Futenma Shrine- a good place to pause
I have one of those final-to-see checklists now that I only have one month left here. There is a spot on my checklist for "I always drive by that sign/ or store- now is the time to check it out'. I often drive by the Futnema shrine on the way to pick up my son, and I happened to have my camera and twenty minutes. So here I paused.
I have to say that if you don't get the opportunity to get to mainland Japan to see the shrines- you should check out the Futenma shrine. Or even if you dont- it's a spiritual exerience. There are always people there at all times of the day. I couldn't help but wonder what they were thinking about. Probably the same things that people back home are thinking that stop by their local places of worship.
I am always surpringsly moved when I go to a shrine. I'm not sure if it's the smells, the serenity or just the fact that although I can't understand any of the words- I get it. It's just a good place to pause and reflect.
Onward with the details:
Below is a photo of omikuji - which you can purchase at the shrine.
You can also purchase these wooden hanging plaques for 300 yen. They are called ema. From what I could read, they seemed to be peoples prayers and wishes for the upcoming year. I did notice however, lots of hearts.
Upon entering the shrine you will find this water display. The purpose is to clean your hands and the inside of your mouth before entering the shrine. Good thing I flossed.
The "Rope" below hanging on the Torii gate is called a shimenawa. They usually hang this on Torii gates and apparently the best sumo wrestler also wears one during special ceremonies. I wonder if it is in front-or behind of the T-Back?
Directions:
If you take a right out of the Legion gate on Camp Foster- go down a little bit and it will be on the right side of 330. There is a sign that says "Futnema Shrine". Once you pull in there is plenty of parking in front of the shrine as well as more spaces in the back.
Great post. I live right down the road on Foster and have wanted to visit. I just never took the time, plus I wasn't sure what to do and didn't want to offend anyone there! Now I know. Must have clean hands and mouth!!
Thanks.
Posted by: Tara H | July 04, 2009 at 08:39 AM
For those who will still be on the island for new year's 2010, you should go check this place out then. It is something like a mix of holiday festival, religious experience, and local fair (with Japanese-style fair food). Some of you may have noticed all the cars parked all up and down 81 for the first week of January.
Posted by: Jennifer Jane | July 04, 2009 at 12:37 PM
You should also visit the cave while you are there. Very cool.
Posted by: marlene | July 04, 2009 at 03:37 PM
Marlene/Staci, do you have to pay to enter the cave? Is it one big cave or a series of caves? How long does it take to see it? Is there a separate entrance? We went there this past January to experience the whole "festival feel" and it was awesome at the Shrine, I thought we'd be rude taking pictures, but the Japanese were acting more "party" than "solomn" they were laughing and snapping pictures left and right. However, there were so many people, we couldn't figure out where to go to get to the cave.
Posted by: Dasha | July 05, 2009 at 06:50 PM
Dasha You don't have to pay but an attendant usually has to unlock the gate to the entrance for you It is really just one cave ~behind the shrine to the left of the front entrance
Posted by: marlene | July 06, 2009 at 12:29 AM
Marlene- Thanks for the info! I'll have to check out the cave! And honestly, after I was done taking pics I did see a sign (a camera crossed out) so I really shouldn't have been.Not sure why it had a festival feel- maybe New Years?
Posted by: Staci | July 06, 2009 at 05:50 AM
Ok so no photos of the shrine, wash your hands and mouth, anything else? I know at other foreign holy sites I've been to visitors are not permitted to show their shoulders and/or should wear a long skirt, etc. Could someone post the full set of traditional rules and protocol when visiting holy sites in Japan?
Posted by: Amanda | July 06, 2009 at 11:32 AM
from what I think I read somewhere (I'll see if I can find it) you can take pictures of the area and the buildings, but not of the inside of the shrine where the altar and all the important things are. But maybe some one more knowledgeable than me should chip in.
Posted by: Jennifer Jane | July 06, 2009 at 04:26 PM
Amanda and Jennifer- let me research it a bit and then I'll post something. Thanks!
Posted by: Staci | July 07, 2009 at 06:17 AM
When I visited the Shrine I asked one of the priest about taking pics outside and inside. She said it was ok outside and with no flash inside the Shrine.
Posted by: Megan | July 07, 2009 at 09:58 AM
I was told that it is EXTREMELY rude to take pictures... It is believed that the camera will rip the spirit and lock it away. This is also true for a person...you must get permission to take a photo. I did find this link informative about this shrine!:
http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Japan/Okinawa/blog-365246.html
Posted by: amie | July 25, 2009 at 04:05 PM
Does anyone know of any new years activities here?
Posted by: Kim | December 14, 2009 at 10:44 AM