Day 01
Hokkaidō Shrine Visit and Introduction to Shintoism
- Meet your tour guide, who will begin by explaining Shintoism and the history of Hokkaidō Shrine, including the frontier spirit of Hokkaido at the second gate. This is the shrine's most famous gate and is thought of as a sacred power place. The guide will continue explaining as you walk along the front approach, which is 300 meters long, toward the front yard of the main shrine building.
- You will then purify yourselves by washing your hands at Temizuya, a Shinto water ablution pavilion, before prayer. After that, proceed to the main building, where you will also learn how to pray in front of the gods.
- After prayer, move to the shop selling amulets, Ema (votive picture tablet), and Omikuji (written fortune). The guide will explain their meaning and introduce daily life related to Shintoism and traditional customs. For example, parents take their children to a shrine to pray for their health and happiness when they reach 3, 5, and 7 years old in a ritual called Shichi-Go-San. People also take a baby to a shrine when the baby reaches 100 days old to pray for the baby's happiness. Many people visit Hokkaidō Shrine to obtain divine blessings.
Tour ends.
