Kumano Shrine, Shinjuku Tokyo

Hi !  I'm Shrine Concierge, Ayumi

I would like to introduce my favorite cool Japanese shrines.

 Passing through a "Torii Gate" means you are entering a sacred space.

 We should bow once before entering a Tori Gate.

It is also believed the center of a path is one for "Kamisama".

 -Japanese gods and goddesses-, so please give way to "Kamisama". 

Upon visiting a shrine:

 Wash your hands and mouth to purify you before praying.

↑　It's called "Temizuya" or "Chozuya".

 Take a ladle in your right hand and scoop enough water.  First pour over your left hand, then your right hand using the ladle.  Again transfer the ladle to the right hand further to rinse your mouth with your cupped left hand.  DO NOT rinse your mouth by directly touching the ladle.  Lastly wash your left hand again and rinse the handle of the ladle with remaining water.  

 Proceed to the main building of a shrine.

Put money into an offering box, GENTLY.  DO NOT throw them.

 Shake the rope to ring the bell, GENTLY.

 Bow twice deeply in front of the the main building of a shrine. 

 Make your wish in your heart.

 Clap your hands twice.

 Bow once deeply.

 This is a common procedure but it depends on a shrine.

1.  
2. Kumano Shrine, Shinjuku Tokyo

新宿一二社

熊野神社　　　★

Chozuya  手水舎

a main building of the shirne  本殿　　↑　↓

This photo reminds us that the shrine is located right in the

metropolis.

この写真を見るとこの神社が都会のど真ん中にあることが

わかります。

c

Kaguraden (神楽殿） --- a hall for holding rituals by offering 

ceremonial dance and music. ↓

Bentensha (弁天社）

Birds come closer to me and stayed for a while....

鳥たちが近づいてきてくれました。

Otori Sansha (大鳥三社）

Inari （稲荷）

Thank you for visiting.

See you