Tranquil Times: Prayers and Memories at the Open-Air Shrine

#OsakaItinerary
Day 1
Early in the morning, I arrived at the open-air shrine located in the heart of Osaka, also known as the "Married Couple Shrine," famous for prayers for love and family harmony. The shrine is surrounded by a bustling urban environment, but once inside, you can feel a serene quietness that seems detached from the world. Walking along the approach, I sincerely prayed in front of the main hall, clasping my hands together and silently wishing for the future. Then, I found a corner dedicated to tying wish cords, so I chose a pink ribbon and tied my wish to a branch, as if hoping it would be carried by the wind to the deities. At noon, I walked to a traditional teahouse near the shrine and savored the fragrant matcha and wagashi, experiencing the pure taste of Japanese culture. In the afternoon, I strolled through the alleys around the shrine, exploring those understated old shops full of stories, feeling as if time quietly slowed down here.
Day 2
On the second day, I made a special effort to revisit the open-air shrine at dawn. In the tranquil atmosphere, sunlight filtered through the leaves, adding a soft glow to the shrine. I participated in a blessing ceremony led by the shrine priests, a rare cultural experience that deepened my understanding of Japanese traditional beliefs. After the ceremony, I visited the cultural exhibition area inside the shrine, which displayed many historical artifacts and traditional ritual tools, as if traveling back to ancient sacrificial scenes. Around noon, I walked to a nearby shopping street for a meal, tasting the local sukiyaki, whose warm broth brought a sense of happiness. In the afternoon, I wandered casually and came across a small shop selling handmade accessories, where I bought a pair of crane-shaped earrings symbolizing happiness as a keepsake. At dusk, I took a photo by the stone lantern in front of the shrine, capturing the beautiful memories of these two days in the picture.

Post by Angrybird11 | Mar 4, 2025