How Fortunate?
Since arriving in Japan, one visit consistently finds its way onto my itinerary: a visit to the local shrine. Shrines in Japan captivate me with their rich traditions and beautiful architecture. There are two types of shrines, each featuring distinctive architectural elements worth seeing. Typically, these shrines have ornate high roofs, and depending on which type you visit, you will encounter various unique features.
Torii gates are a prominent feature at shrines, often seen in their iconic red color or stone sculptures. These gates are primarily found at Shinto shrines and serve as a marker for the entrance. It's important to note that some Torii gates are reserved exclusively for the gods, so be mindful when entering a shrine to ensure you do so correctly.
Inari shrines are well-known for their iconic red gates, with the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto being the most famous. It features 10,000 torii gates, creating compact walkways so narrow that lanterns are needed in some areas to illuminate the path, as the gates block out natural light.
At some shrines, there is a fountain where you must perform a cleansing ritual. The availability of the fountain can vary depending on the shrine you visit. Typically, you will find a wooden stick with a bowl provided for this purpose. I often remember it as resembling leftover rice. To cleanse, pour water over your left arm up to the elbow, followed by your right arm. With any remaining water, rinse your mouth.
Some shrines may have koi fish, and you might have the opportunity to feed them! A clear indication that the fish are expecting food is when they swim up to where you are standing. You can purchase food from a nearby gacha machine or at a stall.
The prayer ritual varies depending on the type of shrine. Often, you'll find a rope with a bell that you should ring to get the gods' attention. While it's common to throw a 5-yen coin—considered lucky due to its hole—other coins can be used as well.
Begin the ritual by bowing twice, then clap your hands twice. After that, you can close your eyes and make your wish known. Once you've finished, bow again, but this last bow should be less deep than the first two.
One step I often forget is to bow as I leave the shrine. However, following this method should allow you to show respect and put your wish out into the universe. It doesn’t hurt to try!
So, let’s talk about fortunes.
Anime fans may already be familiar with a unique feature of shrines in Japan. At larger shrines, visitors can purchase fortunes, charms, and wooden plaques. Some shrines are known for specific aspects; for example, the Kashima Shrine in Saga is particularly famous for love and relationships.
My first fortune drawn in Japan was from there, and I was thrilled to receive a fortune represented by five hearts—there couldn't have been a better love fortune! I decided to keep it because getting five hearts is quite rare. Along with the fortune, I received a beautiful bead made of rose quartz. Depending on the deities that are worshipped at a shrine, the focus may vary, promoting health or good luck in different aspects of life.
Some shrines are so stunning that they should be visited for their architecture, location, or history alone. However, the fortune-drawing aspect adds another layer of excitement. It is generally recommended not to pull a fortune every time you visit; I was advised to do so only once every six months. Additionally, it was mentioned that if you pull the five hearts, drawing a new fortune can override the first one.
Of course, this mainly depends on your perspective regarding horoscopes and similar beliefs. I view fortune drawing as nothing more than luck, and in my experience, the fortunes I've drawn have not significantly reflected reality. Still, I find the process enjoyable, and I appreciate the anticipation of seeing what I pull. I can understand why many people find it appealing.
Visiting shrines is always enjoyable for me, and I have yet to plan my first shrine visit of the year. These visits are typically made with family, friends, or partners. I will choose the destination for my New Year’s shrine visit with great care! I hope to participate in this tradition while I am here.
