2025.04.03

The charm and blessings of shrines, ancient prayer spaces and life in Japan

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Every day, we women are busy with various things such as work, housework, and relationships. Do you ever feel like stopping and resetting your mind and body? In such a case, it is recommended to visit the shrine.

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Fill your mind and body on a healing journey. Guide to Shrine Worship for Women

Fill your mind and body on a healing journey. Guide to Shrine Worship for Women

Some people may feel that "shrines have an image of a high threshold ..." or "etiquette seems difficult ...". But that's okay. Shrines are powerful places for us women to heal our minds and bodies and bring out our inner beauty. In this article, we will introduce in detail the charm of visiting shrines, how to enjoy it unique to women, and the etiquette you need to know.

Why are shrines recommended for women?

Since ancient times, shrines have been deeply rooted in people's lives as the center of Japan culture and beliefs. Sacred spaces in the midst of nature give us peace and healing, and awaken our inner energy. Shrines are especially special for women.

Detoxifying effect refreshes the mind and body
The stress and fatigue accumulated in our daily lives clouds our mind and body. The shrine is like a purifier, dispelling unwanted energy and clearing the mind and body. Just walking in the fresh air will make you feel lighter and more energetic.
It will be close to the worries unique to women
The shrine enshrines a god who fulfills wishes unique to women, such as the fulfillment of love, prayers for safe childbirth, and child-rearing. By knowing the benefits of each god and praying with all your heart, you will surely be able to help.
Hone your intuition and bring out the beauty
When you visit the shrine, you will feel the energy of nature and sharpen your senses. As a result, your intuition will improve, and you will develop the ability to discern what is really necessary and important to you. Your inner beauty will also lead to your outer beauty, and you will be able to shine with confidence.
Immerse yourself in Japan's culture and traditions
Shrines are important places that convey the history and culture of Japan. Through worship, you can feel the aesthetic sense of Japan and the spirituality that has been passed down since ancient times. Beautiful decorations, architecture, and tranquil spaces impress us and nurture the richness of our hearts.
A quiet time to face yourself In our busy lives, it can be difficult to find time to face our hearts. A shrine is a precious place where you can confront yourself and listen to your inner voice in a quiet and sacred space.

Benefits unique to women by visiting shrines

Visiting a shrine is not just a sightseeing trip, but a special experience that works on both the mind and body and brings out our inner strength. Here are some specific benefits that women can get from visiting shrines.

Luck in love

Shrines dedicated to the god of marriage are very popular with women who are looking for a good relationship. Praying with all your heart can have the effect of attracting wonderful encounters and deepening the bond with your partner.

Midori

Recommended shrines: Izumo Taisha Shrine (Shimane Prefecture), Tokyo Daijingu Shrine (Tokyo), Kifune Shrine (Kyoto Prefecture), etc.

Prayer for Beauty and Health

The shrine, where the god of beauty and health is enshrined, is recommended for women who are interested in beauty and health. Let's pray for beautiful skin and a healthy body.

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Recommended shrines: Ōkami Shrine (Nara Prefecture), Taga Taisha Shrine (Shiga Prefecture), Itsukushima Shrine (Hiroshima Prefecture), etc.

Prayer for safe childbirth and support for child-rearing

Shrines where prayers for safe childbirth and the god of child-rearing are enshrined are recommended for pregnant women and mothers who are raising children. Let's pray for a safe birth and for the healthy growth of our children.

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Recommended shrines: Mizutengu (Tokyo), Nakasenji Temple (Hyogo Prefecture), Omiya Hachimangu Shrine (Tokyo), etc.

Improving your work luck and career development

The shrine, which is dedicated to the god of work luck and career advancement, is recommended for women who want to succeed at work. Let's worship so that we can achieve our goals and hope for self-growth.

Pont

Recommended shrines: Kanda Myojin (Tokyo), Fushimi Inari Taisha (Kyoto), Sumiyoshi Taisha (Osaka), etc.

Mental healing and stress relief

When you want to heal your body and mind, a shrine is the best place. Feeling the energy of nature in a quiet space can help you feel at ease and relieve stress.

Recommended shrines: Oyama Amari Shrine (Kanagawa Prefecture), Togakushi Shrine (Nagano Prefecture), Mimine Shrine (Saitama Prefecture), etc.

Tips for visiting shrines that women enjoy

Shrines are places that have been close to people's lives since ancient times. Enjoying yourself in your own style without thinking too hard is the real pleasure of visiting a shrine. Here are some tips on how to enjoy visiting shrines from a woman's perspective.

Bring your favorite red seal book with you

Donbei

One of the pleasures of visiting the shrine is collecting red seals. It will be fun to carry your favorite design of the red seal book around the shrine and collect the red seal. The red seal is a proof of your relationship with the shrine. Beautiful letters and imprints fill your heart just by looking at them.

Choose amulets and lucky charms to add color to your daily life

Oguri

At the shrine, you can buy various amulets and lucky charms. Choose an amulet for yourself or for your loved ones. In addition, lucky charms with cute designs can also be enjoyed as interior decorations in the room.

Enjoy the changing seasons

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Shrines are often located in the midst of nature, so you can feel the change of seasons. The cherry blossoms bloom in spring, the fresh greenery is dazzling in summer, the autumn leaves are beautiful in autumn, and the snowy scenery in winter is fantastic. Let's enjoy visiting the shrine while enjoying the nature of the four seasons.

Take a relaxing break at the shrine café

Kazuhisa Fukutomi

Recently, there are sometimes cafes attached to the shrine. After visiting the temple, it is recommended to take a relaxing break while enjoying delicious sweets and drinks.

Worship in a kimono, for a special memory

Midori

Visiting the shrine in a kimono will be a special memory. The dignified kimono will match the atmosphere of the shrine and make you feel even more sacred.

With like-minded friends

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It is good to worship quietly alone, but it is also fun to visit the shrine with like-minded friends. You can share a special time while talking about each other's wishes and encouraging each other.

Basic etiquette for women to know before visiting the shrine

There are basic etiquette for visiting shrines, but you don't have to think too hard about it. The important thing is to worship with respect and gratitude to God. Here are some basic etiquette that women need to know.

Bow in front of the torii gate

When entering a shrine, first bow in front of the torii gate. The torii gate is like a barrier that separates the realm of the gods from this world. Be conscious of entering a sacred place and quiet your mind.

Cleanse yourself in a water bath

Let's cleanse your hands and mouth in the water bath.

Hold the ladle in your right hand, draw water and wash your left hand.
Pick up the ladle and wash your right hand.
Again hold the ladle in your right hand, pour water in your left hand and rinse your mouth. (Be careful not to put your mouth directly on the ladle)
Finally, turn the ladle vertically and let the remaining water flow over the handle and return it to its original place.

Avoid the middle of the approach

The approach is considered to be the path that God passes. Avoid the middle and walk on either of the left or right edges.

Worship in the worship hall

In front of the worship hall, put the money in the gift box and give two bows, two applause, and one bow.

Two bows : Bow deeply twice.
Two applause : Flap your hands twice in front of your chest.
Bow : Bow deeply once at the end.

Pray in Your Heart

When the worship service is over, pray quietly in your heart. Express your gratitude and wishes in your heart.

Take a bow when you leave the office

When you finish your visit and pass through the torii gate, bow with gratitude to the gods

Congratulatory words to chant at the shrine and how to put your heart into it

Chanting blessings at a shrine is an important act to deepen the connection with the gods. Congratulatory words are words to express gratitude and wishes to God.

Each shrine has its own congratulatory lyrics, but in general, the "Great Exorcism" is well known. But if you don't know the congratulatory verses, you don't have to force yourself to chant them. It is enough to express gratitude to God and pray quietly in our hearts.

Here are some examples of simple prayer words:

"Thank you, God, for always protecting us, and I am grateful to see you here today. In my daily life, I sometimes feel lost, distressed, and worried, but please show me the way forward. And give me the strength to live a peaceful and happy life. I am grateful for the opportunity to come to this place, and I will continue to cherish this place in the future."

Let's refer to these words and pray with all our hearts in our own words.

Summary

Visiting a shrine is a special journey for us women to heal our minds and bodies and bring out our inner beauty. Various deities are enshrined in the shrines, and they are close to our wishes and support us.

By all means, trust your own intuition and visit the shrine that fascinates you. You will surely be able to make new discoveries and gain peace of mind. We hope that through visiting the shrine, you will be able to live a more radiant life.

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