Discovering the allure of Hokkaido’s shrines: Unveiling their charm through 10 key factors.

Table of Contents：
1. Why are shrines popular among foreign tourists right now?
2. What are shrines in the first place? About how many shrines are there?
1) “Shrine archways” The symbol of a shrine
2) Guarding the shrines “Lion-dogs and Lion-foxes”
3) Purifying one’s body before visiting a shrine “Chozuya ・Hanachozu”
4) A Shinto Sanctuary “Main Shrine・Worship hall”
5) Showing gratitude to God and purifying “Offertory box ・Bells”
6) Serving God “Shinto Priests ・Shrine Maidens
7) Telling someones fortune of good or bad luck “Omikuji”
8) God’s spirit dwells “Ofuda ・Omamori”
9) Presenting a wish “Ema” (a wooden plaque with a wish)
10) Verification of visiting a Shinto Shrine “Goshuin”
3. What is being worshiped at a Shinto Shrine? What kind of God is it?
4. What kind of presence do Shinto Shrines have to Japanese people?
5. Let’s go on a trip in search of 10 factors of shrines in Hokkaido

Why are shrines popular among foreign tourists right now?

In recent years, shrines have been noticed as popular sight-seeing areas among foreign tourists visiting Japan. The Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto is an especially popular shrine known for its beautiful row of 1,000 archways. On the other hand, in Sapporo, Hokkaido, the most famous enshrinement is Hokkaido-jingu. Along with gathering the faith of the local residents of Hokkaido, its also widely loved by tourists as well.

From here on, we will introduce 3 reasons why shrines are popular among foreign tourists.

Reason 1: You can feel the traditional atmosphere of Japan

Shrines have a distinctly unique atmosphere. This might be one reason why they’re popular. The unique atmosphere that is created is something that can’t be seen daily within the downtown areas in Japan, and yet has an existence of being very Japanese. For example, characteristics such as:

・ The hakama of a Shinto Priest or Shrine Maiden
・ Kimonos of shrine visitors
・ Bright red Shinto Shrine archways
・ A quiet, peaceful and natural space

Shrines originated from distinct characteristics and are often located near nature, and many times the surrounding nature has been preserved which is one of the main points for its peaceful space.

Reason 2: The beautiful scenery and a spot that looks great on Instagram

It seems that many foreign tourists come to see the beautiful scenery of shrine archways standing in the ocean, bright colored worship halls and more. The core of a shrine is Shintoism, which believes that Gods dwell in mountains, rivers and trees (in other words, that Gods have materialized in these natural objects). Because of this, many shrines have been built on the foot of mountains, near the ocean and other natural environments. This is why one of the charms is being able to feel the beauty of nature nearby.

Winter in Hokkaido creates an extraordinarily elegant scenery of shrines decorated in snow. The scenery in the snow country is highly recommended. Also, in recent years the scenery of the “flower chozu” (flower decorated water where you wash your hands before visiting a shrine) is quite popular and makes for great photos on instagram, attracting many domestic and foreign travelers to shrines.

Reason 3: The sacredness and spirituality is attractive

The sacredness and spirituality is also one of the attractions. When passing through a shrine archway, the atmosphere completely changes and you know that you have entered a sacred world. Why does a shrine create a feeling of sacredness? It is thought that one of the reasons is because there are barriers scattered throughout the grounds.

Since the ancient times of Japan, there was a distinction between “this side”of the world where we humans live, and “that side”where we don’t. As a cutoff point or landmark, shrine archways were built and “Shimenawa” (ropes used to cordon off consecrated areas) were put in place. “Tamagaki”(Fences surrounding shrines) were also installed to apply boundaries for religious practices. These landmarks don’t have signs of instructions that stand out. However, the presence of the landmarks do express a strong message. that you have now reached a boundary of sacred territory and that certain areas are off limits. In contrast with Christianity, where churches are located near communities of people, it is believed that the shrines mainly exist on the outskirts of communities such as, at the foot of mountains, near forests and and other natural places. In other words, shrines play a role as a kind of boundary for religious practices.

The feeling of spirituality and sacredness might come from the many boundaries put in place for religious practices, which divide the human world from the outer world.

What are shrines in the first place? About how many shrines are there?

Shrines are very popular sightseeing spots for tourists. However, what are they in the first place? Since ancient times, Japanese people have believed that Gods dwell in all things, such as mountains, trees, rocks, the ocean and more. This remarkably large amount of Gods is called, “the gods of countless things” (Yaoyorozu). Furthermore, the sacred place where worship is held is at shrines. Shrines have a deep connection with Shintoism and mythology. Shintoism was cultivated by Japanese people from the ancient times and is a faith that was born day by day. Unlike the bible in Christianity or the Islam Quran which corresponds to sacred books, there may be no founder in Shintoism.

With a deep connection to Shintoism through the everyday lives of Japanese people, the amount of shrines has currently reached a number of about 80,000 nation wide. If you consider that Japan has about 50,000 convenience stores, it’s safe to say that shrines have a closer presence to Japanese people. Among these, it is said that there are about 1,000 shrines in Hokkaido. Make your way around the shrines in Hokkaido and try looking for the 10 important structural factors of the shrines that will be introduced below.

1. “Shrine archways” The symbol of a shrine

Shrine archways have a symbolic presence when it comes to shrines. By simply seeing an archway, you can identify that there is a shrine nearby. The archways represent a boundary between God’s world and the human world. In other words, they are a kind of boundary and entrance into the shrine. This is the origin of the archways from long ago. They were built to make a clear distinction between the place of God’s sacred presence and the outer world.

Although the shape of the shrine archways are quite simple, there are actually 60 different types. Interestingly, if you group them together, you can actually separate them into 2 categories. Let’s check the following characteristics of shrine archways.

・ The archways are mainly a vermilion color. However, there are white and
black ones as well.
・ There are 2 pillars, one on the left and one on the right with 2 horizontal posts uptop.
・ There is a sign called, a “Gakuzuka,”which has the name of the shrine
written on it.
・ The diverse materials include rocks, wood, concrete and more.

The vermilion color used on the archways is a symbol of vitality and is believed to act as a charm against evil spirits. On the practical side, the crimson red materials = red earth (Mercury) act as a kind of preservative. From a historical standpoint, the original color of the gates was a kind of white wood color. However, as a result of Buddhism spreading throughout Japan, the gates were later repainted a vermilion color.

2. Guarding the shrines “Lion-dogs and Lion-foxes”

At shrines, statues of lion-dogs and lion-foxes are placed in the shrine. They look a little intimidating first glance, but actually play an important role of protecting the Gods of the shrine. The most popular guard is the lion-dog, while the lion-fox guards Inari Shrine. Please check the following general traits below.

・ One is placed on the left and one on the right.
・ One has an open mouth, which looks like it’s creating a kind of “Ah” sound, while the other is closed, which looks like it’s creating a kind of “Um” sound.
・ Looking out from the main hall, the one on the left has an open mouth “Ah,”and the one on the right is closed, “Um.”

The “Ah”and “Um”come from Sanskrit from the ancient times of the Indian language. “Ah” is the first sound and “Um”is the last sound, representing the meaning of “from start to finish.”To give an English example, it would be like “A to Z.” Dogs and foxes aren’t the only guards protecting the the shrine’s Gods. Others include,

・ Wild boars
・ Deer
・ Crows
・ Rabbits
・ Monkeys

These are also considered important and divine messengers of God. For example, at Yukura Shrine in Hakodate, Hokkaido, a rabbit called “Nade-usagi” (rubbing rabbit) that has a deep connection with God has been placed on the premises.

3. Purifying one’s body before visiting a shrine “Chozuya ・Hanachozu”

Before worshiping God when visiting a shrine, there is a place to purify oneself called, “Chozuya, Temizuya.” (a place for ritual cleansing of the hands and mouth with water when visiting shrines) It’s usually located just after passing through the shrine’s archway. Passing through the shrine gates = entering a sacred place and it is considered proper etiquette to purify oneself directly after entering the sanctuary. At the Temizuya, it’s quite popular for water to come out of a dragon’s mouth. However, you can often see water coming out of other objects as well. For example, sometimes water comes out of a simple bamboo cylinder, or in the case of Hoshioki Shrine in Hokkaido, a frog figure is used.

Please check the simple introduction below on the manners of how to purify oneself at the “Temizuya.”

1. Grab the wooden dipper with your right hand and wash your left hand. Purify yourself by pouring water from the basin. During this time, be careful not to spill water back into the basin.
2. Change the wooden dipper to your left hand and wash your right hand. Purify yourself by pouring water from the basin. During this time, be careful not to spill water back into the basin.
3. Put the wooden dipper back into your right hand and rinse your mouth. Put water in the palm of your left hand and wash your mouth. Be careful not to touch the wooden dipper with your mouth.
4. Purify your left hand once more after rinsing your mouth and carefully return the wooden dipper back to its spot.

Also, recently a “Hanachozu”has emerged at various shrines. The background of how the Hanachozu came to be was due to infection prevention measures taken during the Corona Virus outbreak. As the place to wash hands became unavailable, the Chozu was filled with flowers floating on water with the intention to cleanse one’s heart and mind by looking at the beautiful flowers. Hanachozu represents the former times when water couldn’t be used and when visitors had to purify themselves with the dew from flowers.

4. A Shinto Sanctuary “Main Shrine・Worship hall”

The most important parts in a Shinto Shrine are the main shrine and the worship hall. The main shrine is a remarkably special place and a sacred structure that’s dedicated to God. The worship hall is a place where worshipers worship and where Shinto Priests conduct rituals. Ordinary main shrines are sacred and are usually positioned in the far end of the worship hall. Furthermore, they are made quite small and placed where they don’t stand out. There are some cases where some of the old Shinto Shrines don’t have a main shrine and only worship halls. For example, places where it is thought that God descends into the mountains. In these cases, a main shrine isn’t necessary as people can worship the mountain from the worship hall (= a sacred mountain in which God resides).

Please have a look at the following simple introduction of how to visit a worship hall. The fundamentals of worshiping at a shrine “2 bows, 2 claps, 1 bow.”

1. Proceed to the alter with proper posture and bow twice. Bow from the waist bending over at a 90 degree angle.
2. Put both hands together at the height of your chest with the fingers on the right hand just below the left. Open your hands to clap about a shoulder
width apart and clap twice.
3. Once again stand with proper posture and stance, then bow.

Here we introduced the basic way to visit a Shinto Shrine. Depending on the Shinto Shrine, there are cases when they have their own particular manners and etiquette and in that case, let’s try our best to follow the Shrine’s formalities.

5. Showing gratitude to God and purifying “Offertory box ・Bells”

【The offertory box】
The offertory box is a box for people to show their gratitude to God and hope for prayer fulfillment by presenting money. During this time the money that you give as an offering is called, “Saisen.” Saisen derrived from the former days when offerings to God were given in the form of marine products, fruits of the land, and rice(* There are various theories). Rice was especially considered a special offering. In autumn, after rice was harvested people gave thanks, and as a token of gratitude rice was given as an offering. That era reached an end when money came into circulation and since then, instead of rice, people offer money known as “Saisen.” The Saisen box is generally placed in the worship hall where visitors attend. However, there are some cases when compact boxes are set up in small wayside shrines. There is no decided amount when giving Saisen. The important part is that you give the money offering to God with thanksgiving on your heart.

【Bells】
Bells hang down in from the middle of the worship hall and are usually made from copper or brass. The bells are shaken and rung by worshipping visitors, and are usually tied to chords or fabric of red and white colors, or the common 5 which include red, yellow, blue, white and black. The sound of the clear bells is said to have a purifying effect on the worshipping visitors.

6. Serving God “Shinto Priests ・Shrine Maidens

The people who conduct rituals and take care of the clerical business of the shrine for the “Guuji”(Chief Priest) and the “Negi”(Senior Priest) are called “Shinshoku” or “Kannushi.” Among the Shinto Priests, the Chief Priest is considered the chair executive, similar as the position of a boss in a company. As for the “Shinshoku”(general priests), their rank and position can change depending on the passing of examinations. The rank of the general priests can be identified by the color of the Hakama they are wearing. Here is the order from highest to lowest.

1. A white pattern on white fabric
2. A white pattern on purple fabric
3. A purple pattern on purple fabric
4. Purple
5. A pale blue-green color

On the other hand, Shrine Maidens are not Shinto priests and are considered as women who serve God. Furthermore, unlike the Shinto priests, it’s unnecessary for them to take examinations to achieve qualifications. Shrine Maidens usually dress in a vermilion colored hakama over white clothes.

The amount of general priests working at a single shrine differs depending on the scale of the shrine. There are various patterns and in some cases some of the smaller shrines only have the Chief Priest on the grounds.

7. Telling someones fortune of good or bad luck “Omikuji”

Omikuji is a personal fortune telling of somebody’s good or bad luck about life and things. Generally, you shake a box and a stick comes out with a number you then exchange for a corresponding paper which has your fortune written on it. However, Omikuji has a wide variety of types including some where you stick your hand in a box and grab it directly, or a kind of mechanical box where you twist a knob and it comes out. The fortune telling piece of paper can either be tied to a designated area on the shrine’s grounds or taken home. In recent years, the number of foreign tourists have been increasing and in accordance with the increasing numbers, Omikuji can now be found in English as well. If you happen to see an English version, please give it a try. Omikuji have words and guidance about topics such as finances, a loss of something, travel, love relationships, health and so on. About these topics there are also different levels of judgement for good or bad luck, which include excellent luck, good luck, moderately good luck, slightly good luck, good luck to come, or bad luck. Most of them use simple words and explanations. Try having your fortune predicted on a special tour or on your New Year travels.

8. God’s spirit dwells “Ofuda ・Omamori”

On the grouds of a shrine, “Ofuda”(slips of paper that provide God’s protection) and “Omamori”(good luck charms), are also very common for people to get. It is believed that “Shinrei,” (part of God’s spirit), dwells in Ofuda and many people put them as an offering in their household shrine. For people who don’t have a household shrine, it is respectful to set it on a clean space above eye level. On the other hand, Omamori is also a kind of good luck charm, however their distiguishing trait is that they are made compact making it easy to carry around. The Omamori is believed to protect the carrier and recommended that you carry it close to your body, such as in your bag or pocket. Omamori are commonly made with prayers for separate categories. For example, categories such as:

・ Traffic safety
・ A safe delivery of a child
・ Prayer for success on an exam
・ Marriage
・ Business prosperity
・ Prayer for good health

However, it is said that God’s spirit in the Omamori gets weaker over time and loses effectiveness after about one year. Therefore, it’s common to change and get a new Omamori when going into the New Year. Omamori can be purchased at pretty much all shrines, so it might be good to try getting one for yourself to wear during your travels.

9. Presenting a wish “Ema” (a wooden plaque with a wish)

An “Ema”is a plaque used for writing wishes to present to a shrine. You can often see “Ema’s” presented by students during the entrance exam season with hopes of passing high school and University entrance exams. An “Ema”derived from the days of presenting real horses as an offering to the Gods. It is likely that over the generations, instead of real horses, statues of horses started to be used and then furthermore became simplified to a plaque with a picture of a horse on it. Why were horses presented as offerings in the first place? In ancient Japan, horses were very versitile being used for transportation, farming, military purposes and more. Because horses were such a neccessity of everyday life, it was considered as an act of faith to give one up as an offering. Generally, an “Ema” comes with a picture of a horse, however, depending on the shrine, sometimes there are also zodiac animals or patterns of rituals from shrine festivals pictured on the plaques. It might be interesting to compare the different patterns from various shrines.

10. Verification of visiting a Shinto Shrine “Goshuin”

A “Goshuin” is like a verification that shows proof of visiting a shrine. Formerly in Japan, there was a custom of rewriting sacred books and presenting them to shrines as an offering. In the case that the offering was published, a kind of paper reciet was distributed for receiving a hand-copy, which became the origin of the “Goshuin.” As the times of rewriting sacred books as an offering in order to recieve paper reciets were done away with, people coming into shrines to simply worship were then given a kind of written verification form. These days, “Goshuin booklets” are now sold and you can aqcuire “Goshuin”stamps. They have become a quite popular collector’s item not only among Japanese people but with foreign tourists as well. The “Goshuin” given to worshipers and visitors to shrines consists of,

・ A pattern that changes monthly
・ Papercut art
・ Encouraging words

One of the reasons why it’s so popular is because there are many intricate and high quality designs. If you happen to visit Shinto Shrines on your trip, please try getting a “Goshuin” as proof of your visit, or as memorabilia. However, when going to get a “Goshuin” there are some important points to remember. Please watch out for the following points and enjoy a pleasant vist to the shrine.

・ Only request one after worshipping.
・ Prepare and give an offering of about 300~500 yen.
・ Keep the shrine and temple “Goshuin booklets” separate.

When visiting a Shinto Shrine on a travel tour, it would be a lot smoother if you first check with the person in charge beforehand on whether or not you can recive a“Goshuin.”

What is being worshiped at a Shinto Shrine? What kind of God is it?

Shinto Shrines are a place for worshiping God, but God cannot be seen as it has no shape or form. However, humans feel the need to feel something from God, so the shrine was created as a place where people could worship a physical representive of the divine spirit. Although, there are various types of objects of worship believed to contain the spirit of God, the most famous 3 sacred treasures are mirrors, swords and Magatama (comma-shaped beads from prehistoric Japan). These important items are sacred treasures and often come up in Japanese legends.

There are also other objects widely worshiped, which are believed to contain the spirit of God including trees, mountains, waterfalls, islands, rivers, rocks and many other natural things. Ultimately, it is not simply material objects that are the spirit of God, but it is thought that God has descended into these places, which have become sacred and worthy of worshiping. This is why it is said that some main Shrines have an empty interior. This is one of the key traits of Shintoism. It is not the object, but rather the space itself that is regarded as a sacred place. Also, the Gods being worshiped at Shinto Shrines cross an extraordinary amount of different sectors. For example,

・ Gods that come up in Japanese mythology
・ Fire Gods and mountain Gods
・ Gods of punishment
・ A person or character existing in real life

If you happen to visit a Shinto Shrine on your travels or tour, it would be interesting to check which God you are worshiping at that specific spot.

What kind of presence do Shinto Shrines have to Japanese people?

Many people visit shrines on a turning point in ones life or on special days. Some examples are listed below.

・ A shrine visit by kids aged 7, 5 and 3.
・ Prayer for success in an entrance exam during the testing season
・ Coming-of-age ceremony
・ A traditional Japanese wedding ceremony
・ Prayer for a safe birth during one’s pregnancy
・ A newborn child’s first visit to a shrine
・ Ceremonial cleansing from evil influence

Shintoism, which is the core of a shrine is so deeply embeded into the everyday lives of Japanese people that most people probably aren’t even aware of it. However, whenever Japanese people reach a turning point in their lives they visit a shrine, so it’s safe to say that this Japanese cultural aspet will be passed on to the next era as well.

Let’s go on a trip in search of 10 factors of shrines in Hokkaido

In this article we commented and gave a summary about 10 factors to be aware of when visiting a shrine. Although a lot of what was posted is general information, there are actually some aspects that even Japanese people don’t know, which in a way makes you a shrine expert. Now that you know various details about shrines, let’s go for an actual visit in search of the 10 factors covered in this article. Stopping by a shrine to worship would be a great destination to include on your trip.

If you’re considering visiting shrines during your travels in Hokkaido, please contact “Treasure Island Travel Company,”a company that specializes in tours around Hokkaido. We can create a flexible and customized itinerary in accordance with your requests and needs. We can introduce not only the famous Hokkaido-jingu Shrine, but also shrines that aren’t really known by the masses that give nice seal stamps and rare Ema’s. If you’re interested in traveling around Hokkaido, please allow Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Company to create the ideal itinerary for you. We will help you to design a tour that will bring you wonderful long-lasting memories.