Tourists in Japan who are looking for a unique and special Japanese experience may be interested in visiting a Japanese Shinto Shrine. Shinto is an official religion but can also be looked upon as an ancient mythology or folklore.
Shrines are open to the general public whether or not they identify as belonging to the Shinto religion as long as they are respectful to their surroundings. Photography is also allowed at most shrines so long as other shrine visitors are not disturbed. Signs provided to distinguish between photo areas and non-photo areas which are usually restricted to indoor locations.
The Japanese Religion of Shinto
The native religion of Japan is Shinto which can be translated as ‘Way of the Gods.’ People who practice Shinto consider the thousands of Shinto shrines located throughout Japan as their places of worship. Visitors can locate these shrines by looking for the torii gate which represents the entrance to the surrounding areas of the shrine.
Each shrine is believed to be the dwelling of a Kami or God who is in charge of protecting each particular land and its people. Visitors to the shrines do not pray to the religion as a whole but to the particular Kami that dwells there. Some Kami take the form of animals while others represent natural forces such as sacred trees or mountains. Humans are also said to be able to attain the status of Kami through deification. For instance, the Meiji shrine in Tokyo near Yoyogi Park is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
Interestingly enough, practitioners of the Shinto religion may also be known to practice aspects of the Buddhist religion as neither requires a choice to be made between them. Also as a point of interest, though some Japanese may identify as Shinto or Buddhist they are not likely to be averse to having a Christian style wedding.
How to Pray at a Japanese Shinto Shrine
Twisted ropes mark the presence of each shrine’s sacred object where shrine’s Kami is said to reside. They may be tied to a tree, rock or shrine building.
After throwing a few coins into the slatted box beneath (5 yen coins are supposed to be luckiest), petitioners wake the gods by giving a sharp pull on the bell-rope then bow three times. They say a prayer to the Kami and this is usually in the form of asking for a favour for themselves and their loved ones good health or good luck in particular aspects of life. Afterwards, two bows, two claps and two final bows signal the end of the prayer.
Good Luck Items at Japanese Shinto Shrines
Visitors may also be interested in purchasing omamori which are dedicated to particular deities. These amulets offer the bearer protection or luck in particular aspects of their lives.
Another part of Japanese superstition that can be experienced at the Shinto shrine are the omikuji or fortunes are sold at a small fee. Omikuji will predict a visitor’s luck for the future.
Sources:
Shinto Shrines at Japan Visitor
Japan Guide to Shinto Shrines
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Altair Roxas - Altair Roxas is a graduate of The University of Auckland with a degree in English and Film, Television and Media Studies currently living ...
