Cleansing before entering the Shrine

Visit to Yasukuni Shrine

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July 11th 2009
This is a delayed entry about my visit to Yasukuni Shrine since I left for Mt. Fuji soon after. When arriving to the shrine, I was told by my sister that I needed to wash my hands and then pour water into one hand to sip and rinse my mouth before entering the shrine. This was definitely a tradition I was not used to but was happy to do it. The shrine is located within a larger memorial park ... read more

Asia » Japan » Tokyo

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In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Fol... ... read more