“Shrine” is the word that likely springs to mind when you see the -Jinja ending here. We’re standing before Iwasekoroku Shrine now. It is a Shinto shrine. Shintoism revolves around life and nature. The gods are known as kami.
Shintoism links present-day Japan with its ancient past. Many weddings are performed in the Shinto tradition. Almost 90% of the Japanese population regularly partakes in Shinto practices of some sort. Shintoism believes that people become kami after death. Passed away people are revered alongside the spirits of nature.
You’ll notice certain structural elements that are almost always present at shrines. The most famous is the torii gate. It marks the entrance. Because shrines are sacred places, locals often bow before and after passing through it.
You can purify yourself before entering the main hall. There is a temizuya purification trough. You wash your hands and mouth there. White paper zigzags are shimenawa. They mark the boundary of a sacred place.
Do you know the proper prayer etiquette? Shake the rope to ring the bell. This calls the kami’s attention. Throw a coin into the offertory box. Bow twice. Clap twice. Pray. Bow one final time.
Kami reside in animals, trees and stones. Shinto shrines are often in forests or parks. Koma-inu are mythical lion-dogs. They guard the entrance. One dog has its mouth open. The other has it closed. Sometimes foxes stand guard.
When approaching Iwasekoroku Shrine, bow as you walk through the torii gate. Stick to the outside of the path. The middle is for the kami gods.
Use the ladles at the basin of water. Pour water over your left hand. Then pour it over your right hand. Don’t let the water fall back into the trough. Pour water into your left hand. Rinse your mouth. Tip the ladle to clean the handle.
At the main shrine altar, ring the bell if there is one. Toss a coin into the wooden box for good luck. A five-yen coin is ideal. Bow slowly and deeply twice. Clap twice. Bow once more.
Both temples and shrines often have fortune slips. You can purchase lucky charms too. Omikuji fortune slips are available. If the fortune is bad, tie it to the tree branch. Priests can purify it then.
Amulets are sold at both temples and shrines. You can find amulets for love or travel. There are amulets for exams or safety in travel. Ema wooden boards allow you to write desires. They will be noticed by the gods.
When entering or leaving Iwasekoroku Shrine, don’t step on the wooden step. It symbolizes a spiritual boundary. The most important thing is to be respectful and quiet. This is still a place of worship.
Iwasekoroku Shrine stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and tradition. As you reflect on your visit, may you carry a piece of its tranquility.