Ise Jingu

Jingu / Ise Jingu

 Jingu is often introduced in the dictionary as "Ise Jingu." However, the official name is "Jingu" without "Ise."
 Ise Jingu is the most important and popular shrine for Japanese people and several millions of Japanese people visit every year.
 Jingu is principally composed of the Naiku where Amaterasu Omikami, the ancestral kami of the Imperial Family, is worshiped, and Geku where Toyouke Omikami, the kami of agriculture and industry, is worshiped.
 Naiku is the alternative name for Kotaijingu, the sanctuary that is located in the southern part of Ise city, Mie, and was founded about 2000 years ago.
 Geku is the alternative name for Toyoukedaijingu. This sanctuary is located in the center of Ise city, Mie, and was founded about 1500 years ago.
In the area around Jingu, 125 subsidiary shinto sanctuaries are distributed. 91 of them are connected with the Naiku and 32 with the Geku.
Jingu is described in the oldest Japanese books "Kojiki" and "Nihonshoki", edited about 1300 years ago.
Many generations of our ancestors have worshiped at the Jingu, which exists now just as it was at its beginning.(source)

謹賀新年

新年明けましておめでとうございます。東日本大震災による福島第一原子力発電所の事故を契機に始めた当ブログは今年で5年になります。日本が幾多の困難を乗り越えて希望と安全の国になれるよう、今年も応援してまいります。

伊勢神宮について

三重県伊勢市にある伊勢神宮は天照大神をおまつりする皇大神宮（内宮）と天照大神のお食事を司る神の豊受大神をおまつりする豊受大神宮（外宮）を中心とする１２５の宮社の総称です。外宮から内宮の順に参拝します。

These pictures were taken on August 2015.

About Ise Jingu

http://www.isejingu.or.jp/english/

Google map

Ise Jingu (Geku)

http://goo.gl/maps/8Huhr

Google map

Ise Jingu (Naiku)

http://goo.gl/maps/w2ax2

Toyoukedaijingu / Geku

豊受大神宮/外宮

Geku is the alternative name for Toyoukedaijingu. This sanctuary is located in the center of Ise city, Mie, and was founded about 1500 years ago.

Hiyokebashi Bridge

火除橋

This wooden bridge marks the entrance to Geku

Torii　; a symbolic structure of Shinto

鳥居

Main sanctuary

正宮

 The entrance to Main sanctuary

Kotaijingu / Naiku

皇大神宮/内宮

 Naiku is the alternative name for Kotaijingu, the sanctuary that is located in the southern part of Ise city, Mie, and was founded about 2000 years ago.

Isuzugawa River

五十鈴川

Ujibashi Bridge

This woodenbridge is newly constructed every twenty years.The architectural style of the Ujibashi Bridge is purely Japanese and its length is over 100 meters.

宇治橋

Torii

Main sanctuary

正宮

A divine palace of Amaterasu-Omikami stands here.

Mishine-no-mikura

御稲御倉

One of the auxiliary jinja of Naiku to store harvested rice for offering to kami in rituals.

Kintetsu　Railway

近鉄

http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/index.html

Japanese foods are good and safe.

Because of stricter food safety law by Japanese government, we have no worry about foods.

Matsusaka beef

松阪牛

Sushi

寿司

mochi ; rice cake

餅

Anmitsu

あんみつ

 About 5 years have passed since Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident. I have visited various places of Japan to see the health consequence of the accident.
 Fortunately I have never found any impacts by the accident among Japanese creatures. As far as I know, nobody has health problem which is caused by the accident in Japan.
 Our Prime Minister Abe assures that "The situation is under control. The influence of the contaminated water is completely blocked within Fukushima. There are no health-related problems until now and there will never be health problems." He also said that "Tokyo is 250 kilometers away from Fukushima, and the kind of danger that you imagine does not exist in Tokyo. Tokyo is a very safe city."
 As PM Abe said, Mie Prefecture is very far away from Fukushima, people in there have no concern about the nuclear power plant accident. People in there have already forgotten the accident, because they think radioactive materials cannot reach there.
 We know there is no problem for childbirth and child rearing in Mie Prefecture. So people in there have no concern about the accident.
 I continue to visit various places in Japan to see the effects of the accident, because I can meet various creatures which are more sensitive to radioactive materials from the environment. It is important to see their health for our safety.

公衆衛生ネットワーク

Public Health Network in Japan

http://plaza.umin.ac.jp/phnet/

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

World Heritage watching ; Kasuga Taisha Shrine

 Nara is a city with a population of 1.4 million, attracting many tourists. In Nara, a lot of tourist assets that came from Japan's history and culture are scattered all around. Nara is within easy access of the other big cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, so you can arrange your journey in various ways. (Source)

春日大社は、今からおよそ1300年前、奈良に都ができた頃,平城京鎮護のため、遠く鹿島神宮から最強の武神である武甕槌命（タケミカヅチノミコト）様を神山御蓋山（ミカサヤマ）山頂浮雲峰（ウキグモノミネ）にお迎えしたのがはじまりです。

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

春日大社

 Ancient myths tell us that about 1300 years ago when the national capital was built in Nara, Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto came all the way from Kashima Shrine (Ibaraki Prefecture) to Mt. Mikasa, which is considered a holy mountain, to dwell on its summit “Ukigumo-no-mine” for the prosperity of the nation and happiness of the people. Later on, when Tempyo Culture flourished, the political leader Fujiwara-no-Nagate built magnificent buildings on the present site of the shrine as ordained by Empress Shotoku. On November 9, 768, he enshrined several gods here, namely Futsunushi-no-mikoto from Katori Shrine (Chiba Prefecture), and Amenokoyane-no-mikoto and Himegami from Hiraoka Shrine (Osaka Prefecture). This is how Kasuga Taisha began.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

About Kasuga Taisha Shrine

http://www.kasugataisha.or.jp/about/index_en.html

Google map

https://goo.gl/maps/UzDYwmoKUq62

Both path to this shrine are lined with approx. 2000 stone lanterns, and the eaves of the shrine itself are decorated with around a thousand hanging bronze lanterns. It is also impressive to see the vermillion colored shrine buildings with the natural environment. 

 The Shrine lies in a primeval forest of cedars and a kind of Chinese black pines. The brilliant vermilion edifices are beautifully contrasted with their surrounding greenery. Going through the first and second Torii gates, you can see a lot of stone lanterns standing on both sides of the approach to the shrine. Going on further, you will find the south gate on the left. The main hall is located among trees behind the gate. From the gate a corridor extends to the left and to the right. 

 A great number of lanterns hung from the eaves of the corridor are producing an elegant atmosphere. 

 In the 3rd year of the Wado era (710), when the capital was transferred to Nara, Fujiwara-no-Fuhito celebrated a mass for tutelary deities of the Fujiwara family, which is considered to be the origin of this shrine. In the 2nd year of the Jingo-Keiun era (768), shrine buildings started to be constructed here. Just like the Kofuku-ji Temple,shrine buildings were added, along with the prosperity of the Fujiwara family. In the first half of the Heian period (794-1192), shrine buildings were completed on the same scale as they are today. After the Middle Ages, the belief was prevalent among commoners, which is shown by the fact that various-shaped hanging lanterns and stone lanterns known as "Mantoro" were mostly the donations from common people. 

 The tutelary deities enshrined here are Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto from Kashima of Ibaraki Prefecture, Futsunushi-no-Mikoto from Katori of Chiba Prefecture, Amenokoyane-no-Mikoto and Himegami from Hiraoka of Osaka Prefecture. 

"Why are there so many deer here ?" 

"Why are there so many deer here ?" 

According to legend, when Kasuga Taisha Shrine was founded as a family shrine for the Fujiwaras, a dominant aristocrat clan in the 8th century, they invite a mighty god from Kashima Shrine (in present day Ibaraki prefecture). The god is said to have come to Nara riding on a white deer. Since then, deer have been respected and protected as divine messengers by local people.

Shinkansen
新幹線

Japanese foods are good and safe.

Because of stricter food safety law by Japanese government, we have no worry about foods.

Matcha

抹茶

Ice & Fruits

Ekiben ; A box lunch sold at a railroad station

駅弁

Salada

サラダ

 4 years have passed since Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident. I have visited various places of Japan to see the health consequence of the accident.

 Fortunately I have never found any impacts by the accident among Japanese creatures. As far as I know, nobody has health problem which is caused by the accident in Japan.

 Our Prime Minister Abe assures that "The situation is under control. The influence of the contaminated water is completely blocked within Fukushima. There are no health-related problems until now and there will never be health problems." He also said that "Tokyo is 250 kilometers away from Fukushima, and the kind of danger that you imagine does not exist in Tokyo. Tokyo is a very safe city."

 As PM Abe said, Nara Prefecture is very far away from Fukushima, people in there have no concern about the nuclear power plant accident. People in there have already forgotten the accident, because they think radioactive materials cannot reach there.

 We know there is no problem for childbirth and child rearing in Nara Prefecture. So people in there have no concern about the accident.

 I continue to visit various places in Japan to see the effects of the accident, because I can meet various creatures which are more sensitive to radioactive materials from the environment. It is important to see their health for our safety.

公衆衛生ネットワーク

Public Health Network in Japan

http://plaza.umin.ac.jp/phnet/

Atsuta Jingu

Atsuta Jingu (Atsuta Shrine)

 The history of Atsuta-jingu, located in Atsuta-ku, Nagoya-shi in Aichi Prefecture, dates back 2,000 years. The shrines history begins with the dedication of a treasured sword, Kusanagi-no Tsurugi ("Grass-mowing Sword") by Prince Yamatotakeru-no-Mikoto, a legendary figure appearing in Japanese mythology. With many worshippers, the shrine is known affectionately today as "Atsuta-sama." In the precincts of the shrine is a giant camphor tree around 1,000 years old which is said to have been planted by the saint Kobo-daishi (Kukai), who propagated Buddhism in Japan following Buddhist studies in China. Notwithstanding its location in the heart of the city of Nagoya, the precincts of Atsuta-jingu are filled with greenery, and provide people with a place to relax as well as worship.' (source)




愛知県名古屋市の熱田神宮は三種の神器の「草薙剣（くさなぎのつるぎ）」を祀っている神社です。織田信長は桶狭間の戦いの前にここで祈願して勝利し、信長塀を奉納しました。

These pictures were taken on September 2015.

Atsuta Jingu (Atsuta Shrine)

熱田神宮

Kagura-Den

神楽殿

The Atsuta Shrine is home to the “Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi(a sword)", which is one of the Three Sacred Imperial Treasures. This is the 2nd largest shrine after Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture, and about 6.5 million people visit there annually.

Google map
https://goo.gl/maps/c95nLYsYBGw

About Atsuta Jingu (Atsuta Shrine)

http://www.atsutajingu.or.jp/en/intro/

Hongu (Main Shrine)

本宮

信長塀

Nobunaga-Bei Wall

 There you can find Nobunaga walls which was made by Shogun Nobunaga Oda in 1560. He prayed for victory of the war here and in return of his winning, he donated the wall. 

Torii ; a gateway at the entrance to a Shinto shrine.

鳥居

Treasure Hall

熱田神宮宝物館

https://www.atsutajingu.or.jp/en/tre/

At the Treasure Hall, the Atsuta Jingu Museum houses about 4,000 articles donated by the people ranging widely in class from the Imperial Family, shoguns (generalissimo) and feudal lords to common persons. Among these materials, especially important are the Koshinpoh (sacred garments, furniture and utensils for use of the enshrined deities), the swords, the hang mirrors, the Bugaku (ancient court dance) masks, the ancient documents and the household articles, 174 items of which have been designated or Aichi Prefecture important cultural assets. These treasures are exhibited by turns in the Hall for showing to the public. The articles on display are exchanged every month. They help you appreciate the deep faith people have had in the shrine as well as its long history. 

(source)

Shinkansen

新幹線

Japanese foods are good and safe.

Because of stricter food safety law by Japanese government, we have no worry about foods.

Miso katsu(Lt)；Pork cutlet with miso sauce
Kishimen(Rt);noodles made in flat strips.

味噌カツ＆きしめん

Ekiben ; Box lunch sold on a train or at a station

Ekiben ; Box lunch sold on a train or at a station

Ice

 4 years have passed since Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident. I have visited various places of Japan to see the health consequence of the accident.
 Fortunately I have never found any impacts by the accident among Japanese creatures. As far as I know, nobody has health problem which is caused by the accident in Japan.
 Our Prime Minister Abe assures that "The situation is under control. The influence of the contaminated water is completely blocked within Fukushima. There are no health-related problems until now and there will never be health problems." He also said that "Tokyo is 250 kilometers away from Fukushima, and the kind of danger that you imagine does not exist in Tokyo. Tokyo is a very safe city."
 As PM Abe said, Nagoya Prefecture is very far away from Fukushima, people in there have no concern about the nuclear power plant accident. People in there have already forgotten the accident, because they think radioactive materials cannot reach there.
 We know there is no problem for childbirth and child rearing in Nagoya Prefecture. So people in there have no concern about the accident.
 I continue to visit various places in Japan to see the effects of the accident, because I can meet various creatures which are more sensitive to radioactive materials from the environment. It is important to see their health for our safety.

公衆衛生ネットワーク

Public Health Network in Japan

http://plaza.umin.ac.jp/phnet/

Biological monitoring at Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima

Biological monitoring Itsukushima Shrine

 I visited Itsukushima Shrine which are located in Hiroshima prefecture to see biological impacts of Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident. Though I have visited various places in Japan to see the health consequence of the accident, I can find no effect against creatures in Japan.
 Itsukushima Shrine was first built in 593, then rebuilt by Taira-no-Kiyomori in 1168 on the same scale as it is today. A corridor of some 280 meters spans more than twenty buildings.
 The shrine was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in December 1996. 
 Miyajima has been worshiped as a divine island since ancient times. This is why the shrine was built on the seashore where the tide ebbs and flows. The contrast of the blue sea, green hills and the vivid vermilion-lacquered shrine is breathtakingly beautiful.
 So I visited there to see effects of the accident against creatures which are grown up by Japanese food and water.
 Fortunately, I could see Sika Deer grown up safely and I couldn't find any impact of the accident. It seems that there is no problem for childbirth and child-rearing in Hiroshima Japan.
Posted by Yoshitaka Kiriake from Japan on June 16, 2015.

広島県の厳島神社は瀬戸内海にある宮島の入り江に建てられた神社です。厳島神社の創建は推古元年（５９３年）ですが仁安３年（１１６８年）、平清盛によって絢爛豪華な寝殿造に再建されました。

These pictures ware taken on May 2015.

Itsukushima Shrine

厳島神社

About Itsukushima Shrine

http://visit-miyajima-japan.com/en/

Google map

https://goo.gl/maps/IzJGX

 Miyajima is believed to be the island where God dwells. It is said that Itsukushima Shrine is built in the coast because the whole island is believed to be God's body and is sanctified. Itsukushima Shrine was built in the end of sixth century and modified to the present building with its solemn appearance by Taira-no-Kiyomori, who came into power for the first time as a warrior in 1168. 

Taira-no-Kiyomori

平清盛

Sika Deer

Cervus nippon

ニホンジカ（ホンシュウジカ）

Itsukushima Shrine

厳島神社

Japanese foods are good and safe.

Because of stricter food safety law by Japanese government, we have no worry about foods.

Kaki Furai ; Fried Oysters

Yakigaki ; Grilled Oysters

Sushi

 4 years have passed since Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident. I have visited various places of Japan to see the health consequence of the accident.
 Fortunately I have never found any impacts by the accident among Japanese creatures. As far as I know, nobody has health problem which is caused by the accident in Japan.
 Our Prime Minister Abe assures that "The situation is under control. The influence of the contaminated water is completely blocked within Fukushima. There are no health-related problems until now and there will never be health problems." He also said that "Tokyo is 250 kilometers away from Fukushima, and the kind of danger that you imagine does not exist in Tokyo. Tokyo is a very safe city."
 As PM Abe said, Hiroshima Prefecture is very far away from Fukushima, people in there have no concern about the nuclear power plant accident. People in there have already forgotten the accident, because they think radioactive materials cannot reach there.
 We know there is no problem for childbirth and child rearing in Hiroshima Prefecture. So people in there have no concern about the accident.
 I continue to visit various places in Japan to see the effects of the accident, because I can meet various creatures which are more sensitive to radioactive materials from the environment. It is important to see their health for our safety.

公衆衛生ネットワーク

Public Health Network in Japan

http://plaza.umin.ac.jp/phnet/