Want to collect the monthly limited goshuin stamps? "Wakeoe Shrine" in Nagoya has one of the most popular goshuin stamps in Japan.

The decorations in the precincts are also changed every month.
As a shooting spot, it always attracts a lot of attention on SNS.

It's not just the goshuin that changes every month, but the precincts also change according to the season.

For example, in May when I visited this time, "wisteria (artificial flowers)" were decorated everywhere (the photo is the entrance in front of the worship hall). Decorated with Japanese umbrellas and wisteria, you will instantly get excited!

When you enter the entrance, on your right is a gorgeously decorated rest space and photo spot...

It is understandable that you may be tempted to take pictures, but first greet the deities enshrined in the front of the shrine! Worshipping in such a gorgeous space naturally makes you feel excited, doesn't it?

After visiting the shrine, it's time to take pictures! There are various types of Japanese umbrellas on the table on the left, so you can take pictures with your favorite umbrella.

I took a picture because it was a big deal! It feels like you are in the city of Kyoto.

Since May has also Boy's Festival, Kabuto and other accessories are also available. Parents, children, and families may also enjoy commemorating the event.

Setsubun in February (2020)

At night, illuminated with colorful Japanese umbrellas *past view

The precincts are decorated according to the season, but it seems that all this work is done by the staff. That alone is hard work, but I was surprised to hear that they thought of ideas and did everything by themselves. The result of these efforts is the secret of its popularity.

History of Wakeoe Shrine

Wakeoe Shrine has a long history, and it is said that it began when Empress Jingu (169-269 AD) buried and enshrined a stone for safe childbirth when she gave birth to the 15th Emperor Ojin. It was originally enshrined in a place called Senbonsugi, but was moved to its current location in 1584.

After that, it was destroyed by fire during the war, but it was rebuilt in 1966 and continues to this day.

The enshrined deity is said to be Rokusho Myojin (the six gods) of Izanagi and Izanami, their children Amaterasu Omikami, Tsukiyomi no Mikoto, Susanoo no Mikoto, and Hiruko no Mikoto.

In the Engishiki Jinmyocho (927 AD), it is a shrine with a long history and is described as ``Owari Yamada Group Shiki Jusani Wakeoe Tenjin.'' Mrs. Akie Abe, the wife of former Prime Minister Abe, has also visited, and the situation is introduced in the Sanshuden.

Empress Jingu, who is related to the stone of safe delivery mentioned earlier, is what we would call a busy career woman today. It is also a modern female image of a strong and robust woman and a mother.

Other attractions in the precincts

"Sanyo no Matsu" that can be expected to bring you luck with money

Well, let's take a walk in the precincts, such as waiting time to get the goshuin!

Sanyo-no-Matsu, a sacred tree towering on your right as you enter the precincts. Surprisingly not well known, it is also known as "Kanematsu", which is said to bring considerable luck in financial fortune.

It got its name from the fact that the pine needles turn golden and fall off in autumn.

This is the fallen pine amulet (100 yen). If you put it in your wallet and carry it around, it seems to lead to better luck with money!

Ryujin Pond where the dragon god resides

On the other hand, this is a pine tree growing above Ryujin Pond on the left side of the precincts. As you can see from the photo, the bending of the branches is amazing! This pine tree is said to be auspicious because it looks like an undulating dragon, and according to one theory, a white dragon resides in it.

And below that is Ryujin Pond. The pond is currently undergoing restoration work and the water has been drained, but it is scheduled to be completed around the fall of 2021 and will be used for Shinto rituals in the future.

"Yasui Ebisu" stroked according to each wish

And in the back right of the precincts is a shrine that enshrines Daikoku-sama and Ebisu-sama. The carved wooden statue of Ebisu Yasui placed on the platform there seems to give different benefits depending on where you stroke it. I tried to lift it up and see it, but it was heavy, so I'll come back next time (laughs).

If red seals can trigger interest in shrines...
Hoping to connect traditional Japanese culture

Ms. Kaneko of Negi with a lovely smile

At Wakeoe Shrine, I was surprised to meet Negi. She is a young female Shinto priest who is still in her 30s. Her father is the chief priest, and he provides her with full support including practical work.

*Negi (negi): One of the job titles of Shinto priests. In terms of rank, from the top, the chief priest, the chief priest, the vice priest, the Negi, and the vice Negi.

– I see Wakeoe Shrine ’s goshuin being posted on SNS every day.

Ms. Kaneko: “I hope that the photos on Instagram will be an opportunity for young people to visit the shrine. Passing on the culture and traditions of a shrine is also the job of a Shinto priest. We want people to get interested and connect them to the next step."

– Are all the monthly designs done by the staff?

Ms. Kaneko: “The same goes for goshuin, and we do everything ourselves, from planning to setting up the decorations in the precincts. We hope that by changing each month, it will become a custom to visit the shrine every month. ”

– It’s a good thing that the shrine is bustling with people.

Ms. Kaneko: "In the past, we used to have connections with neighbors, but now we don't socialize with people anymore. It would be great if it could be an opportunity for such communities and people to get together."

Despite her soft atmosphere, Negi Ms. Kaneko has a strong conviction and flexibility to adapt to the times. Her desire to think about the future of the shrine, which serves as a spiritual center for local residents, and to carry on traditional culture, is what makes the red seal so popular.

Various ingenuity in corona measures.
Compatible with electronic payment services

The chozuya is currently unavailable (as of May 2021), but it is decorated with seasonal flowers every month. In May, colorful purple irises match the Boy's Festival. My heart becomes radiant involuntarily.

Instead of purifying at the chozuya, first disinfect here.

Also, while waiting for the goshuin, it is devised. When you apply for a goshuin, you will be given a piece of paper with a number on it. Since there is a QR code, if you read it, you can see the situation such as how long you have to wait. The ingenuity to prevent crowding around the shrine office is also perfect.

(Can also be confirmed on the website). It will be announced when the goshuin is available, so it will be smooth to receive it!

In addition, payment for goshuin stamps and various amulets is also convenient because there is no direct contact with electronic payment money that you do not touch directly! (Also compatible with transportation and credit cards)

At Wakeoe Shrine, various measures have been taken to make the shrine safe and enjoyable for worshipers, including the stamps. In addition, it holds various events such as music events, and its activities that go beyond the traditional framework of a shrine are also worth paying attention to. If you are interested, please come and check it out.