Development and Tree Cutting

Tokyo's greenery is disappearing

Central Tokyo has a relatively large amount of greenery, but that landscape is changing. A large number of trees in the outer garden of Meiji Shrine in Tokyo will be cut down due to redevelopment. The number of trees to be felled is said to be 4,000 or more, including small trees, but it is not certain. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2024, with overall completion expected in 2036.

The scenery of the ginkgo trees is wonderful.
There are also great cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy this view.

The autumn leaves are also great.

The healing benefits of greenery in the city center

Meiji Shrine is surrounded by an artificial forest, which was planned so that many types of trees would complement each other, resulting in a rich natural environment. It is a home for many insects and luminous objects. For those who visit there, it is a healing experience that restores their humanity.

If there was no greenery left in the city center, people would feel a sense of loss. You won't be able to deeply feel true richness in an environment consisting only of artificial buildings.

In Shinto, trees are sometimes worshiped as objects of worship.

A home shrine protect a family

A divine spirit dwells in Sakaki

In Japan, sacred places have been decorated with sakaki trees and rituals have been held since ancient times. In Shinto, it is believed that plants with pointed leaves possess divine power. Sakaki prepares the left and right sides. 

The sakaki on the right side often dies. This is to purify the family's impurity instead. There are three sacred cards placed at the shrine. This is because the tag on the right is the tag of the god related to that house.

A home shrine protect a family

Our home shrine is in the living room. We place it high and facing east. It has to be the highest place, but since this is difficult in reality, the word "cloud'' is pasted on the ceiling to make it consistent. East is the direction in which the sun rises.

Morning routine

Change the water in the sakaki every morning. Then, exchange water and sake at the shrine. Make sure that it is always clean.

Receive divine protection

Sometimes the sakaki on the right does not wither. It is thought that the connection between shrines and family members is weakening. In that case, it would be a good idea to change it to a new divine card. Also, going to worship at that shrine can strengthen your connection.

Early MorningJanuary 1 Shrines in Tokyo

New Year in Tokyo

In Tokyo, the number of visitors during the New Year is very large. For example, this year, Meiji Jingu, the largest shrine in the city, had about 3.1 million visitors. I visit Tokyo Daijingu every year, and this year about 45,000 people visited.

This year, too, we had our annual New Year's visit. I left home in the dark before dawn, and I felt lonely on the way, but the shrine was brightly lit and crowded with many worshipers.

If you want to have a prayer inside the temple instead of a general visit, you will have to pay a tamagushi (ritual offerings) fee of 5,000 yen or more per person. At Tokyo Daijingu, you can get osechi lunch box, in which a traditional Japanese dish served on New Years, as a return gift for a tamagushi fee of 20,000 yen or more.

In prayer, the Shinto priest gives Norito (Shinto ritual player) to those who paid Tamagushi  (ritual offerings) fee. You can also enjoy a performance by two shrine maidens. In addition, you can get your wish and name on a wooden tag after praying. It has become an event for our family to visit the shrine together as a family. Unfortunately, photography is prohibited, so I won't post it on this blog.

I wish the world peace and happiness this year.

At 6 a.m. on January 1st, there were many worshipers 
at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine, 
which is said to bring good luck in marriage. 
The dawning sky is beautiful.

This is a kagami mochi that was in the building of Tokyo Daijingu.
Traditional New Year's decorations,
such as mochi (rice cake), kombu seaweed, and sake,
are arranged like the incarnation of a Shinto ritual.

New Year's flowers are gorgeous. 

New Year's flowers was arranged by Kazuyuki Ishihara, a garden designer. 

The round bamboo means that people who see this flower arrangement 

will be connected in a circle of smiles. 

And the red fruit contains the wish that 2023 will be a fruitful year. 

In addition, the battledore has a wish that it will be a leap year.

This is Yasukuni Shrine, not Tokyo Daijingu.
It is a shrine where the spirits of the heroes are enshrined.

Shrine in Designed Forest in Tokyo

The original torii was made from an over 1,200-year-old cypress tree
cut down in Alishan National Scenic Area in Taiwan.
The second torii also used a 1,500-year-old cypress tree
found in the Alishan National Scenic Area in Taiwan. 
The current torii is made from Yoshino cedar in Nara, Japan.

Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine in Tokyo

Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine in Tokyo, Japan. The enshrined deity is Emperor Meiji, and it was built on November 1, 1920, after the death of Emperor Meiji. The site of Meiji Jingu is 73 hectares, most of which is a rare forest in central Tokyo.

There is an approach to the shrine right next to Harajuku Station.

Intentionally naturalized forest in Tokyo

Most of the shrine grounds are forests intentionally converted from artificial forests to natural forests. Leading landscaping scholars gathered to create a new forest in the city center for the construction of the shrine. They considered the placement of broad-leaved and coniferous trees and the timing of planting, and designed a self-propagating forest from various trees gathered from all over Japan (Not only from Japan but also from Taiwan). Thanks to this, besides the Imperial Palace, it is this Meiji Shrine that has a large green space in central Tokyo. Creatures that are not usually seen in central Tokyo continue to live here, making it a very valuable example from the point of view of zoology and entomology. This self-organizing forest concept of Meiji Jingu reminds me of Project by SONY, Synecoculture™ and Augmented Ecosystems. It may be a Japanese idea. In other words, for Japan, shrines are the very relationship with the forest that nurtures nature.

Harajuku Station near the approach is not a big station,
but it has a lively and fashionable atmosphere.
 One of my favorite stations in Tokyo.

The approach leading to the main shrine
is lined with large trees, and it feels good.
The air is especially clean in the morning.

The approach to the shrine is lined with sake barrels
donated by sake breweries all over Japan.
There is a deep connection between sake and God.
It is also a reverence for nature.

Recently, not only sake but also wine has been dedicated to Meiji Jingu.

Meotokusu is a pair of trees that symbolize a happy couple,
symbolizing the close relationship
between the enshrined deity Emperor Meiji and his wife.
From a distance, the branches and leaves
of these two trees overlap and look like one tree.
In fact, when I stood in front of these trees and put my hands together,
I could feel the kindness.

There are also restaurants and cafes on the grounds of Meiji Jingu.
There are also chairs where you can sit and relax,
which is perfect for resting when you get tired from walking.

There are also souvenir shops along the approach to Meiji Jingu.
There are many goods related to shrines.

Tokyo's recommended spot, Meiji Jingu

Meiji Jingu is the best on a sunny morning. I was able to touch something deep in my heart. I will never forget the pleasant feeling of sunlight at that time. The cafe at Harajuku station is also wonderful.

I went back to Harajuku station and entered a cafe.
Sarutahiko Cafe.

The Old Barrel Cafe was delicious.
 I like the smell of rum.

Sarutahiko Cafe in Harajuku has Wifi and a power strip,
so it's very convenient.
The interior is spacious and comfortable.
I also liked that the restrooms were clean.

Ise, a sacred place for Japanese people

Japan's sacred place, Ise Jingu

Ise Jingu is a sacred place for the Japanese with a history of over 2000 years.
The buildings themselves are rebuilt every 20 years,
so the techniques and traditions are passed on.

In August 2022, I visited Ise Jingu for the first time in 24 years. Ise Jingu is a shrine located in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, Japan, with a history of over 2000 years. Since ancient times, Ise Jingu has been a sacred place for Japanese people to visit at least once in their lifetime. 

Ise Jingu is an old place, but it is new because the shrine buildings are rebuilt once every 20 years. Therefore, in preparation for construction twenty years from now, tree planting for building materials is carried out systematically, and the techniques of shrine carpenters are passed on to grandfathers, fathers, and grandchildren. At Ise Jingu, it is customary to go to the Geku first and then the Naiku.

Futamigaura, a seaside sanctuary for purification

Large and small rocks sticking together like a married couple. "Futami Okitama Shrine" is enshrined on the Futamigaura coast where "Wedded rock (Meoto-iwa)" rises. Before going to Ise Jingu, it is a formal worship since ancient times to visit Ise Jingu with a purified body and mind. 

I felt an overwhelming sacred atmosphere.
Is it also a portal to higher dimensions?

In this tour, due to scheduling conflicts, we visited the shrine after the Geku. The sun had just risen, and the sanctuary was filled with fresh air. I missed it, but my daughter found a UFO (unidentified flying object)  in the sky. I sensed that she was surrounded by a mysterious atmosphere, but it may have been connected to a higher dimension of consciousness.

Isuzu River

The Isuzu River is so transparent that
even the stones at the bottom of the river can be clearly seen.
It's deep, so when you put your hand in the river,
it's important to get on your knees so you don't fall.

The Isuzu River flows through the entrance to the Naiku. The bridge over the river can be said to be a bridge connecting the sacred world from the everyday world. A bridge is a metaphor that connects this world with the other world. If you wash your hands at the Isuzu River before worshiping, you will be able to purify yourself for the purpose of worship.

Oharaimachi/Okage Yokochou

Oharaimachi is a street that runs straight from Ise Jingu Naiku to Sarutahiko Shrine. Okage Yokocho is located in the middle of Oharaimachi. Both streets are lined with food stalls and souvenir shops. After visiting the inner shrine, it feels good to walk along this street while eating dumplings and soy milk soft serve ice cream.

At Henbaya (Japanese sweets shop),
you can buy tea sweets on the 1st floor and drink tea slowly on the 2nd floor.

The azuki bean jelly (yokan) was delicious.

Sarutahiko Shrine

If you come all the way to Ise, you should also pay a visit to Sarutahiko Shrine. The shrine enshrines the god of guidance. It seems to be a good idea to tell God about your life's resolutions. I expressed my ambition that I would like to be aware of myself as a member of the universe as an earthling.

Sarutahiko Shrine is dedicated to the god of guidance.

At the end

Japanese shrines are more majestic in the nature that surrounds them than in the buildings, and Ise Jingu is the largest. Thanks to that, I tuned the waves from big trees, rivers, and rocks.

Musashi‐mitake‐jinja shrine, mysterious area in Tokyo

Musashi‐Mitake‐Jinja Shrine, mysterious area in Tokyo

There is a mysterious area that can be reached in two and a half hours by orange JR Chuo Line（from Tokyo or Shinjuku to Mitake）, bus (from Mitake to Takimoto station), and Mitake Tozan Railway（from Takimoto station to Mitakesan Station）from central Tokyo. It is Musashi‐Mitake‐Jinja Shrine and its surroundings.　

 Musashi‐Mitake‐Jinja Shrine is located on the summit of Mt. Mitake
with an altitude of 929m and is a symbol of mountain worship.

From Ome Station onwards,
the number of trains decreases,
and the time flows slowly.

Early in the morning on weekends, 

passengers head for Mt. Ontake using the train.

Behind the main shrine of Musashi Mitake Shrine,
there are many historic shrines.
It is a good idea to visit each one.

Stroll around Mt. Mitake

After getting off the Mitake Tozan Railway at Mitakesan Station, it takes about 30 minutes to walk to  Musashi‐Mitake‐Jinja Shrine. 

The air is fresh in the early morning forest bathing. It is also good to listen to the chirping of wild birds. 

The dense fog that rolls in from the trees is very mysterious. 

There is a huge zelkova tree on the way.　It is called Mitake no Jindai Keyaki.  According to one theory, the tree is over 1000 years old.

This giant zelkova tree is considered a sacred tree.

There are many temple lodgings in the mountains in this area, so staying overnight is recommended if you want to take your time and explore the area. In addition to the shrine, there are various destinations such as Rock Garden, Ayahiro Waterfall, Nanayo Waterfall, Mitakedaira, etc. 

The vivid green and soft moss is mysterious and beautiful.

Mitake Gorge Trail

Here along Mitake Gorge Trail,
large rocks and precipices combine
with greenery and clear streams,
creating an abundance of nature.

On the way back, it is good to walk instead of using the bus.
After exiting the torii gate at the entrance of the mountain,
there is a promenade along the Mitake Valley.

There is a Mitake Gorge Trail. It takes 3 hours to walk the entire course.  The sidewalk is narrow, so be careful not to fall. 

The sidewalk is narrow, so be careful not to fall.

The valley is also a mecca for rafting (rapid rafting on rubber boats) and canoeing. Thankfully, there are toilets along the way. 

There are several toilets along the trail.
The toilets are well maintained and comfortable.

There are also cafes and restaurants along the valley where you can enjoy the scenery. I especially recommend Sawanoien. There are sake breweries, sake tasting, kaiseki cuisine (a traditional Japanese multi-course meal), cafes, and galleries, etc.

There is an entrance to Sawanoien
from Mitake Gorge Trail near Sawanoi Station.

It's easy and comfortable to buy a meal ticket for
rice balls, oden, udon, soy milk, sake, etc.
from a vending machine,
and eat at a table with a parasol
while enjoying the natural scenery.

At this garden’s café,
you can enjoy soymilk latte and soymilk cheesecake
while overlooking the clear stream.

Summary

The area around Musashi‐Mitake‐Jinja Shrine is a mysterious area that is easily accessible from central Tokyo. When I go there, I feel like the unnatural time that I was used to is returned to nature. Life is not that long, so I want to spend more time enjoying the nature of the earth.

Midsummer Tokyo shrine

A shrine where people gather even on a midsummer day

On Saturday, June 25, in central Tokyo, the maximum temperature was over 40 degrees Celsius. Even so, worshipers were scattered around at Tokyo Daijingu, a shrine famous for its marriage. There were about 10 chairs with straw cushions on wooden logs in the precincts, and there was a shade on the ceiling. Furthermore, fog was sprayed from above. So people enjoyed the refreshing space. The end of June was the turnaround of the year, and there was also a set of Chinowa-kuguri to remove the evil.

For the remaining six months, I once again swore to myself that I should be honest with myself.

Fog is sprayed from above
at the outdoor resting corner of Tokyo Daijingu,
and it is refreshing even in the summer.

Tips for Fortune Suggested by Shrine Mirrors

Shrine mirrors suggest God we encounter deep in our inner consciousness

There are no god statues at shinto shrines. Instead, there is a round mirror in a shrine. 

So in that mirror you see your own face, not the deity.

Once at a shrine, I saw my face in the mirror and experienced the wonders of this world.  And I was impressed by the idea of ​​the ancients. 

What they wanted to pass on to posterity is, in the end, God will appear when we deepen our inner consciousness. 

And we will find that the God who appeared is ourselves. Thus, in Shinto, people approach God.

Fortunate life depends on where you focus your attention

Fortunate life depends on where you turn your "consciousness". Then, the situation in the world changes according to the direction of consciousness.

Don't confuse "consciousness" with "thinking." 　Being conscious is not the same as the will to forcefully change the surroundings.　This is because "consciousness" and "thinking" are two different things. 　It is the consciousness, not the will to forcefully change the surroundings that can change the surroundings into a desirable world.  

So if you can control your "consciousness," you can transform your surroundings as you wish.  That is, your soul goes where you are aware, and the world around you changes accordingly.

Therefore, controlling "consciousness" is the essence of happiness. 

So the first step is to be aware of what you are aware of. 　Once you can control your "consciousness," your life becomes more comfortable.

Tips to control "Awareness" 

If you can control what you are aware of, you can make your life more comfortable. So how can we do that? Here are some tips for controlling what you're aware of:

• Focus on a fascinating future
• Focus on your breathing (especially exhaling)
• Write your thoughts in a notebook and check your thoughts

Why don't you try to do the things you can while arranging the above?

The secret to entrust to the subconscious

The ultimate ideal way of life is to leave it to the subconscious. 

The subconscious here is not the consciousness of others, but our own deep consciousness, which is God. 

Subconsciousness works on everything we are aware of. For example, if you wake up in the morning and feel the gratitude of having a new day, it will be a wonderful day. 

On the contrary, if you feel uncomfortable from the morning, something unpleasant happens. Using the subconscious is not simple. 

The reason for changing reality is that negative reactions often occur. First, accept as it is. Then, through the dialogue with the subconscious, you will find comfort from them. 

When in good harmony with the subconscious mind, unnatural powers and thoughts disappear, eventually leading you to the desired stage of life.

Do not let the ego rule your mind

To control the subconscious, it is important not to let the ego control the mind. 

The ego is a strong concentration of consciousness. 

Since it is an unnatural force, a reaction occurs. Reactions, even temporary desired outcomes, ultimately result in illness, incompatibility, conflict, and so on. 

So we have to distinguish between ego and harmonious peace. 

Harmonious peace is based on a natural sense. On the other hand, the ego is a selfish force that is separated from harmony. 

We must not let the ego destroy ourselves. 

To keep your mind from being controlled by the ego, you should occasionally relax your brain and body.

Summary

Shrine mirrors eventually suggest that God appears when we deepen our inner consciousness. And controlling consciousness is the sign of happiness. 

First, accept as it is. 

And through dialogue with the subconscious you will find harmonious peace in the world around you. 

When in good harmony with the subconscious mind, unnatural powers and thoughts disappear, eventually leading you to the desired stage of life. 

The important thing is to keep a soft subconscious mind, not unnatural concentration.

Shinto Purification Rituals in June for Good Luck All Year Around, Way to Purify

Purification, Ritual in June for Happiness through Year: Chi no Wa Kuguri

Japanese like purification. Since ancient times, the Japanese have spent the year doing this Shinto ritual, keeping their mind clean and full of energy.  An annual ritual held at shrines in June is “Chi no Wa Kuguri” which passes through a ring of bunch of “kaya,”a type of plant. 

Chi no Wa Kuguri at Tokyo Daijingu

Many Japanese people go to shrines to have their consciousness purified. June is liable to rain and it is easy to get slack inside. Moreover, it is a turning point for one year, so it is also important to remember the beginning of the year.

The Way to purify by Chi no Wa Kuguri

It is common to go through the figure 8 three times while chanting. The most basic way to go through a kaya ring is as follows.

• 1st lap: Bowing in front, crossing Kaya's ring with your left foot, and returning to the front in a counterclockwise direction

• 2nd lap: Bowing in front, straddle Kaya's ring with your right foot, and turn right to return to the front

• 3rd lap: Bowing in front, crossing Kaya's ring with your left foot, and returning to the front in a counterclockwise direction

• Finally, bow in front and cross the ring of Kaya with your left foot to go to the main shrine and worship.

You can chant mantra without saying aloud. Typical one is:

• Harae tamae, (please eliminate troubles)
• Kiyome tamae, (please purify me)
• Mamori tamae, (please protect me)
• Sakihae tamae (please make me prosper)

Purify while experiencing "8"

Passing through the big circle of Chi no Wa Kuguri while chanting the mantra is a casual mystical experience. It also makes a lot of sense to move to the figure "8." In the unconscious dimension, "8" means eternal richness and reincarnation. It is also an infinity mark. Passing through the circle and turning to figure eight, I feel refreshed by being released from the mysterious and trivial daily hassles. If you can imagine yourself in the shape of a figure that circles between the circles in a figure to be purified, you can do it in a room without a kaya ring.

Deity from Venus: recommended in Kyoto, for Cosmic Connection, Spirituality

Recommended Place in Kyoto: Kurama-dera's deity is from Venus

Kurama-dera is the most recommended temple in Kyoto. In Japan, shrines and temples are considered to be power spots. Therefore, when you visit there, you will be in good luck. As for Kyoto, an ancient city in Japan it has 800 shrines and 1700 temples. Especially a power spot connected to the universe in Kyoto is Kurama-dera. The deity is from the Venus 6.5 million years ago.

Various Good luck you will get at Power Spots.

The origins of the sacred bodies of shrines and temples are very mysterious. Due to that mysterious power, the effects are various kind of good luck such as good luck fulfillment, fulfillment of wishes, good health, good luck with children, travel safety, standing up in life, prosperous business, breaking rot, family safety, passing the exam, etc.

Beneficial Good luck at Kurama-dera in Kyoto

As for the power of Kurama-dera, it brings you human growth.  It raises your mental strength, spiritual ability, and human power. Kurama-dera in Kyoto is special one. It has powerful and cosmic connection, especially spiritually connected to Venus.

Human beings become clouded in their daily lives, just as cash accumulates on PCs. It may be a good idea to visit Kurama-dera to get rid of the dead mind that has accumulated without realizing it. it is important to choose the one that suits you.

Main deity: space life, space energy producing all existing in the world

According to the explanation by the temple, Main deity of the temple is Sonten.  Sonten is space life, space energy producing all existing in the world. 

In the main hall of the temple,

Bishamonten (symbol of light and the sun),

Senju Kannon Bosatsu (symbol of love and the moon), and

Devil King Goho (symbol of power and the Earth)

are enshrined. 

These three bodies are collectively called "Sonten".  Its work appears as love, light, and power.

Kurama-dera

Sanato Kumara descended to Kurama from the Venus 6.5 million years ago

One of Sontens, Sanato Kumara, descended on Mount Kurama from the Venus 6.5 million years ago.

The purpose of Sanato Kumara's coming to the earth is to derive the human on a mission of the human relief when the human emigrates to the Mercury in the far-off future. (This is a surprise for a concrete plan for the future to emigrate to the Mercury! Does the threat of science and technology prevent humanity from living on Earth? A great prophecy!)

Sanato Kumara's body is composed of elements different from those of ordinary human beings, and its age is 16 years old, and it is an eternal existence that never grows old.　

As an aside, deity from Venus 6.5 million years ago is consistent with the fact that the oldest fossils of human beings discovered are said to be 7 to 6 million years old.

The idea of Ancient astronauts seems to be compatible with it. Of course it's not scientifically proved but it is fun to imagine that deities are extraterrestrial in origin and brought advanced technologies to Earth together with the origin of Japan.

Kongo floor

Oku-no-in: most important spot: Deity from Venus 6.5 million years ago.

Oku-no-in of the Kurama-dera, Deity from Venus 6.5 million years Ago

In "Oku-no-in Demon King", there is enshrined guardian Devil King, Sanato Kumara. The deity came from Venus 6.5 million years ago.

Around there, I feel something sacred: the air is clear and clear. It must be one of shrines and temples as the entrances and corridors to that world for people living in this world.

Oku-no-in Demon King