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Visiting Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Japan is a rewarding experience, offering insights into the country’s cultural traditions and practices. Here are practical tips and answers to common questions for first-time visitors. Goshuin: special seals at shrines and temples Goshuin are special seals collected from shrines and temples, usually kept in a goshuinchō (seal book). These beautiful mementos serve…

There’s a certain kind of silence that settles in just before a ritual begins—the kind that feels sacred, even if you don’t yet understand why. In Japan, one of the most quietly powerful traditions you may encounter is yakuyoke (also known as yakubarai), a purification rite intended to ward off misfortune and restore balance. You won’t see it splashed across…

Shintoism believes that spirits reside in everything, from mountains and rivers to even household furniture. The benefits bestowed by the deities enshrined at Shinto shrines are varied, ranging from traffic safety and business prosperity to protection against evil. Among these, the improvement of financial fortune is one of the most sought-after blessings. Koami Shrine in Tokyo is renowned for its…