small MUJI exhibition
February 24, 2023
MUJI Ginza Store is a trendy store where you can enjoy many experimental events! This is a collaboration art exhibition of Muji’s daily products and miniatures.
Bridal Procession in shrine
- May 30, 2022
- category: Japanese Culture
On beautiful Sunday afternoon at the end of May, I visited Meiji Shrine or Meiji Jingu. This shrine is surrounded by the forest. And it’s so green and quiet that it is hard to believe that it is right behind Harajuku Station which is crowded with many young people. A magnificent wooden torii gate welcomed us.
In the Honden, Main Hall area, I came across the Bridal Procession. We can watch it only in the limited shrines.
This procession is led by Shinto priests and shrine maidens, then bride and groom, parents, relatives and friends follow them. The groom is put up a vermillion colored Japanese washi paper umbrella and her mother takes her hand.
This is the beginning of the wedding ceremony walking toward the Main Hall where deities reside. Same as walking on Virgin Road, this procession means the bride and groom’s long road ahead. The main hall is the place to ask their happy wedding life of “future”. And just walking couple is “present” and their followers are their “past”. These three walk together means to bless the bride and groom’s peaceful life ahead.
They are also blessed by the many worshippers like us in the shrine. It also made me happy.
More Posts
New Year’s Day in Japan
January 5, 2023
On New Year’s Day, Japanese people flock to shrines and temples. What drive them?
Hachioji Castle Ruins
November 15, 2022
Different from the existence castles, this is the castle ruins in Hachioji. Beautiful stonewalls help you to know how this castle was built.
Edo-Tokyo Open Architectural Museum
October 19, 2022
The Edo-Tokyo Open air Architectural Museum (Tatemono-en) is filled with beautifully restored historic buildings, showcasing a variety of traditional Japanese architectural styles.