Shrine神社[ Jinjya ]

A Shinto shrine (神社, jinja, archaic: shinsha, meaning: "place of the god") is a structure whose main purpose is to house ("enshrine") one or more Shinto (神道, Shintō) kami. Its most important building is used for the safekeeping of sacred objects, and not for worship. Although only one word ("shrine") is used in English, in Japanese Shinto shrines may carry any one of many different, non-equivalent names like gongen, -gū, jinja, jingū, mori, myōjin, -sha, taisha, ubusuna or yashiro. (For details, see the section Interpreting shrine names.)

from Shinto_shrine (Wikipedia) CC BY SA 3.0

Advice about Jinjya (Shrine)

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Love Stones at Jishu Shrine in Kyoto images

Love Stones at Jishu Shrine in Kyoto

Jishu Shrine is located near (or I would say within) Kyoto's Kiyomizu Temple. Dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking, the love shrine is always crowded with many couples and especially young girls praying for luck in love. There are two love stones in front of the shrine, placed 18m apa…(223 words)

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EmiOnishi

Kameido Tenjin's birds for good fortune images

Kameido Tenjin's birds for good fortune

Kameido Tenjin Shrine (亀戸天神社) is known as a shrine for people who wish for success in their studies, like passing exams. On January 24 and 25, the shrine has a special event, the usokae-shinji (鷽替神事). Similar festivals are held at a few shrines in Japan, in Tokyo also at Yushima Tenjin, Ja…(241 words)

David image

David

Omikuji - Take Only Good Luck With You images

Omikuji - Take Only Good Luck With You

Omikuji - おみくじ - are fortune papers from temples and shrines that offer advice for your health, career, and good luck in general. There are positive ones - marked kichi 吉 - and negative ones - marked kyou 凶. The most positive one is the daikichi 大吉, the big fortune.You can find omikuji …(310 words)

David image

David

Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto and Local Inari Shrines images

Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto and Local Inari Shrines

The famous Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine in Kyoto really is a fantastic place to visit. There are the colorful main buildings to see and even more impressive is the walk through the shrine's land. In the case of Fushimi Inari, this means taking a long walk up and around the hill that belongs to the s…(316 words)

David image

David

Hell of gatekeeper, "Enma the Great" Legend of Japan. images

Hell of gatekeeper, "Enma the Great" Legend of Japan.

There is a big baseball stadium in Tokyo.It is called the "BIG EGG", it has been popular.Because very visible to a large egg.The town side of the big egg,Hell of gatekeeper, "Enma the Great" There are in the shrine."Enma the Great" is God.It is God, dead people meet for the first…(157 words)

asteka image

asteka

"Chinowa" - a Very special ring at shrine! images

"Chinowa" - a Very special ring at shrine!

"Chinowa" is a large ring made of grass and erected on the pathway leading to a shrine on the days of purification (harae). Photos are taken at Shinagawa Shrine.At the shrine, you can pass through the ring as an act of purification from misdeeds (tsumi), impurities (kegare), or bad luck. Shinag…(170 words)

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EmiOnishi

Enoshima Island is a Legendary Power Spot images

Enoshima Island is a Legendary Power Spot

I work on Enoshima, a small island with a legendary past that is known as a power spot. Enoshima has the myth of a five-headed dragon. The dragon was responsible for the hardships in the surrounding area, and the benevolent goddess Benzaiten eventually came from above to soothe the dragon’s rag…(782 words)

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Sayaka

Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto: Walking the stairs to heaven.... images

Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto: Walking the stairs to heaven....

There are many beautiful things to visit in Kyoto and for very good reasons. If you fancy a little bit of fresh air and a walk in the forest, Inari Shrine of Fushimi is the place to go.Inari Shrine is one of the many UNESCO world heritages in Kyoto and it attracts many tourists. But if yo…(553 words)

Claire image

Claire

Visit to a Shinto Shrine, steps to follow and their explanations images

Visit to a Shinto Shrine, steps to follow and their explanations

Working for one of the main Shinto Shrine in Japan, there are a few things that I've been able to study, experiment and understand through my work. Here are a few advice if you wish to make a proper visit of a Shinto place, with the usual respect signs to show to the Gods... that even Japanese …(900 words)

Sam image

Sam

A Temple Less Crowded yet Equally Divine images

A Temple Less Crowded yet Equally Divine

Say the word Kyoto and immediately images of temples and shrines and all things traditionally Japanese spring to mind. It's Kyoto's inseparable association with the most beautiful and noble that Japan has to offer that makes it a choice destination for over 50,000,000 tourists that visit "The City …(399 words)

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Former Deep Japan Writer

Places to visit in Shitamachi to pass an exam images

Places to visit in Shitamachi to pass an exam

"Yushima Tenmangu is a Shinto shrine commonly called Yushima Tenjin. This shrine was originally established in 458 A.D. in order to worship Ameno-tajikaraono-mikoto, one of deities appears in the Japanese myths. Later, in February 1355, the spirit of Sugawara Michizane, a historical figure, was als…(177 words)

Keiko, OTT image

Keiko, OTT

Sanja Matsuri/Festival in Asakusa - Summary and report images

Sanja Matsuri/Festival in Asakusa - Summary and report

Of all the festivals in Asakusa year around, Sanja Matsuri Festival should be the most famous and the biggest one. If you have a chance, I encourage you to make a plan to see it once, referring to this and other sempai posts listed below. 1-2-3 basics;Sanja matsuri festival is held every y…(567 words)

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Zara

Many of the Japanese, was afraid for a long time, "Oi-wa Inari" images

Many of the Japanese, was afraid for a long time, "Oi-wa Inari"

There is a city “Yotsuya” in Tokyo.In Yotsuya, there is a shrine which was built 300 years ago.Many of the Japanese, was afraid for a long time, "Oi-wa Inari"In order to calm the anger of the ghost “Oi-wa”, "Oi-wa Inari". was built 300 years ago.Many of the Japanese thought so."Oi-wa"…(156 words)

asteka image

asteka

Okagemairi in Japan 2014- Special Visit to Ise Jingu, the Grand Shrine images

Okagemairi in Japan 2014- Special Visit to Ise Jingu, the Grand Shrine

Ise Jingu, the Grand Shrine's main pavilions were newly rebuilt and its residing deities were transferred to the new shrines, which is called Sengu. The ceremony is held every 20 years in order to keep the spirit of "Tokowaka" which means "forever young or everlasting purity" and it has been done f…(124 words)

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Hatha Yoga Lover

Kameido Tenjin Shrine images

Kameido Tenjin Shrine

If you still have a few hours to kill in Tokyo, Kameido's Tenjin Shrine is a nice spot to visit. It is at walking distance from the Skytree Tower. I like the way modern constructions mixe with traditional ones.The shrine is located in quite a large parc with a pond and a forest of palawnia. Fuj…(303 words)

Claire image

Claire

Tourist Tip #8: How to Pray at Temples and Shrines images

Tourist Tip #8: How to Pray at Temples and Shrines

Whether a tourist or native, visits to temples and shrines are par for the course while in Japan. While there are – usually – no strict rules aside from using common sense and exercising common courtesy (be considerate to others, mindful of property, no smoking, respect no photographing signs, …(352 words)

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Former Deep Japan Writer

A Lesson in Perspective at Yasukuni Shrine images

A Lesson in Perspective at Yasukuni Shrine

Yasukuni Shrine was built in 1869 to commemorate the Japanese men who have died in war since 1853. To date, there are more than 2.4 million souls enshrined there. The large grounds feature the honden, or main shrine, a perfectly manicured shinchi teien, or sacred pond garden full of koi, and a larg…(246 words)

Petra image

Petra

Basic Etiquette for Visiting Temples and Shrines images

Basic Etiquette for Visiting Temples and Shrines

One of the best ways to experience the rich culture of Japan is to visit some of its countless temples (tera) and shrines (jinjya). Whether Buddhist or Shinto, these holy sites each have their own unique story and architectural details and are fascinating places to spend some time.Like any plac…(496 words)

Petra image

Petra

I visited Suwa Taisha images

I visited Suwa Taisha

One of the pleasures of living in Japan is being able to enjoy the ancient and endless variety of cultural traditions of the local people. Where I live in central Nagano, near Lake Suwa, is no exception. It is the location of one of Japan’s oldest and most important Shinto shrines, Suwa Taisha (Gr…(324 words)

Phil image

Phil

Shinto Shrine and Buddhist Temple coexisting ? images

Shinto Shrine and Buddhist Temple coexisting ?

It may sound strange if I tell you there is a place called Kanzan-ji(temple) that has a Shinto gateway. The place is about 10 minute drive from my office and it is by Hamana Lake.The temple was on top of the small hill overlooking the lake and Tomei expressway.There you can view Ferris wheel …(131 words)

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kazmcqueen

Experience Japanese culture and history at shrines and temples images

Experience Japanese culture and history at shrines and temples

Basic etiquette for visiting temples and shrines“One of the best ways to experience the rich culture of Japan is to visit some of its countless temples (tera) and shrines (jinjya). Whether Buddhist or Shinto, these holy sites each have their own unique story and architectural details and are fa…(478 words)

DeepJapan image

DeepJapan

Azalea: Tsutsuji - Spring Flowers in Japan images

Azalea: Tsutsuji - Spring Flowers in Japan

Sakura is famous in the spring, but after the cherry blossom time in Japan another flower takes over. In April azaleas colour Tokyo with their bright flowers.When I read Chiara's post "Local Secret: YaNeSen" here I realised that she was describing places that I had just visited. "The stroll fro…(195 words)

David image

David

Let a Lion Bite Your Head (for Good Luck) images

Let a Lion Bite Your Head (for Good Luck)

If you could use a little more good luck, let a lion help you. Lions protect many shrines and temples in Japan. The dance of the lion dispels evil and calls in good luck. For an extra dose of good luck put your head in the lion's mouth and let it bite you.This is the lion dance, shishi-mai, at Kame…(250 words)

David image

David

Dolls Day - March 3rd images

Dolls Day - March 3rd

March 3rd, is Girls' Day in Japan. It's also called Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival).Those who have sets of Hina Dolls display them in their homes on a platform - in tiers- and the tiers are covered with a red cloth. The dolls are called hina-ningyoh. They represent the Emperor, the Empress, and …(515 words)

Joe Peters image

Joe Peters

The Symmetry In Japanese Architecture images

The Symmetry In Japanese Architecture

I step over the deep, brown aged gate step into the temple's welcome garden. To my left is a preparation space for visitors to this tiny, ancient temple and cemetery tucked far into the hills near Kanazawa Bunko station on the Keikyu train line. After gathering up a broom, some shears for the chrys…(415 words)

 image

Yatai Foods: Savory Treats on a Stick images

Yatai Foods: Savory Treats on a Stick

Japan has many different festivals - matsuri - throughout the year and no festival is complete without food from yatai food stalls (屋台). Yatai sell sweet and savory foods and a lot of that is food on a stick.Ayu - あゆ: This small fish is very popular in Japan and is served both grilled on a …(232 words)

David image

David

Experience Your Own “Japanese Style Wedding” in Tokyo! images

Experience Your Own “Japanese Style Wedding” in Tokyo!

What’s the most romantic place in the world? Paris? Hawaii? Rome? Those may be some of the obvious contenders, but there seems to be an increasing number of people who would name Tokyo as the most romantic travel destination.This idea of Tokyo as a modern day romance capital, combined with the …(238 words)

Japanista image

Japanista

The Three Wise Monkeys images

The Three Wise Monkeys

Ever since I was little, storybooks, cartoons, and popular culture, have depicted the story of The Three Wise Monkeys. You know the image, three monkeys sitting there; one covering his ears, another covering his mouth, and the third covering his eyes. In the western world, we often relate this to t…(356 words)

Alex image

Alex

Saitama, Short Trip to North of Tokyo images

Saitama, Short Trip to North of Tokyo

Kawagoe City, SaitamaLittle Kawagoe, a short one-hour train ride away from Shinjuku Station on the Seibu Line, is a wonderful spot to get away from the big city and feast your eyes on buildings from the Edo and Meiji era. The main street is lined on both sides by gorgeous old wooden merchant ho…(475 words)

DeepJapan image

DeepJapan

Claps and bows in silence images

Claps and bows in silence

Every New Year's holiday, I go to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura. There, you first throw money, bow twice, clap your hands twice, pray and then bow once (you can follow this process at any shrine). It may sound like a complicated process, but all you have to do is follow the person before you (t…(160 words)

RieS image

RieS

Shibuya' Traditional Festival - Portable Shrines (Mikoshi) go along Omotesando Street images

Shibuya' Traditional Festival - Portable Shrines (Mikoshi) go along Omotesando Street

Shibuya is one of the most popular places to visit in Tokyo.What are the things to do in Shibuya?TripAdvisor recommends you to do (http://goo.gl/e1hJHq)x Meiji Jingux Yoyogi Parkx Shibuya Center Townx Shibuya Pedestrian Scramblex Omotesandox Ota Memorial Museum of Artx National Ch…(452 words)

Cecilia Reiko image

Cecilia Reiko

Minami Boso Penninsula, Chiba images

Minami Boso Penninsula, Chiba

The other day I took a trip to the Minami Boso area of Chiba which is a great place to visit for a day trip from Tokyo. Jump on the bus from Tokyo Station for the scenic 90 minute ride through the city, over the famous Rainbow Bridge, and the unique Aqua Line expressway to the south of the Chiba Pe…(414 words)

Adstev73 image

Adstev73

Imado Shrine - Manekineko Lucky-in-Love Cats images

Imado Shrine - Manekineko Lucky-in-Love Cats

Imado Shrine is one of the main places for Japan's manekineko lucky cats. Here they come in pairs and bring you good luck in love. Although the shrine itself is small, it is home to a huge number of manekineko statues and fortune goods.Buy one of the round ema 絵馬 tablets and write your love w…(349 words)

David image

David

Japanese style wedding, what it is like? images

Japanese style wedding, what it is like?

According to national statistics in Japan, a bit more than 600,000 couples got married in 2017. Another private survey for such newly married couples showed that two-thirds of them had a wedding ceremony and that only 17% of them chose Japanese traditional style, Shinto wedding ceremony, while 65% …(453 words)

TomokoI image

TomokoI

Yatai - Festival Food Stalls images

Yatai - Festival Food Stalls

There are a lot of matsuri - festivals - all over Japan especially in the summer. At the matsuri you can always find many kinds of yatai - food stalls. Even small local events have yatai, because the food is part of the festival. Yatai offer all sorts of fun yummy foods, both sweet and savoury. Ple…(126 words)

David image

David

Easy hike through Kamakura images

Easy hike through Kamakura

Seeking to combine some sight-seeing with a bit of hiking, I found a short hiking course in Kamakura, starting at Kita Kamakura Station and ending up near the Daibutsu, from where the walk can be extended until the sea shore.The trail starts right next to Jochiji temple, and winds into the hill…(427 words)

Chiara image

Chiara

Beautiful Kyoto images

Beautiful Kyoto

Kyoto is a beautiful city where you discover small temples and shrines around the corner. One step inside and you are in another world, free from the noise of the city, stressless, peaceful. All it takes is a walk along Kamo river, and some curiosity to look around the corners... So, if you ha…(391 words)

Claire image

Claire

Three Sacred Treasures and Imperial Palace images

Three Sacred Treasures and Imperial Palace

The three treasures: mirror, sword, and jewels are believed to be passed down in the Imperial Family through generations. It is said that no one, even including the Emperor himself, has seen the objects. The treasures are considered not only as tangible entities but also as Japanese spirits: honest…(149 words)

Hatha Yoga Lover image

Hatha Yoga Lover

5 recommendations to take your pictures wearing KIMONO in Asakusa images

5 recommendations to take your pictures wearing KIMONO in Asakusa

There are many good places to take pictures when you wear Kimono in Asakusa. Three gates to Sensoji, Kaminarimon, Hozomon and Nitenmon, are the best of course as well as Gojunotou (five-storied pagoda). However, I would like to recommend the places where is not in your guidebook.Izumiya is a sh…(236 words)

Keiko, OTT image

Keiko, OTT

Ume (plum) blossoms in Sumida-ku images

Ume (plum) blossoms in Sumida-ku

Can not wait Sakura? February is the time for Ume (plum) blossoms. In Sumida-ku, there are some places famous for Ume blossoms. Though Kameido Tenjin is also famous for wisteria, there are over 300 Ume trees. 15 minutes walk from JR Kameido Station.Omurai-Katori Shrine is a small shrine, which …(118 words)

Keiko, OTT image

Keiko, OTT