Why do Japanese people go to shrines?

This time, I would like to introduce you to the mysterious power spot called a “shrine” in Japan.

Why do Japanese people go to shrines so often?

Sometimes we are asked,”Who is the god you are following?”

On the other hand, even though it is difficult to think of a special god, we feel that there is a god naturally.

So hen the new year begins, many people visit the shrine to greet God for the New Year.

People thank God for the safety of the previous year and wish for good luck in the next year.

In this way, it is customary to visit a shrine at a turning point in life, such as New Year’s Day, Shichigosan(1), and entrance exams.

It is believed that God exists not only in shrines but also in nature such as mountains and waterfalls. Here are some mysterious photos of my favorite shrine. What does this look like?

This is a small waterfall that approaches the shrine in a place called “Shirayama Hime Shrine” in Ishikawa Prefecture.

Shirayama Hime Jinja Shrine
http://www.shirayama.or.jp/en/index.html

Something like the shape of a dragon’s face emerges in this.

It is said that the gods are talking to us, and that they are very close and protect us.

Very good things happen when you can see this.

In addition to this, saiun (clouds with rainbows) and clouds that look like dragon scales are said to be ways that God shows us its existence.

In this way, in Japan, we feel God in the immediate vicinity of us and believe that we are always protected.

The Japanese god may be talking to you as well.

I hope you will be lucky the next time you look up at the sky.

(1) Shichigosan: A traditional Japanese custom of visiting a shrine to thank a child for his successful growth at the ages of 3, 5, and 7.

Masa

I’m working at a research facility in a snowy country and taking care of foreigner researchers. I want to be able to propose a comfortable Japanese life to foreign researchers and have more fun conversations. It’s my dream.