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

A relaxing journey that fills your mind and body. A guide to visiting shrines for women
We women are chased every day by various things, including work, housework, and relationships. Have you ever suddenly stopped and felt like resetting your mind and body? In such cases, we recommend visiting a shrine.
Some people may think, "I have the impression that shrines are somehow difficult to do" or "Etiquette seems difficult." But it's okay. Shrines are powerful places for us women that heal our minds and bodies and bring out our inner beauty. In this article, we will introduce in detail the charms of visiting shrines, how to enjoy them unique to women, and the etiquette you should know.
Why are shrines recommended for women?
Shrines have long been deeply rooted in people's lives as the center of Japanese culture and beliefs. The sacred spaces set in nature provide peace and healing to us, awakening our inner energy. Shrines are especially special for women.
- The detox effect refreshes the mind and body.
The stress and fatigue accumulated in daily life clouds our mind and body. Shrines like purifying devices, brush off unnecessary energy and clear the mind and body. Just walking through the refreshing air will make you feel lighter and full of energy. - is dedicated to the worries that only women can have
, and is enshrined with gods who can fulfill the wishes that only women can have, such as achieving love, praying for safe childbirth, and raising children. By knowing the benefits of each God and praying with all our heart, we will surely be a source of strength. - that hones your intuition and brings out your beauty
, 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 see through what you really need and important. The inner beauty will also lead to external beauty, allowing you to shine with confidence. - are exposed to Japanese culture and traditions
are important places that convey Japanese history and culture. Through worship, you can feel the Japanese aesthetic sense and the spirituality that has been handed down since ancient times. Beautiful decorations, architecture, and silence spaces will inspire us and nurture our hearts. - With quiet and Shrines are precious places where you can take your time and listen to your inner voice in a quiet, sacred space.

Women's benefits that can be gained from visiting shrines
Visiting shrines is not just a tourism, but a special experience that works on both the mind and body and brings out our inner strength. Here we will introduce the specific benefits that women can benefit from visiting shrines.
Improve your love luck
The shrine, where the god of matchmaking is enshrined, is extremely popular with women seeking good relationships. By praying with all your heart, you can expect to attract wonderful encounters and deepen your bond with your partner.

Recommended shrines such as Izumo Taisha Shrine (Shimane Prefecture), Tokyo Daijingu (Tokyo), Kifune Shrine (Kyoto Prefecture), etc.
Prayer for beauty and health
The shrine, where the gods of beauty and health are enshrined, is recommended for women who are very interested in beauty and health. Pray for beautiful skin and healthy body.

Recommended shrines such as Ogami Shrine (Nara Prefecture), Taga Taisha Shrine (Shiga Prefecture), Itsukushima Shrine (Hiroshima Prefecture), etc.
Prayer for safe childbirth and support for raising children
Shrines where prayers for safe childbirth and the god of raising children are enshrined, and are recommended for pregnant women and mothers raising children. Pray to ensure that your child will be able to give birth safely and to ensure healthy growth.

Recommended shrines such as Suitenguin (Tokyo), Nakayama-dera (Hyogo Prefecture), Omiya Hachiman-guin (Tokyo), etc.
Improve your luck with work and career development
Shrines where the gods of work luck and career advancement are enshrined are recommended for women who want to succeed in their work. Visit the shrine in hopes of achieving your goals and for personal growth.

Recommended shrines such as Kanda Myojin (Tokyo), Fushimi Inari Taisha (Kyoto Prefecture), Sumiyoshi Taisha (Osaka Prefecture), etc.
Healing the mind and relieve stress
Shrines are the perfect place to relax and relax. Feeling the energy of nature in a quiet space will help you feel at ease and relieve stress.

Recommended shrines such as Oyama Afuri Shrine (Kanagawa Prefecture), Togakushi Shrine (Nagano Prefecture), Mitsumine Shrine (Saitama Prefecture), etc.
Tips for women to visit shrines
Shrines have long been close to people's lives. The best part of visiting a shrine is to enjoy it in your own style without thinking about it in a difficult way. Here we will introduce tips for enjoying visiting shrines from a woman's perspective.
Bring your favorite goshuin book

One of the fun things about visiting shrines is collecting goshuin stamps. It's also fun to take a trip to shrines and collect goshuin stamps with your favorite design. The goshuin is a sign of your connection with the shrine. Just looking at the beautiful letters and impressions will fill your heart.
Choose amulets and lucky charms to add color to your everyday life

A variety of amulets and lucky charms can be purchased at the shrine. Choose amulets for yourself and for those you love. In addition, the cute lucky charms can be enjoyed as an interior decoration for your room.
Enjoy the changing seasons

Shrines often stand in nature, so you can feel the changing seasons. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, fresh greenery bright in summer, beautiful autumn leaves in autumn, and snowy scenery in winter is fantastic. Enjoy visiting the shrine while admiring the nature of each season.
Relaxing at the shrine cafe

Recently, there are occasional cafes attached to shrines. It is also recommended to take a relaxing break after visiting the shrine, enjoy delicious sweets and drinks.
Visiting in a kimono gives you a special memory

Visiting shrines in kimonos will give you special memories. The dignified kimono look matches the atmosphere of the shrine, making you feel even more sacred.
With a friend you like

It's good to visit the shrine quietly by yourself, but it's also fun to visit the shrine with friends you're familiar with. You can share special times by sharing your wishes and encouraging one another.
Basic techniques for women to know before visiting
There are basic etiquette for visiting shrines, but there is no need to think too hard. The important thing is to worship with respect and gratitude to God. Here we will introduce some basic etiquette that women should know.
A bow in front of the torii gate
When entering a shrine, first bow in front of the torii gate. A torii gate is like a barrier that separates the realm of God from the present world. Be aware of entering a sacred place and calm your mind.
Cleanse yourself at the temizuya
Cleanse your hands and mouth at the Temizuya shrine.
- Hold the ladle in your right hand, draw water and wash your left hand.
- Switch the ladle and wash your right hand.
- Hold the ladle again 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 drain the remaining water through the handle and return it to its original position.
Walk away from the middle of the approach
The approach is considered to be the path that God passes through. Avoid the middle and walk on either side of the left or right side.
In front of the worship hall, the offerings are placed in the offering box, and two bows are given, two applause, and one bow.
- Two bows : Bow deeply twice.
- Double clapping : Push your hands twice in front of your chest.
- A bow : Finally, a deep bow.
Once the worship service is over, pray quietly in your heart. Express your gratitude and wishes in your heart.
When you have finished your visit and pass through the torii gate, please give a bow with gratitude to God.

Prayers chanting at shrines and how to put your heart into them
Reciting a prayer at a shrine is an important act to deepen your connection with the gods. A prayer is a word that conveys gratitude to God and wishes.
Each shrine has its own unique prayer, but the "Oharae Words" is generally well known. However, if you don't know the prayer, there is no need to force yourself to chant it. It is enough to just pray quietly in your heart with gratitude to God.
Below is an example of a simple prayer.
"Thank you, God, for always protecting us. I am grateful to have met you in this place today. I sometimes feel confused, suffering, and trouble in my daily life, but please show me the path I need to take. And give me the strength to live a peaceful and happy life. I am grateful for your continued support of coming to this place and I will continue to cherish this place."
Use these words as a reference and pray in your own words with all your heart.
summary
Visiting shrines is a special journey for us women that heal our minds and bodies and bring out our inner beauty. The shrine is worshiped by a variety of gods, and they support us by supporting us.
Be sure to trust your own intuition and visit a shrine that will attract you. You will surely find new discoveries and feel at ease. I hope that you will be able to spend your days brighter by visiting the shrine.