Visit unique
shrines & collect stamps, called "shuin"
Witness a fire walki
ng festival
in Miyajima
There are over 150,000 temples and shrines located throughout the country, and I have made it to many of the famous ones. However, one of the most interesting temples I have ever come across is the Kosan-ji Temple on Ikuchi Island (Ikuchijima), near Onomichi. A wealthy businessman built the temple for his mother, and ther some very interesting things on the temple grounds. The one area that really stands out in my mind as being very unusual is the area with the Italian marble. He had approximately 3,000 tons of marble flown in from Italy so this area could be completed. The history behind the creation of this temple is very interesting and the temple grounds are unlike any other you will see in Japan. Kosan-ji should definitely be added to your list of places to visit while stationed here.
traditional japan
Taikodani Inari Shrine
The breathtaking Kosanji Temple
PHOTO: LINDA CORDES
Izumo Taisha Shrine
Temples and shrines in Japan are beautiful and full of history. They are first and foremost, a place for people to pray though. Did you know that people will travel to a particular shrine based on what they are praying for? For example, prosperity shrines like the Taikodani Inari Shrine in Tsuwano, are quite popular during the New Year holiday. Many business owners from all over Japan flock to the shrine to pray for a prosperous New Year. There are also fertility shrines, like the Taga Shrine in Uwajima. The interesting thing about the fertility shrines is that they usually have phalluses of all shapes and sizes at the shrine. People will travel to the fertility shrines to pray for fertility and abundance. Some of the fertility shrines will also host a fertility festival once a year. Definitely one of the most interesting festivals I have ever been to. Some of the rituals performed in Japan are also very interesting. One that is worth seeing and (maybe) even participating in is the fire walking ritual at the Daigan-ji Temple on the first Sunday in November, and at the Daisho-in Temple on 15 April and 15 November. Both of these temples are located on Miyajima Island so they are very easy to get to. There is a ceremony, a bonfire is lit and once the fire dies down, those who wish to join in can walk barefoot across the coals while praying for good health and fortune.