Kitazawa Hachiman Shrine

Hello Sandwiches!

Happy New Year! 2020!

I go to this shrine every year for hatsumode, the first visit to the shrine for the year. It’s just short walk from my apartment in Shimokitazawa but I think even if I moved house I would still visit this delightful shrine. On a clear winter day you can spot Mt Fuji from the top of the shrine.

The light was just divine today. And I took my Fujifilm out for the first time in a few weeks. The shadows of these little blossoms on my way to the shrine were so special.

I spotted this gorgeous green installation on my walk to the shrine.

It’s best to walk through the side of the tori (entrance gate) as apposed to the centre so as to leave space for the gods to enter through the centre.

I adore this dreamy purification water situation. That dappled light. And the sounds of birds chirping and shrine bells ringing. Divine. To purify yourself before making your wish you can pick up the wooden dipper with your right hand and rinse your left hand, then swap hands and rinse your right hand. Next, swap hands again and rinse your mouth with your left hand, and finally let the water fall over the handle of the dipper. Actually this video might make more sense.

I always keep a lucky go-en (five yen coin) in my purse for offerings to the shrine. After the offering, ring the bell, bow twice, clap twice to signal your presence and after your wish, bow one more time.

In June I will have lived in Tokyo for ten years! I feel so lucky to be able to live in this incredible city. Look at that dreamy light!

The hatsumode queue at sunset on January 1st, 2020.

If you’re in Tokyo, and around Shimokitazawa, it’s worth a walk to Kitazawa Hachiman Shrine. There is a beautiful nature walk on the street just parallel to the shrine which leads all the way to Nakameguro. It’s lined with cherry blossoms, and come sakura season, is one of my favourite places to enjoy hanami. Pick up a hot lemon drink from the vending machine just outside the shrine, you’ll find it on the bottom left if they don’t change the layout, pop on your favourite dreamy playlist, and walk along the nature walk to Nakameguro. The perfect Tokyo afternoon!

Kitazawa Hachiman Shrine
155-0032
Tokyo
Setagaya-ku
3-25-3 Daizawa

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