Religion & Rituals

Religion & Rituals

How to Draw Omikuji at Sensoji Temple – Japanese Fortune Slips Explained

Learn how to draw Omikuji (Japanese fortune slips) at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. Discover their meanings, origins, and what to do if you get bad luck during your visit to Japan.
Religion & Rituals

January 1st and the Beginning of the Year – The Japanese Spirit Reflected in the New Year’s Days

Explore Japanese New Year customs including Hatsu-Moude, Kito, Omamori, Osechi-Ryori, and traditional ceremonies, revealing the spiritual heart of Japan.
Religion & Rituals

Customs and Rituals at the End of the Year – Japanese Hearts Reflected There

December in Japan is full of traditional customs to welcome the New Year — from house cleaning and writing New Year’s cards to visiting temples and enjoying warm meals. Discover how Japanese people end the year with gratitude and preparation for a fresh start.
Places & Journeys

Koyo (紅葉): Autumn Foliage and the Spirit of Japanese Aesthetics

Discover the beauty of autumn leaves in Japan, where vibrant momiji reflect the Japanese sense of impermanence and the fleeting nature of life.
Religion & Rituals

“Shichi-Go-San” 七五三 : Celebration Ritual for Children

Shichi-Go-San (七五三) is a Japanese traditional celebration for children aged three, five, and seven. Families visit shrines or temples, pray for health, dress children in kimono, and take photos. Discover the rituals, history, and how even foreign visitors can experience it in Japan.
Religion & Rituals

Omamori お守り: Japan’s Sacred Amulets for Blessings and Protection

Discover the meaning, historical development, and spiritual essence of Omamori — Japanese protective amulets offered by temples and shrines. Learn how cultural practices, legends like Somin Shōrai, and rituals like Kito shaped their role in daily life.
Religion & Rituals

Prayers and Celebrations: How Japanese Families Mark Milestones in a Child’s Life

Discover traditional Japanese childhood ceremonies such as Shichi-Go-San, Hatsu-mairi, and Okuizome. Learn their meanings, history, and cultural significance.
Religion & Rituals

Shakyo (写経): The Art of Hand-Copying Buddhist Sutras

Shakyo has been a spiritual training method, and today it is widely practiced by people of all ages, regardless of religious belief. It is deeply rooted in Japanese cultural tradition.
Religion & Rituals

“BON : 盆” – the Day the Deceased and Ancestors Are Prayed

Obon is a traditional Japanese Buddhist custom held in mid-August to honor the spirits of ancestors. Discover its history, rituals, and cultural significance.
Religion & Rituals

Goshuin: Sacred Seals of Temples and Shrines — A Reflection of the Japanese Spirit

"Discover the meaning behind Goshuin, the sacred seals of Japanese temples and shrines. Learn their history, cultural significance, and how to receive them respectfully during your visit."
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