, where anyone is free to cuss, shout, and curse.  It is worth mentioning that the Japanese language is not very prolific in curse words, about the worst is the Japanese word for fool or "baka".   Visitors note that this festival is rather light-hearted with the cursing mostly in jest, but even so most find this festival cathartic as way of expressing oneself in public.  Akutai translates as "abusive language" though die-hard fans of the profane will not hear any "four letter words" here.  The event finishes up at Atago Shrine with a scattering of rice cakes distributed by shinto priests.
    akutai-10.jpg
  • Izumo Taisha Shrine Shimenawa  -  one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines. There are no records of exactly when Izumo Taisha was built but it is often considered to be the oldest shrine in Japan.  The main deity enshrined at Izumo Taisha is Okuninushi-no-Okami who was the creator of Japan and the ruler of Izumo. He also became known as the deity of good relationships and marriages.  Every year, from the 10th to the 17th day of the 10th lunar month which ends up being in November eight million Shinto deities from across the land gather at Izumo Taisha for a their annual meeting, a kind of çonvention of the gods’.
    izumo-taisha-shrine-4.jpg
  • Izumo Taisha Shrine Shimenawa  -  one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines. There are no records of exactly when Izumo Taisha was built but it is often considered to be the oldest shrine in Japan.  The main deity enshrined at Izumo Taisha is Okuninushi-no-Okami who was the creator of Japan and the ruler of Izumo. He also became known as the deity of good relationships and marriages.  Every year, from the 10th to the 17th day of the 10th lunar month which ends up being in November eight million Shinto deities from across the land gather at Izumo Taisha for a their annual meeting, a kind of çonvention of the gods’.
    izumo-taisha-shrine-3.jpg
  • Izumo Taisha Shrine Shimenawa  -  one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines. There are no records of exactly when Izumo Taisha was built but it is often considered to be the oldest shrine in Japan.  The main deity enshrined at Izumo Taisha is Okuninushi-no-Okami who was the creator of Japan and the ruler of Izumo. He also became known as the deity of good relationships and marriages.  Every year, from the 10th to the 17th day of the 10th lunar month which ends up being in November eight million Shinto deities from across the land gather at Izumo Taisha for a their annual meeting, a kind of çonvention of the gods’.
    izumo-taisha-shrine-1.jpg
  • Benten-kutsu Cave is often overlooked by visitors to Hase-dera, but the inside is worthwhile for its ancient statues with lighted candles at their base. Benten is a Shinto deity and a perfect example of how Buddhism and Shinto are often intertwined in Japan as Benten-Kutsu Cave is within Hase-dera temple grounds. Benten-kutsu Cave is where Benzaiten and 16 children are chiseled out of the rock walls. Benzaiten is a sea goddess among the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan. Her temples and shrines are always located near water - rivers, oceans, ponds. She is the patron of music, the fine arts, and good fortune in general, and usually carries a biwa or Japanese lute.
    hase-dera-shrine-gate-1.jpg
  • Benten-kutsu Cave is often overlooked by visitors to Hase-dera, but the inside is worthwhile for its ancient statues with lighted candles at their base. Benten is a Shinto deity and a perfect example of how Buddhism and Shinto are often intertwined in Japan as Benten-Kutsu Cave is within Hase-dera temple grounds. Benten-kutsu Cave is where Benzaiten and 16 children are chiseled out of the rock walls. Benzaiten is a sea goddess among the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan. Her temples and shrines are always located near water - rivers, oceans, ponds. She is the patron of music, the fine arts, and good fortune in general, and usually carries a biwa or Japanese lute.
    hasedera-cave-7.jpg
  • Benten-kutsu Cave is often overlooked by visitors to Hase-dera, but the inside is worthwhile for its ancient statues with lighted candles at their base. Benten is a Shinto deity and a perfect example of how Buddhism and Shinto are often intertwined in Japan as Benten-Kutsu Cave is within Hase-dera temple grounds. Benten-kutsu Cave is where Benzaiten and 16 children are chiseled out of the rock walls. Benzaiten is a sea goddess among the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan. Her temples and shrines are always located near water - rivers, oceans, ponds. She is the patron of music, the fine arts, and good fortune in general, and usually carries a biwa or Japanese lute.
    hasedera-cave-3.jpg
  • Kaizoji Cave -  It is not unusualy for Buddhist temples in Japan to have remnants of the original original Shinto within its grounds.  Though the two faiths are quite different, they sometimes merge in unusual ways.  Behind the main hall Ryugoden at Kaizoji there are caves and wells.  Because much of the water in Kamakura was once of low quality, these wells were very precious.  Some of the caves contain statues of Kannon Bosatsu as well as the wells themselves.
    Kaizoji-01.jpg
  • Zeniarai Benten Shrine in Kamakura is famous with people who wish to wash their money.  Zeniarai means "coin washing” as people believe that money washed in the shrine's spring will increase or double.  Zeniarai Benten Shrine is an example of the fusion between the Shinto and Buddhist religions with many aspects of the respective religions melded into one shrine. Here  the unique custom of coin washing started and the Shrine maintains this belief of the power of enrichment. For this reason it isone of the most popular and busy shrines in Kamakura.  Bamboo baskets and ladles are available on the shelf to help with the money washing.
    zeniarai-benten-kamakura-10.jpg
  • Akutai Matsuri - Cursing Festival - Japan celebrates the annual Akutai Matsuri on Mt. Atago’s peak in Ibaraki. The festival is known as “The Cursing Festival” celebrated during the third Sunday of December, where anyone is free to cuss, shout, and curse.  It is worth mentioning that the Japanese language is not very prolific in curse words, about the worst is the Japanese word for fool or "baka".   Visitors note that this festival is rather light-hearted with the cursing mostly in jest, but even so most find this festival cathartic as way of expressing oneself in public.  Akutai translates as "abusive language" though die-hard fans of the profane will not hear any "four letter words" here.  The event finishes up at Atago Shrine with a scattering of rice cakes distributed by shinto priests.
    akutai-07.jpg
  • Akutai Matsuri - Cursing Festival - Japan celebrates the annual Akutai Matsuri on Mt. Atago’s peak in Ibaraki. The festival is known as “The Cursing Festival” celebrated during the third Sunday of December, where anyone is free to cuss, shout, and curse.  It is worth mentioning that the Japanese language is not very prolific in curse words, about the worst is the Japanese word for fool or "baka".   Visitors note that this festival is rather light-hearted with the cursing mostly in jest, but even so most find this festival cathartic as way of expressing oneself in public.  Akutai translates as "abusive language" though die-hard fans of the profane will not hear any "four letter words" here.  The event finishes up at Atago Shrine with a scattering of rice cakes distributed by shinto priests.
    akutai-15.jpg
  • Akutai Matsuri - Cursing Festival - Japan celebrates the annual Akutai Matsuri on Mt. Atago’s peak in Ibaraki. The festival is known as “The Cursing Festival” celebrated during the third Sunday of December, where anyone is free to cuss, shout, and curse.  It is worth mentioning that the Japanese language is not very prolific in curse words, about the worst is the Japanese word for fool or "baka".   Visitors note that this festival is rather light-hearted with the cursing mostly in jest, but even so most find this festival cathartic as way of expressing oneself in public.  Akutai translates as "abusive language" though die-hard fans of the profane will not hear any "four letter words" here.  The event finishes up at Atago Shrine with a scattering of rice cakes distributed by shinto priests.
    akutai-08.jpg
  • Akutai Matsuri - Cursing Festival - Japan celebrates the annual Akutai Matsuri on Mt. Atago’s peak in Ibaraki. The festival is known as “The Cursing Festival” celebrated during the third Sunday of December, where anyone is free to cuss, shout, and curse.  It is worth mentioning that the Japanese language is not very prolific in curse words, about the worst is the Japanese word for fool or "baka".   Visitors note that this festival is rather light-hearted with the cursing mostly in jest, but even so most find this festival cathartic as way of expressing oneself in public.  Akutai translates as "abusive language" though die-hard fans of the profane will not hear any "four letter words" here.  The event finishes up at Atago Shrine with a scattering of rice cakes distributed by shinto priests.
    akutai-04.jpg
  • Akutai Matsuri - Cursing Festival - Japan celebrates the annual Akutai Matsuri on Mt. Atago’s peak in Ibaraki. The festival is known as “The Cursing Festival” celebrated during the third Sunday of December, where anyone is free to cuss, shout, and curse.  It is worth mentioning that the Japanese language is not very prolific in curse words, about the worst is the Japanese word for fool or "baka".   Visitors note that this festival is rather light-hearted with the cursing mostly in jest, but even so most find this festival cathartic as way of expressing oneself in public.  Akutai translates as "abusive language" though die-hard fans of the profane will not hear any "four letter words" here.  The event finishes up at Atago Shrine with a scattering of rice cakes distributed by shinto priests.
    akutai-14.jpg
  • Zeniarai Benten Shrine in Kamakura is famous with people who wish to wash their money.  Zeniarai means "coin washing” as people believe that money washed in the shrine's spring will increase or double.  Zeniarai Benten Shrine is an example of the fusion between the Shinto and Buddhist religions with many aspects of the respective religions melded into one shrine. Here  the unique custom of coin washing started and the Shrine maintains this belief of the power of enrichment. For this reason it isone of the most popular and busy shrines in Kamakura.  Bamboo baskets and ladles are available on the shelf to help with the money washing.
    zeniarai-benten-kamakura-12.jpg
  • Itsukushima Shrine - Miyajima Island in the inland sea was once thought to be so sacred that human beings were not permitted to live on it.  Itsukushima Shrine was constructed over water so that humans would not "pollute" the sacred island. Today many ferries carry traffic between the island and Hiroshima.  Because the island is still sacred, trees may not be cut for lumber. Deer roam freely as they are thought to be sacred in the Shinto religion as messengers of the gods.
    itsukushima-shrine.jpg
  • Zeniarai Benten Shrine in Kamakura is famous with people who wish to wash their money.  Zeniarai means "coin washing” as people believe that money washed in the shrine's spring will increase or double.  Zeniarai Benten Shrine is an example of the fusion between the Shinto and Buddhist religions with many aspects of the respective religions melded into one shrine. Here  the unique custom of coin washing started and the Shrine maintains this belief of the power of enrichment. For this reason it isone of the most popular and busy shrines in Kamakura.  Bamboo baskets and ladles are available on the shelf to help with the money washing.
    zeniarai-benten-kamakura-13.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-11.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-21.jpg
  • 29. Futarasan 二荒山神社  Futarasan Shrine is much older than its more lavish neighbor, Toshogu Shrine.  Futarasan was founded in 782 by Shodo Shonin, the Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism to Nikko and also founded nearby Rinnoji Temple. This is an unusual juxtaposition of Shinto and Buddhism, particularly since they were both founded by a Buddhist monk - presumably to keep his options open.  At the back of the shrine there is a spring of pure holy water, so pure that it is used for making sake.
    29.NIKKO-FUTARASAN-02.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-6.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-17.jpg
  • Tsukubajinja, or "Tsukuba shrine", is a Shinto shrine at the base of Mount Tsukuba. Mt.Tsukuba Shrine is a classical example of shrine architecture. Worshippers invoke the male god Izanagi and the female god Izanami for lasting marriages, safety, prosperity and warding off evil spirits. 9th century.
    tsukuba-shrine-06.jpg
  • Ema Votive Tablets at Atsuta Shrine - one of the most venerated and holy of all Shinto shrines in Japan.  Familiarly known as Atsuta Sama (Venerable Atsuta) dedicated to the veneration of the "Five Great Gods of Atsuta" all of whom are connected with the legendary narratives of the sacred sword.
    ema-5.jpg
  • Atsuta Shrine is one of the most venerated and holy of all Shinto shrines in Japan.  Familiarly known as Atsuta Sama (Venerable Atsuta) dedicated to the veneration of the "Five Great Gods of Atsuta" all of whom are connected with the legendary narratives of the sacred sword.
    atsuta-shrine-2.jpg
  • Shimenawa are ropes found at Shinto shrines, the grandest and largest of which is found at Izumo Taisha. They are strung across torii gates that are used to demarcate the boundary between the sacred and the outside world. The origins of the shimenawa are unclear though it has been suggested that they came from the tradition of tieing a rope to something to mark ownership. Others suggest it comes from the habit of Central Asian nomads who strung a rope around their campsite.
    shimenawa-1.jpg
  • Japanese Garden at Taga Taisha - Taga Taisha Shrine is dedicated to the creator gods Izanami-no-mikoto and Izanagi-no-mikoto and the shrine has been listed Japan's oldest book the Kojiki.  Visiting the shrine is said to bring long life, lucky marriage and the protection from evil. The shrine has been repaired many times though the shrine today is nearly the same as it was in ancient times. The entrance is marked by the Taiko Bridge - an arched stone configuration.  On the north side of the Okushoin there is a Japanese garden that focuses on a pond garden. It is rare to be able to look out from the shoin over a garden and even more so considering that this is not a Zen Buddhist temple but rather a shinto shrine. This garden was sponsored by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.  The garden uses large stones all throughout the garden.
    taga-taisha-1.jpg
  • On your mark, get set, now SCREAM!  Nakizumo is a 400 year old event that appears to be based on the proverb “crying babies grow faster”.   Babies less than 1 year old are brought to the shrine, flung into the air, screamed and made faces at by sumo wrestlers and Shinto priests (or gyoji sumo referees) usually two at a time.  Whichever baby screams first or loudest is declared the winner, though there is no real prize. At first this ritual may appear to be cruel, making babies cry, but it is all in good fun at least for the adults.  It is also believed that the ceremony, which involves purification before the crying part, will enable babies to grow up stronger and healthier, so it’s all for the best.  The screaming sobs are also supposed to ward off evil spirits.   For good measure, both babies are hoisted high into the air by the wrestlers so that their screams will be closer to heaven, which will intensify the blessing.
    nakizumo-7.jpg
  • Seijin-no-hi or Adults Day is a Japanese public holiday held on the second Monday of January.  When young people reach the age of twenty they officially become adults in Japan.  This gives them the legal ability to drink, vote and smoke.  Coming of Age Day is celebrated across Japan each January though some spots are more festive than others, such as this event that took place at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura. Girls usually wear kimono, while boys usually wear a regular suit and tie though some wear traditional Japanese mens kimono.  The ceremony seisin shiki takes place at the local city office before moving onto the shinto shrine. The day starts early for these new adults, especially girls who have to spend hours doing their makeup and hair and the long period of time it takes to put on a kimono.
    coming-of-age-06.jpg
  • Seijin-no-hi or Adults Day is a Japanese public holiday held on the second Monday of January.  When young people reach the age of twenty they officially become adults in Japan.  This gives them the legal ability to drink, vote and smoke.  Coming of Age Day is celebrated across Japan each January though some spots are more festive than others, such as this event that took place at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura. Girls usually wear kimono, while boys usually wear a regular suit and tie though some wear traditional Japanese mens kimono.  The ceremony seisin shiki takes place at the local city office before moving onto the shinto shrine. The day starts early for these new adults, especially girls who have to spend hours doing their makeup and hair and the long period of time it takes to put on a kimono.
    coming-of-age-05.jpg
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