The moment I passed through the torii gate, the air changed | Samukawa Shrine #56

Takigawa Shrine → Mishima Taisha → Samukawa Shrine.

I am sharing my thoughts on this three-shrine pilgrimage over three posts.

This final post is about Samukawa Shrine.

This is my daughter's favorite shrine.

We also prayed here for her success in her entrance exams.

Samukawa Shrine was incredibly crowded. Even so, I'm glad we came.

Looking back, it has been eight years since our last visit.

I was surprised myself, thinking, 'Has it really been that long?'

Finding a parking spot was a struggle.

As we headed toward the shrine grounds, it was people, people, and more people...

'Maybe we won't be able to pray in peace today.'

Honestly, that's what I thought at first.

The moment I passed through the torii gate, the air changed.

The moment I crossed the bridge and passed through the torii gate, I realized the air had changed.

The entire shrine grounds were wrapped in a gentle, warm atmosphere.

My daughter seemed to feel the same way, as she said,

'Hey, the air is different, isn't it?'

'Yeah, it's completely different!'

We looked at each other and laughed.

Even with so many people here, it is strangely peaceful.

At Mishima Taisha, which I visited the day before, I didn't feel it as much this time, but at Samukawa Shrine,

I felt like I had 'come home'.

There was such a sense of relief🌿

The shrine grounds were bustling with the Tencho-sai festival.

The first thing that caught my eye was the large Nebuta.

When I looked it up, I found it's called the 'New Year's Nebuta' and is displayed from January 1st to February 23rd.

And this day happened to be the final day, February 23rd.

It is said that decorating the shrine gate with Aomori Nebuta and passing underneath it wards off evil spirits.

And the reason why it was so exceptionally crowded that day became clear.

Looking at the worship hall, there were many people wearing white sashes.

This day was the Tencho-sai.

It was the day of the festival celebrating the Emperor's birthday.

There were many food stalls lined up, and it had a lively, festive atmosphere🍡

Not only was I able to slide in and pass under the New Year's Nebuta on its final day, but I was also able to visit on the day of the Tencho-sai.

This, I felt, was like being invited by the gods😊

My son eating even after an all-you-can-eat meal.

Actually, we had just finished enjoying an all-you-can-eat meal at 'Shabu-Yo' right before, so everyone felt quite full.

The smell of the food stalls was a bit much for us now💦

And yet...

My son headed straight for the food stalls (lol).

Wait, you can still eat!?

We all couldn't help but tease him.

And of all things, a tornado potato...

You're going for that!?😂

Youth is amazing, isn't it?

Connections made through Goshuin

While keeping an eye on my son, I headed to the Goshuin office.

There was no wait, and they wrote it for me right away.

I was a bit surprised that the style was 'please pay as you feel'.

But I felt that this way of being at Samukawa Shrine was wonderful✨.

Actually, until a year ago, I had no interest in Goshuin.

There are two reasons for this.

At popular shrines, there's always a line to get a Goshuin, isn't there?

If I didn't have time or was visiting with someone else, worrying about that would be stressful😅.

After all, I'm not visiting just for the Goshuin.

But now, my way of thinking has changed a little.

For shrines where I want to deepen my connection,
I'm happy to contribute even a little money,
hoping it helps with the maintenance of the shrine.

That is the feeling with which I receive my goshuin (shrine seals).

That is why, for me right now, goshuin are not
something to 'collect,' but rather
a record of the shrines with which I want to build a connection.

When I finished writing my third shrine notebook, in which I record the shrines I have visited, and read back through it,

'Huh? I seem to have many connections with Susanoo-sama.'

I was able to realize that.

So, I believe that by the time this goshuin book is full,

I will be able to see new realizations and connections once again✨

👇Before Samukawa Shrine, I went to Mishima Taisha. Please read that as well.

⛩Click here for a list of shrine articles.

👇For those reading for the first time,
start here.

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