Miho Jinja
As we stepped from the car, across the harbour to arrive at Miho Jinja, a heavy snow shower fell to greet us. Although the structure looks similar to many others, I had never been to a coastal shrine quite like this before. The site is dedicated to 2 different gods, 三穂津姫命 (みほつひめのみこと) Mihotsuhimenomikoto, god of agriculture / cycle of life and ゑびす (えびす) Ebisu, god of fishing and business. Families living in this area have lives built around fish and the fishing industries, and they come here to pray for the well-being of those going out to sea and for the long-term health of the sea life.
A lot of ceremonies take place here through the year and it was a lively shrine with a welcoming atmosphere. Shinto priests and Miko-san wearing ceremonial robes hurried to get out of the snow. We paid our respects at the shrines and each of the sub-shrines and were offered sake and dried fish. It was freezing cold, and people huddled around heaters to read their omikuji fortunes. As quickly as the snow had started, it stopped. We wandered back down the steps to find something to eat.
Gorgeous!
Tourists are bundled up like Eskimos, yet costumed locals are lightly adorned. Interesting! Love the rich contrasts, Joe.
stunning shots!
Beautiful pictures!