First Shrine Visit

初詣 first shrine visit - two beauties sourrounded by their beaux first shrine visit - the smell of incense in our hair

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Join me here on my visit with a slide show:
(Take your time to visit ...)

. . . . . First Shrine Visit 2008 / Photo Album


Fox Shrine Saijo Inari, about one hours drive from my home
It is a mix of Shinto worship and main temple of the Buddhst Nichiren Sect.


We visited on January 4, just right between the first three day crowds and the next sunday crowds. Even though, just to get a parking space took about 45 minutes waiting in line. And the special fee for the parking spot was just ... well ...

The blend of Buddhist and Shinto worship is remarkable here. Everyone takes incence and puts a stick in front of each of the many small memorial shrines. Some throw coins on the roofs of two smaller shrines and if the coin does not fall down, they will have good money luck in the coming year.


O-Negai Yokocho

All kinds of talismans and lucky charms for any kind of endeavor are sold here. During the new year celebrations, there is even a special shopping mall for this.

The big sacred rope of the shrine (shimenawa) is renewed every year. Look at it in the album.


The weather was warm to start with but turned rainy by the time we left ...
Yet, in the end at our local Hachiman Shrine I found a rather special present waiting for me, hanging in the bark of my favorite cedar tree ... look at the last photo in the album.


And the car smelled of incense all the way back home !







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Saijo Inari Shrine
is one of the three most famous Inari shrines in the country, and is a noted Buddhist shrine for prayer. The shrine is located in Okayama, Okayama Prefecture, a city famous for its picturesque views of the Kibi Plains.

The shrine was built around 1200 years ago by Houon Daishi. The main building of the shrine suffered losses from fire when Toyotomi Hideyoshi attacked the Bichuu Takamatsu Castle during the Warring States period. Yet, since the patron deity of the shrine was hidden under the building in a secret compartment 8 tatamis large, and covered by rock slabs, it was kept safe from harm.

Since that time, the patron deity became famous across the country for its miraculous efficacy, drawing the faith of the masses. The deity is famous for answering prayers for success in business, traffic safety, and for increased scholastic ability. Every March during the "First Day of the Horse" Hatsu-uma Festival, the shrine overflows with people who have come to pray for luck and good health.
　© nippon-kichi.jp







Japanese (written on the many red prayer flags):

最上位経王大菩薩

Saijoo Ikyoo-Oo Daibosatsu
(さいじょういきょうおうだいぼさつ)





. 最上稲荷 . Japanese Home Page of the Shrine





Thanks Gabi san!


Thank you, Angelee from India.




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