Hi Everyone,
Our extended stay in Osaka this time round is very different from previous trips. We wanted to live like the locals which is why we are staying in 1 spot for a few months and visit local sites rather than the popular touristy sites which we have been to in the past. One place I found close to us is Ikutama Shrine. Found in the leafy part of Ikutama Park, Ikutama Shrine is a Shinto shrine with a very long set of stairs before arriving at the gate.
Before entering the shrine grounds, we were greeted by a huge torii gate with the water fountain feature on the side for visitors to clean their hands and mouth. The path leading to the Main Hall is often lined with stone lanterns and statues of mythical creatures. The central feature of Ikutama Shrine is its Main Hall, known as the Honden. Here people will put their donations and offerings then pray and make their wish. The huge purple drop makes the main Shrine look grand up close.
Scattered throughout the shrine complex, you'll find several mini-shrines dedicated to various gods and spirits. These smaller shrines offer visitors additional opportunities for prayer and reflection, each with its unique charm and significance. A map of these mini shrines was available to visitors to choose where they want to visit but we ended up going to most of them and making our prayers.
Near the Main Hall, you'll find a mini store where visitors can purchase and write their wishes on small wooden plaques. These wooden plaques are then hung on racks or trees within the shrine, allowing prayers to be offered to the gods. Alternatively, you could purchase charms to take home for the year wishing you luck and health.
If you're lucky enough to visit during one of the shrine's festivals, such as the annual Autumn Festival or New Year celebrations, you'll be able to see traditional music, dance, and rituals. It's a great opportunity to take part in Japanese culture during these special events.
Thanks for reading. If you like my post, please follow, comment and upvote me. There will be more exciting posts & destinations to come.
All photos & videos are taken by me & co in all my blogs/stories unless quoted.
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your trip this time was really fun, the temple looks beautiful and the atmosphere there is also comfortable, I really want to go to Japan one day
Japan is a lovely country, hope you can visit it one day too :)
Aha the place is so beautiful, thanks for sharing. Keep traveling and keep Sharing 😁😉.
!giphy great
@sagarkothari88 vote
!PIZZA
!DHEDGE
Via Tenor
thanks for coming by :)
Spending so much time in a single place is pure bliss. Getting to discover the normal side of a place other than the touristic one, along with getting lost through the locals and their traditions but also explore a lot more of the surroundings. I envy you for this experience, haha!
Yes last year we moved too much and this time we decided just to stay put and be here for a couple of months ... its one the best experience
Japanese culture and architecture are fantastic and unique. Thanks for showing us
Japan is beautiful, thanks for coming by ;)
Woahhh, the shrine grounds looks beautiful and peaceful... I'm really hoping that I can visit that place someday....
This place was so quiet as well, glad we found it. Thanks for coming by :)
Awe, amazing post! In Buenos Aires there is “The Japanese Garden”, and now that I see your pictures really from Japan, I can see that the Garden is very similar! I guess Japan is one of the richest countries in what’s related with culture and good lifestyle.
I'm so fascinated by Japan ❤️ this temple look so cool !
Me too, I love Japan. Someday I get to go there❤️