Izumo Taisha Shrine: Mystical Secrets of Izumo's Spiritual Power
Izumo holds a special place in Japanese history starting mythological ancient times. Several reasons: The largest Shimenawa, sacred straw ropes, in Japan, the largest Main Shrine in ancient times, the Kamiarisai Festival in October of the lunar calendar, where deities from across Japan gather in Izumo, the largest Bronze bell-shaped vessels and Bronze Swords in […]
Atsuta Jingu Shrine, Enshrines a Sacred Sword, "Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi"
Atsuta Jingu enshrines a sacred sword, Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, as one of Three Sacred Treasures of the Imperial Family since ancient times. It houses 20 swords designated as national treasures and about 6,000 treasures donated by the Imperial Family and many samurai.
Ise Jingu Shrine, Geku First and Then Naiku
Ise Jingu Shinto Shrine (伊勢神宮), officially called “Jingu” consists of 125 Shinto shrines. Crossing the Uji Bridge over the Isuzu River at the entrance of a main shrine, “Kotaijingu” (Naiku), you are in a sacred world where the deities dwell. As you walk the pea gravel approach along the giant cedar trees, you may feel […]