Have you ever heard of or watched the favored Japanese anime film: Your Identify (Kimi no Nawa)? If that’s the case, you’ll recall that the principle heroine, Mitsuha, labored as a miko — a Shinto shrine maiden — and that was completely one of many many components of the film that captured my fancy. In spite of everything, once I noticed her carry out kaguramai (a Shinto ritual ceremonial dance with bells and chimes) as a miko in one of many film’s scenes, I used to be completely enthralled.
The occupation immediately received me curious and I used to be glad once I discovered that as a customer, I might head over to Hyogo Prefecture’s Amagasaki Ebisu Shrine in Amagasaki Metropolis of Japan (close to Osaka) to enroll in a miko expertise bundle to try to lease their apparel for a day — and so, I did!
For a day (or technically, an hour) I didn’t solely study in regards to the occupation however I additionally received to attempt being a miko, and also you wager that was such an enriching and enjoyable affair!
UPDATE: Now you can do that expertise in Kyoto as effectively! Examine the tour right here: [link]
Journey Tip — e-book this tour and enter AILEENKLOOK upon checkout to save lots of 5% off!
The place to Keep in Osaka…?
Come and take a look at my checklist of the ‘Finest Accommodations in Osaka‘ which options the highest really useful selections for reasonable to luxurious lodging selections.
Prime photograph by: Shutterstock
Miko Experienc
Picture by: Shutterstock
» What’s a miko?
A miko (巫女) in Japan is a shrine maiden that’s skilled to carry out sure rituals and duties with a view to help Shinto priest(s) in a conventional shrine. They don’t seem to be be mistaken as fortunetellers or mediums, and as per the truth that they’re ‘maidens’, miko have to be single females (oftentimes they’re clergymen’ daughters).
» What’s Shinto?
Shinto or kami-no-michi is a polytheistic faith in Japan that primarily revolves across the veneration of many deities often known as kami (gods or spirits) or supernatural entities which can be believed to inhabit all issues. As we speak, Shinto stays to be the nation’s main faith alongside Buddhism with Shinto shrines being the locations of worship and houses of kami.
» How did the miko expertise come about in Amagasaki Ebisu Shrine?
Again in 2016, the Amagasaki Hospitality Group proposed this concept to the top priest of Amagasaki Ebisu Shrine, Nobuyo Otagaki, and since then, this system was established as a manner for vacationers to additional perceive Japanese tradition.
TRIVIA: The Shrine is devoted to Ebisu, a kami or deity of luck and prosperity, and he is without doubt one of the 7 Gods of Fortune. With its location, it’s additionally a primary alternative for being one of many enjoyable day journeys from Osaka that you are able to do!
» What does that 1-hour miko expertise entail?
– Shinto shrine and miko lesson by a information
– Strive a suzu or Shinto bell and have a glimpse of the kaguramai dance
– An opportunity to decorate up in a miko apparel and take pictures across the shrine
It helps to notice {that a} Miko’s conventional apparel is a crimson hakama (lengthy trouser-like skirt tied with a bow), a white kosode (kimono gown), and a few white or crimson hair ribbons. In Shintoism, the colour white symbolizes purity, and the garment positioned over the kosode throughout kaguramai or kagura dances is named a chihaya (as pictured above).
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Please keep in mind by the way in which, that this isn’t a cosplaying occasion as it’s extra of an expertise to garner additional understanding of Shinto religion or the miko occupation.
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Ama Journey Information
» Tackle
The place is Amagasaki Ebisu Shrine?
Tackle: 3-82 Kanda Nakadori, Amagasaki 660-0884 in Hyogo Prefecture
In Japanese: 〒660-0884 Hyogo, Amagasaki, 神田中通 ３丁目 ８２
Operation hours: Monday to Friday from 10AM to 5PM
UPDATE: Now you can do that expertise in Kyoto as effectively! Examine the tour right here: [link]
Journey Tip — e-book this tour and enter AILEENKLOOK upon checkout to save lots of 5% off!
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» The way to e-book and lease a miko apparel
You solely must e-book on-line a day prematurely and that’s it!
- Go to this inquiry web page and fill the shape with particulars of your identify, cell quantity, desired date, time, and variety of individuals (minimal of two). You may fill the shape in English or Japanese.
- Members have to be feminine for the miko or shrine maiden program; nonetheless, accompanying males can put on a Japanese happi or conventional straight-sleeved coat with no cost.
- Your reservation is confirmed once you obtain a response by e mail, and this e mail acts as your proof of reservation.
- Cancellations will be achieved through e mail or cellphone at the very least 24 hours earlier than.
- In case you keep greater than 1 hour, there will likely be an extra cost.
- As a consequence of the truth that it’s a busy season, the shrine doesn’t supply this miko expertise from November to February. Nonetheless, it’s nonetheless doable to make an inquiry on your date in case the shrine can accommodate your request.
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» How a lot is the miko expertise
As of 2020, it solely prices ¥2,000 per particular person to endure the 1-hour program.
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» The way to get to Amagasaki Ebisu Shrine
Simply head over to Amagasaki Station. For this, it’s best to purchase a Hanshin Vacationer Move. From there, it’s solely a 4-minute stroll to the shrine.
What’s the Hanshin Move? It’s a 1-day prepare cross that grants you limitless rides on the Hanshin-serviced prepare traces round locations like Osaka and Kobe — together with the Hanshin Line that passes by means of Amagasaki (price: ¥500).
OTHER TYPE: You too can attempt the 1 day or 2-day Hankyu Move for limitless journey in Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. (Value: ¥700 for 1 day / ¥1,200 for 2-day)
In case you need assistance when driving the trains, simply use the instructions characteristic in Google Maps — I discover this as a really useful software if I need to attain a sure place from a specific location. Nonetheless, take notice that Google Maps doesn’t work offline if you need routes or transportation schedules, so I like to recommend that you just get a pocket WiFi or a SIM Card to remain linked on-line).
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» Visa for Japan
In case you’re NOT a citizen of any of Japan’s exempted international locations, you might be then required to avail of a visa beforehand. (In case you’re from the Philippines, you’ll be able to learn my information on learn how to get a Japan visa in Manila right here.)
- Examine full visa necessities right here as per your nationality.
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» Security in Japan
Japan is without doubt one of the most secure international locations on this planet with very low crime charges. I’ve been touring solo to this nation many occasions now and I’ve by no means felt unsafe even within the late hours of the evening — nonetheless, that is NO excuse to get too complacent. ‘Little crime’ doesn’t imply ‘no crime’, so keep vigilant and be “avenue sensible” through the use of your frequent sense always.
However, the Japanese individuals are one of many kindest and most respectful individuals I’ve ever met, so solo vacationers don’t have a lot to fret on this superb nation.
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» Useful Japanese Phrases
Japan could also be one of the crucial developed international locations on this planet, however a variety of the locals don’t converse English. Nonetheless, this could not discourage you from touring to this nation as a result of other than the truth that there are a variety of translation apps that may assist you to perceive and converse Japanese, a variety of the locals are additionally making the hassle to study and use the English language.
Anyhow, under are some useful Japanese phrases that may assist you to alongside the way in which! And even in the event you do encounter a Japanese who can converse English, it doesn’t harm to say a phrase or two of their language.
Whats up: Konnichiwa (Kohn-nee-chee-wah)
Thanks (regular): Arigatō. (Ah-REE-gah-tohh)
Thanks (much less formal): Arigatō gozaimas (Ah-REE-gah-tohh goh-zahy-mahs)
Thanks (casual): Dōmo (DOHH-moh)
Sure: Hai (Hai)
No: Iie (E-eh)
Goodbye (long run): Sayōnara (Sah-yohh-nah-rah)
Goodbye (casual): Ja ne (Jahh neh)
Excuse me: Sumimasen (Soo-mee-mah-SEN)
I’m sorry: Gomen nasai (Goh-men-nah-sahy)
Is there somebody right here who speaks English?: Dareka eigo ga hanasemasu ka? (Dah-reh-kah ey-goh gah hah-nah-seh-mahs kah?)
Assist!: Tasukete! (Tahs-keh-teh!)
Cheers!: Kanpai! (Kan-pie!)
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» Prime Kansai Excursions «
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Total
You’ve in all probability already achieved a kimono rental earlier than, so why not give a miko expertise a attempt? As you’ll be able to see, it’s certainly going to be memorable!
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