Meji Shrine

Our family took a day trip to Meji Shinto Shrine. Shintoism and Buddhism are the two main religions of Japan. Shintoism is the oldest religion of Japan, with an emphasis on nature worship. While in western culture, people claim to be faithful to only one religion, in Japan, it is acceptable to practice both religions simultaneously. A Japanese friend told me that when her mother died, she was buried in a Shinto cemetary, but the funeral services were Buddhist. She said this is a very common practice.

We are standing in front of a large wooden structure called a TORII GATE. A Torii gate symbolizes entrance to a holy place and most often they are painted red.In front of the actual shrine, there is a washing station for visitors to purify themselves before they enter (think of holy water in a Catholic church entrance). You pour the water into each hand and then press your hands together in a prayer fashion.Entering the shrine. This artwork in the shape of a boat is an offering to the Gods and is made entirely of fruits and vegetables.

The temple is made of beautifully detailed wood carvings.
Here are wooden plaques called "Ema" where you write down your prayer.
A prayer in English caught Emma's attention because it asked for "Felix" to be blessed.... we left our family cat named Felix in Indiana and Emma misses her.

Daddy tells our kids stories of Japan and they soak up every word.