【オススメ神社】

Someone might have already posted this, but... It's Hokkaido Jingu Shrine. I took this in March, so you definitely shouldn't go during this season, but if you're lucky, you might find something like a small bear made of snow on a nearby tree! lol It's cold, so drinking something warm is a good idea too 🍵 While you might enjoy winter scenery unique to the season, it's extremely cold, so be careful if you go... lol

Horikoshi Shrine, located to the west of Ryuoga-fuchi, is a rare shrine nationwide where a stone housed in a barrel within the main sanctuary is enshrined as the object of worship. The enshrined deity is Toyotama-hime-no-mikoto, known as the sea god and dragon god, and Ryuoga-fuchi itself is considered a pond inhabited by a dragon god. It has protected the region as a center for dragon god worship and rain prayers. Legend has it that in ancient times, during droughts, farmers would gather, hold torches, and chant "Grant us rain" while circling Ryuoga-fuchi in a rain-praying ritual... Nowadays, a walking path has been built around the pond, allowing visitors to stroll. Ryuoga-fuchi is a scenic spot known for its "water mirror" effect, reflecting the surrounding forest like a mirror. They say you can take stunning photos if you visit on a clear morning. I went around 3 PM, but the forest was still beautifully reflected on the water's surface. It was a truly wonderful Ryuoga-fuchi.

It's located on an island in the middle of Lake Biwa, so you can only get there by boat. It involves climbing a long mountain path, which can be a bit tough if you're not fit, but as expected from a place called the 'Island where Gods Dwell,' it has a certain presence. Continuing past the shrine leads to Hogon-ji Temple, and the view from there is truly magnificent. Along the mountain paths on both sides near the shrine and temple, narrow shops line the way, offering simple yet heartwarming souvenirs with the service of humble shopkeepers.

The Nachi Falls are more of the main attraction than the shrine itself... It's far away so I can't go often, but the path down to the falls is very refreshing and cleanses the soul. Walking the Kumano Kodo is also great, the air is delicious and it feels good. Don't forget to buy Darani Sukemaru at a rest stop on your way back! It's incredibly effective for stomach aches, indigestion, and hangovers. Truly has a 1300-year history.

Considered one of Japan's three great dragon caves, it enshrines the "Ryuketsu" itself, from which immense energy erupts. It's said to bring wish fulfillment, career advancement, and good fortune through the overwhelming power of the dragon god. Naturally, as a dragon god, it also offers benefits like praying for rain and protection from water disasters. A little further from the main sanctuary is the "Kichijo Ryuketsu," a cave where the dragon god is believed to reside. You can worship from the prayer site at the bottom of narrow, slippery, steep stairs. The inner shrine (Ryuketsu) is considered a powerful spiritual spot due to its strong energy. On the way to the shrine, I encountered a group of cute? scarecrows and took some photos. They are all scarecrows! (6th photo) I also visited a pond called "Ryuoga-buchi," which was featured on a poster at a nearby roadside station as a place related to the "Dragon God" of Uda City. ...But it's getting long, so I'll save that for the next post (lol)

I've had an exorcism done before, but does anyone else have any other services they get done at shrines? Like Goma rituals or waterfall training, etc.

Hey everyone, did you know that the 'Kyoto Imperial Palace' in Kyoto has Goshuincho (temple/shrine seal books) and Goshuin (temple/shrine seals)? I collect Goshuin and get them when I travel. I found out about them when I visited the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The Goshuincho itself was magnificent, made with Nishijin-ori silk! (It was expensive, but after some thought... I bought it lol - see 3rd photo). It was such a fine item that I wanted to display it, and I have it on display now! If you're interested, check out the Goshuincho & Goshuin when you visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace~

Its official name is Itate-tsuwamono-nushi Shrine. It enshrines Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the god of war, and is said to be effective for warding off evil, bringing good luck, and especially 'luck in competitions.' There's a rumor that setting the dragon painting on the ceiling of the worship hall as your phone wallpaper will bring good fortune. The way of worship is unusual: a wooden kettle lid is provided, and it's said that if you place it on your head and walk 10 meters from the torii gate to the worship hall without dropping it, your wish will come true. Don't worry if you drop it midway. You can just try again from the beginning! (lol) Behind the shrine, there's a park called 'Cape of Hope,' where you can enjoy a spectacular view of Kaimondake, also known as Satsuma Fuji, the rocky shore, and the sea.

This is a famous shrine located in Nagano Prefecture. It consists of five shrines: Okusha, Nakasha, Hokosha, Kuzuryu Shrine, and Hinomiko Shrine. Okusha and Kuzuryu Shrine are in the same location. From the parking lot with the large torii gate, you walk along a 2km cedar avenue one way. After passing through Zuishinmon on the way, you'll reach Okusha at the end of the cedar avenue. The old shrine next to it is Kuzuryu Shrine! It enshrines the god of water, and people pray for rain and abundant harvests. Originally, it's for 'praying for rain,' but since it's the god of water... I prayed so hard, 'Please! Please!! Don't make it rain!!' that I thought the pillars might split, and for several years from that day on, my 'super rain-prone' curse was sealed!! Even when I went out to play, it rained ☔, and when I went out, it rained ☔. This super, super rain-prone me! It's amazing. The god of water is real!! If you're suffering from rain like I was, you should definitely visit!! By the way, 2km is longer than you might think, so wear comfortable shoes and go with determination~. ※The other three shrines are in different locations, but there's parking available, so it's fine.

Located very close to Ohama Beach, known as a nesting ground for sea turtles, this shrine is believed to bring blessings for maritime safety, abundant catches, and business prosperity. It also offers benefits for safe childbirth, conception, and household safety. It's situated next to the Hiwasa Sea Turtle Museum. We highly recommend visiting the museum too! Because of its proximity to the sea turtle nesting grounds, you can obtain a unique Goshuin (temple seal) featuring a sea turtle design here.