انجمن ادیان و عرفان تطبیقی شهرکرد

Shinto is a religion unique to Japan. ‘Shinto’ translates as ‘The Way of the Gods’, as it is a religion that involves prayer to a number of distinct and specific gods. A large quantity of attractive shrines have been raised in honour of these deities and visiting them is a trip that is always steeped in culture and etiquette.

Of particular types of shrines, one of the most popular is the Asama shrine. Based at the bottom of mountain trails, these shrines are designed for the prayer of save mountain journeys.

In Fujiyoshida city, located between two of the Fuji lakes, is the Fujiyoshida shrine, based at the northern foot of Mt. Fuji. It is used for the worship of Konohanasakuya-hime, a princess and daughter of a god, thought to protect Mt Fuji and keep it from erupting. It is traditional for hikers to start their assent of Mt Fuji at this shrine, though it is further away from the summit than other entrances.

Situated in a forest, the Fujiyoshida shrine has a large collection of moss-covered stone lanterns and some ‘goshinboku’ or sacred trees, some of which reach 23m in circumference. The entrance gate is one of the largest, currently measured at 18m high. It is taken down every 60 years and built up again at a bigger size in accordance with tradition. Whether you are a mountain climber at heart or a history lover, this location is a must for any luxury cultural getaway in Japan.

Alternatively, head to Kyoto to check out an Inari shrine, which are constructed  in honour of the god of rice. Although in contemporary interpretations Inari is considered the god of prosperity, originally this shrine was to give thanks for rice and pray for a good rice crop, as the production and farming of rice was integral to the Japanese economy.

Fushimi Inari shrine is one of the five largest Inari shrines and is most distinctive for the Inari mountain trail which is covered with thousands of orange torii, or traditional temple entrance gates. At the start of the trail they are densely packed together but become steadily sparser as the trail goes on; the gates stretching out over 233 metres. They cover such a vast area that many people on this path turn back before reaching the end of them.

When you return, head for the main building (or Hondon) complete with its resident guardian foxes for the evening. This is the perfect time to go, as you will see the shrine building lit up softly with traditional paper lanterns. Enjoy a local delicacy of Inarizushi – a vegetarian dish of fried tofu and sweet rice. Cap it off with a ride on the famous bullet train to a luxurious stay at the string hotel for the best culture holiday in Japan.