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Sunday, 1 November 2020

Kishu Toshogu Shrine is a 400-year-old marvel

The shrine is a designated important cultural property of Japan. (Malaysia Traveller pic)

Kishu Toshogu Shrine, known locally as Gongen-sama, was established in 1621 by Yorinobu Tokugawa, the 10th son of Ieyasu Tokugawa, the first feudal lord of the Kishu Tokugawa clan.

The Shinto shrine is designated an important cultural property of Japan.

Looking back from the temple steps, one is rewarded with a spectacular view of Wakanoura Bay. (Malaysia Traveller pic)

It is located on a pine-covered mountain called Samurai Hill, and to reach it one must climb 108 stone steps and enter through a magnificent vibrant red tower gate, said to be the best in Kansai.

Looking back down the steps one is rewarded with a great view of Wakanoura Bay.

Inside the gate of the shrine. (Malaysia Traveller pic)

The main pavilion is decorated with elaborate sculptures and wall paintings from the early Edo period. It houses a collection of 17 important treasures, including armour, weapons, pottery, paintings and clothing.

Special occasions

People come to the shrine at different times of the year for different reasons. These include:

White clad devotees carrying a portable shrine down the 108 steps of the shrine. (Malaysia Traveller pic)

The Wakamatsuri festival is held in May, when white-clad devotees carry a mikoshi (portable shrine) down the 108 steps followed by hordes of worshippers, as shown in this painting on display at the shrine.

Mothers-to-be visit during their fifth month of pregnancy for the tightening of the Iwata belt. By tightening the obi around the foetus, pregnant women pray for a safe delivery.

Newborn babies are brought to the shrine during their first few months to pray for healthy growth and happiness.

Students will come during the exam season to pray for success in their exams.

Coming-of-age ceremonies are also a popular time to visit shrines.

The steps to the shrine. (Malaysia Traveller pic)

Kishu Toshogu Shrine
2 Chome-1-20 Wakauranishi
Wakayama
641-0024, Japan
Tel: +81 7344 40808

This article first appeared in Malaysia Traveller.



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