Visiting this Japanese temple to get some omamori for friends. It's small but well maintained. There's a small office for you to get omamori and the staff was so patient to walk me through as I was not familiar with them. Very peaceful inside. There are some street parking on N Kukui Street. I would avoid the other side of the temple (along the river) where there're gamblings and some people doing shady transactions. read more

Izumo Taishakyo Mission - Front - Religious Organizations Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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明けましておめでとうございます！ Happy New Year as we welcome the year of the horse it's 2026 and I couldn't think of a better place to be right as it hits midnight as this temple has been a long tradition to start the year right. As this shrine dresses up for the occasion many gather here for various reasons whether it's to pray for good fortune, health and happiness, you start with a purification wash first to then make your way up to right the priests and wring the giant bell to follow with the ritual for your offering and prayer which they will help you and once done make your way down for your amazake and purchase your omamori after you rid of your previous years charms. It feels great to start the year right and be grateful for what I've received and to pray for a fabulous year ahead. どうもありがとうございます！m(_ _)m read more

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Ring in the New Year with a visit to Izumo Mission in Honolulu. Visiting Izumo Shrine on New Year's Day has been a personal tradition of mine for many years. After watching the first sunrise of the year, I make my way here to begin the year with gratitude, reflection, and hope for what lies ahead. Each visit, I receive omamori for traffic safety and good fortune, along with a lucky arrow for protection and continued blessings throughout the year. The shrine feels especially meaningful on New Year's Day, filled with a quiet sense of reverence mixed with shared optimism from the community. Even with the crowds, the experience remains calm and grounding. If you plan to visit on New Year's Day, it's best to arrive early, as it can become quite busy later in the day. It's a meaningful and time-honored way to welcome the New Year and carry on a tradition that connects reflection, intention, and good fortune. read more

Izumo Taishakyo Mission - Religious Organizations Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This is a nice place to go if you happen to be in Chinatown. It's a beautiful Japanese temple that is a small property but really puts you in the mood of self reflection and calmness when you visit, especially considering it's in the middle of hustle and bustle. I'm not sure what it's really like on normal days, but if you come around New Years, there's interactive things to do like getting a blessing, buying good luck charms, and getting omikuji fortunes. read more

Izumo Taishakyo Mission - Religious Organizations Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Visiting a place of harmony and peace in Honolulu's Chinatown... On the two occasions that I visited Izumo Taishakyo Mission, I happened to be having lunch nearby. I walked around and discovered the free parking lot, the gift shop, and the traditional washing station. This temple also has a decorative bell outside and a functional one closer to the entrance where visitors may ring and welcome good luck. When I tried to take photos of the omamori in the gift shop, the cashier discouraged it. This time, for the New Year, the various omamori are displayed on a poster, so patrons can get a good idea of what kind of lucky amulets they might need. Because I visited on a holiday, street parking was free. The location of this temple is across the canal from the Cultural Plaza - on Kukui Street. There were some shady people hanging out on the left side of the temple, so, just be aware of the surroundings. I will return when I'm in the area again... in the daytime! Or - if it's at nighttime on New Year's Eve, I'll bring a friend! read more

Beautiful building and really nice staff. Not my religion so I was a tourist and they expressed appreciation of my visit. Nice river nearby too. read more

This Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii is the branch of Izumo Taisha shrine in Japan. This was built in 1906. So, in fact, this shrine has old history over 100 years. Japanese priests protect this. The main building is very large and splendid. It's same as Japanese shrine. There are Torii gate and a water place, too. I was interested that there is paper towel at a water place. Hmm, that's Hawaiian style, I think. The way how to worship is same as Japanese Izumo Taisha shrine. 1. We make a bow before entering Torii gate. 2. We wash hands and mouth at a water place. 3. We go to the main building and stand in front of a coin box. 4. We should throw some coins (use US$) into a coin box. 5. We make a bow twice. 6. We clap one's hands 4 times. 7. We pray for God. 8. We make a bow again. We can get "Goshuin" (handwritten sign and stamp of shrines and temples) at here as same as in Japan, also. If you want it, you should visit the shrine shop in the shrine office at the left side by the main building. And, they have some original Goshuin books of this shrine. The one of pink which is drawing a hibiscus charges $30 including Goshuin pay. It's very rare Goshuin book because we can only get it at here. Details about Goshuin is below. http://60ee3107.starfree.jp/goshuin.html ハワイ出雲大社は島根県にある出雲大社のハワイ分社です。 建立は1906年と古く、実に100年以上の歴史を持ちます。 日本人の司祭が受け継ぎ守り続けてくれています。 本殿はとても立派で、日本にある神社にも引けを取らない創りです。 ハワイの青い空の下に堂々と鎮座しています。 境内には鳥居も手水場もあります。 手水場にペーパータオルが備えられているのはハワイスタイルですね。 日本ではお目にかかる事がないのでなかなか面白いです。 参拝の仕方は日本の出雲大社の作法と一緒です。 2礼4拍手1礼、です。 出雲大社特有の4拍手ですので、お間違いのないようにお気を付け下さい。 なお、お賽銭箱にはアメリカの通貨を入れて下さい、と注意書きがあります。 日本円は使用しないようにしましょう。 また、ハワイ出雲大社でも御朱印を頂戴する事が出来ます。 御朱印は本殿左側にある社務所の中の授与所で頂けます。 そして、ハワイ限定の御朱印帳も用意されていて、ハイビスカスの絵が書かれたピンクの御朱印帳は御朱印代含めて$30でした。 ハワイでしか入手出来ない御朱印帳ですので、かなりレアなものだと思います。 ちなみに、今回、僕はThe Busに乗ってこちらのハワイ出雲大社へ行って来ました。 宿泊していたのがヒルトンだったので、ホテル西側のバス停から19番・20番のバス系統に乗って、Beretania & Riverバス停で下車しました。 バス停を降りたら川の向こう側に鳥居が見えましたのでそんなにわかりづらくはないと思います。 最寄りのバス停からは歩いて5分くらいでしょうか。 余談ですが、出雲大社はチャイナタウンの外れにあって、川沿いは中国人で溢れている不思議な光景でした。 御朱印については下記のリンク先にまとめてあります。 http://60ee3107.starfree.jp/goshuin.html read more

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COVID-19 UPDATE Wash, scrub, wash hands ..... Walk up steps to entrance to the temple standing under shimenawa. Stand and .... Bow! Bow! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Bow! Pull scared rope and ring bell! Pray ........ "Dear Okuninushi no Okami: I guess you felt I did not pray with sincerity last January 2, 2021, when I visited you and asked that you bring peace, prosperity, happiness and good health to me, my family, everyone in Hawaii and the United States and the world. All I can say is 2020 was bad and 2021 was worse. Just six days into 2021, the U.S. Capitol Building was attacked by a mob of supporters of then President Donald J. Trump, trying to prevent the certification of Joe Biden as the legitimate president of this country. It was sad for those that believe in the democratic process to see thousands of Americans cause millions of dollars in destruction, loss of life and injuries; all because of a rally organized by their cult leader who called for them to march to the capitol building while chanting "Hang Mike Pence." That day for me will live in infamy and was not a peaceful way to start the year. One year ago, the price of regular at Hele Gas Station was $3.26. December 31, 2021, regular gas was selling for $4.33. The good thing is that this makes me stay home more and I walk whenever I can. But with that said, inflation began showing its ugly head and hurt any plans for wealth building for me in 2021. Last January 2021, I could buy a sheet of 1/2" plywood at Home Depot for about $24.00. I needed sheet of plywood to make a box but changed my plans because in October 2021, plywood was selling for $70.00/sheet. I was not too happy about putting that project on hold. With what appears to be the permanent closing of Shirokiya's Japan Village Walk, the only two original tenants still doing business in the Ala Moana Shopping Center since its opening are Longs Drugs and Foodland. So sad to see Shirokiya permanently closing its door. I grew up shopping at Sear Roebuck and Company. F.W. Woolworth, J.C. Penney, Liberty House, Thom McCan Shoes, Patti's Chinese Kitchen, Orange Julius, Hallmark Jewelers, Ritz Department Store, Sato Clothier, Conrad Jewelers, Lynn's Delicatessen, Iida's, Honsport, Slipper House, Smitty's Pancake House, Joe Pacific, Pocketbook Man, Ross Sutherland, Carol and Mary, Crazy Shirts, Gima's Art Gallery, House of Music, Kramer's, Musashiya's, Petland, McInerny, Watumull's and Shirokiya. Hard to believe that at the end of 2021, all are only memories for me. I got this joke that I heard that I want to tell my friends, but because of the current COVID infection numbers, I'm afraid to dine in at a restaurant with friends. Our state is 74% fully vaccinated and yet we are getting COVID infection number of 1561, 3484, 3290, 2710, 3178 and 3044. Things are getting worse and not better. 2021 was not what I consider a healthy year. O-kamisama! I am relatively healthy and my friends and family are fine. I appreciate all that you have done for me in 2021. I promise to live my life honorably, respecting nature and mankind in 2022. COVID is a formidable foe and believe that divine intervention is required to get this virus and its mutations under control. As a true believer in Shintoism, I ask you do all you can to help this world get COVID under control because of my concern for mine and everyones health. Last year, giving you a large saisen didn't work so this year I will respectfully tell you this joke that I've been saving, to tell my friends. I hope this joke will put you in a good mood so that you can do your divine thing against COVID in 2022. "Two women go see an XXX movie and are sitting watching the movie in a theater. A few minutes later, a man with dark glasses; wearing an aloha shirt and shorts, sits next to one of the women. Five minutes later, the woman sitting next to the man whispers to her friend ... "Oh my God! The man next to me is masturbating himself!" Her friend says: "Oh God! Pretend you don't notice and ignore him!" The woman responds: "I can't, because he's holding and using MY hand!" O-kamisama. If you like the joke, please help the world get COVID under control and make 2022 a healthy year for everyone. In this day of nothing but bad and depressing news, I just need to see you and people laughing as we start 2022. Domo arigato gozaimashita and akemashite omedetou gozaimasu!" read more

For my first review of 2019 I wanted to start with something sentimental. I've been visiting Izumo Taishakyo Mission on New Years Eve for decades. This tradition started in high school with my bestie and her family. While I haven't been consistent in my visits, she has only missed once! Lining up minutes before midnight on New Year's Eve still gets me in a happy yet introspective mood. It is a time for reflection on the past year, while looking forward to what's to come in the new year. Because of its location, the sound of fireworks is always present and makes the occasion seem even more festive. I appreciate how everyone flows through in a polite and well organized fashion from washing hands to climbing the steps, to ringing the bell, and receiving the blessing. We inevitably end up purchasing omamori for traffic safety and health. They have all sorts of omamori for various purposes (love, long life, school studies, etc.) and in many beautiful colors. It's often difficult to decide exactly what to get! Parking changes every year but it's always free and available. I always feel safe visiting the mission late at night on NYE because of the constant police presence. I look forward to many more NYE visits to Izumo Taishakyo. Happy New Year! LOCATION: 5/5 AMBIANCE: 5/5 PARKING: 5/5 read more

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The website is very helpful and easy to navigate. I came here to get a blessing by appointment. I never been to a Shinto Shrine and I have to say my experience was very good and the energy of this temple is incredible. I can actually feel the protection and purification. To be honest, I never felt this type of energy before at any temple that I have been. I am highly sensitive to energy and empath and I could feel energy beneath my feet as grounding. The priest was very nice and helpful. He was very accommodating to start my blessing earlier. I had arrived 50 minutes earlier than stated (traveling for vacation). The lady at the gift shop help me ask for earlier time with the priest and happy to assist me. I really enjoyed watching the ceremony. In the beginning he asked information about me, so he can begin to do the chanting prayers. Also, the priest told me about my personal years fortune. It was very interesting because it was pretty much accurate of what happened to me last year. He did state this year and next year will be good. To try new things. The priest provided me a book to see the chanting prayers translated into English. He went over the ceremony of what he will be doing. You don't have to worry about remembering everything. The priest will let you know what you have to do during the blessing again. At the end of the ceremony, you will receive sake to drink. He will provide you free different amulets requested on what you want to be blessed on and much more! He will explain the differences on the amulets. Also, the priest gave me a task to do to cleanse out negative energy out of my body. Which I really needed and loved. Before you go, there will be a donation fee for the blessing. Please donate well to support the shrine! The priest gave me a lot of amulets, and I am so grateful. Not realizing it worth more than I donated. I did purchase more amulets from the gift shop. I can actually feel the energy coming out of them. This shrine is super clean, beautiful, and peaceful. Very legit and happy I came here during my vacation before my birthday. read more

I'm not a Shintoist, but I never turn down an opportunity to get blessed here. I need all the help I can get. I must admit - ever since I first got blessed here a few years ago, life has been good. Thousands of people come here on New Year's Day to get blessed and purchase omamori. But the temple is open year round for walk-in praying. You can also make a reservation to get blessed by the Reverend, or attend their monthly service (I believe it's on the 10th of every month except Oct). You can even get married here. Before entering, be sure to wash your hands in the basin at the foot of the shrine before proceeding up the stairs. They have a few parking spaces in their lot (entrance off of Kukui Street). Otherwise park on the street (metered). The annual New Year's blessings begin at midnight New Year's Day through 5 PM. read more

Izumo Taishakyo Mission - Religious Organizations Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I don't normally visit this temple throughout the year, so this review really is going to be limited in it's scope. I only visit during the new year to get omamori and to get blessed. Every time that I have been here everyone is incredibly patient and kind. I think maybe they understand that there aren't a lot of shinto temples in the US, so they recognize that people don't know all the proper customs. Anyways, if you want to get decked out for the new year this is the place to come. Be warned, on New Years day, there will be a line to get in. Not only do the locals come to get blessed, but the tour buses and trolleys have begun to drop off Japanese tourists too. This isn't a bad thing, just something to plan for. read more

The Izumo Taishsko mission is conveniently located just outside Chinatown and has a small parking lot for about 12 cars. I was honored to be invited to my friend's wedding ceremony which was the first Shinto ceremony I had ever attended. There is in the area immediately inside and to the right of the entrance where visitors may choose to purify their hands with water. fortunately, I came prepared to do an alternate cleansing with sake. The Shinto wedding ceremony was performed in both English and Japanese however the minister was quite soft spoken and therefore difficult to hear and understand. The ceremony concluded with the immediate family drinking ceremonial sake. It was really a wonderful experience to see a traditional Japanese Shinto wedding ceremony performed in downtown Honolulu. If you ever get invited to a wedding at this place, I highly recommend thst you make the effort to attend! read more

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I visited the Izumo Taisha in Japan and when they told me they had a branch in Hawaii, I knew I had to check it out one day. I landed on this place for New Year's blessings. Of course there were lots of people, but the line wasn't too bad. The rope tide overhead was so CUTE compared to the massive one in Japan. I'll have to go back one day soon to explore the place when there's less people. Yelp 365 Challenge #156/365 read more

Izumo Taishakyo Mission - Religious Organizations Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Whenever I pass Izumo Taishakyo, I have a big ole smile on my face and must walk in. This Mission opened in Hawaii in 1906. That's a long time ago and it still standing. At one point it was confiscated by the government during WWII as many properties were. It wasn't opened until 1968 after petitions from the public. If you're around Chinatown Cultural Center, walk across the bridge and drop on by. read more

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I go to Izumo Taisha every year for the new year to get blessed and pick up my new omamori for the year. Visiting the shrine has become a new year tradition for me. The shrine is particularly busy for お正月, so expect long lines to be blessed and to purchase omamori. Upon entering the property, make sure you purify yourself. There is usually a large barrel located at the property entrance to deposit your old omamori for the shrine to burn for you. To pray, ring the bell, bow twice, and clap four times. Probably the most popular reason for many people to visit the shrine is to purchase omamori. You can find omamori for general good luck, traffic safety for your car or boat, health, safe birth, safe home, yakudoshi, safe travels, etc. There is even an omamori for the marathon. These omamori are also great for omiyage. This shrine has a lot of history and is very special to me and my family, so I always look forward to visiting Izumo Taisha. read more

Izumo Taishakyo Mission - Omamori. - Religious Organizations Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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On New Year's Day, it's like the line never ends. Of course this all depends on what time you go. I've been coming to this temple on New Years for blessings since I was small and I only dreaded it because of the wait and how hot it gets. I visit other temples prior to this on the same day so by the time I come here, the lines just makes me wanna turn around and say "forget it." The good thing about this place is that you can have the bonsan come down to you for blessing if you have an elderly family member who can't stand for that long so they don't have to wait. This really helps. read more

Izumo Taishakyo Mission - One of the reasons to come here super early to avoid the crazy lines - Religious Organizations Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Having a Japanese background, it was nice to see a temple like this being kept in Hawaii. I have been to the other Japanese temple that is right next to H1 but this one was my first time there. The temple itself was kept very clean. They had a ceremony inside respected their privacy but ended up ringing the bell and did our prayers. Huge selections of Omamori at the store as well. The image of touring here really does not fit the description of vacationing in Hawaii but still worth it to see the structure and the value this place has. entering the parking can be a little tricky for less than par drivers. read more

Izumo Taishakyo Mission - Temple - Religious Organizations Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I highly recommend this big shrine. They are friendly and kindness. I really thanks to you guys. Thank you.

Love this place!! I normally come here yearly, the workers and everyone are so friendly :) read more

We were delighted to receive our New Year blessings at this shrine today! This shrine felt "alive" with a joyous atmosphere! The special little ceremony the priests performed for my husband and I made us feel "blessed!" I purchased omikuji and went home to indulge in ozoni. This shrine will become our New Year's morning tradition! read more

Izumo Taishakyo Mission is another shrine in Honolulu that is a "must go" when visiting from Japan or other countries or the mainland US, or even neighbor islands. The staff at ITM is very nice and very helpful. The 2 Reverends that occcupy that shrine are real nice, pleasant and helpful. the staff that helps in the office is great and a well known friend (DT) is super cool and does some excellent japan dance. Also, when I have my part-time job to do and need assistance, they welcome me with aloha. read more

This a Zen Buddhist & Shinto shrine. My girlfriend and her friend made an appointment here for their Yakudoshi blessing. Priest who did the Yakudoshi to ward off evil spirits, was from Japan and was very nice. He was very thorough. I have never been to a Zen Buddhist temple or even a Shinto one for that matter and it was quite interesting. After asking several questions, he proceeded with the ceremony and we made gifts to the kami. I found it enthralling and fascinating. After the ceremony was over, he explained everything that we just did and also if we had any questions. He was very nice and was interested in many things going on in our lives. We gave a good sized donation and received all kind of stuff to help keep them safe during this year. Nothing has happened, so I think it was a great idea. The shrine itself is magnificent, yet simple. Although it is set in a not too great area where mostly everything surrounding it is concrete. I think that's where places like this are needed the most. A great place to get away from the craziness of the city. It has a very small office behind it from the street and also a parking lot. Here you can also purchase any sort of blessed item for whatever reason. Overall, it was a great experience. read more

With this year being my Yakudoshi year, I decided to make an appointment at a Japanese temple to get blessed. My friend recommended Izumo Taisha so we went ahead and called. We made a reservation on a Friday during the day because we thought it would be less busy. The blessing itself took about 20 minutes but we were at the shrine for probably an hour. We arrived early to wash our hands in the special fountain and throw coins and make wishes in a wooden box. I was surprised at all the people who came to pray and see the shrine in the short time that we were there. Most of them seemed to be tourists and either walked or caught the bus there. There is a small parking lot of about 10 stalls but there is also a lot of street parking. I really enjoyed my blessing. Bishop Daiya Amano did our whole service and blessed everybody that came with me. At the end, I got a goodie bag with blessed charms in it, one for each of the people who came with me, that was very specific to them. He explained everything to us very thoroughly in English since nobody spoke Japanese. We even took our two year old son with us and he didn't even mind. Even my son got a special charm! There is a small gift store (not sure what you call it) across from the temple where you can also buy a bunch of other blessed charms. There are so many to pick from! Among them are long life, safe birth, traffic safety, travel safety, love, relationships, dog/cat charms, etc. This temple is so serene and calm in the middle of downtown Honolulu. I really like it here and can't wait to go back for my son's 7-5-3 blessing next year! read more

This review is about ten years out of date when I took my daughters here for their 7-5-3 (Shichi-go-san) blessings. We lived in another state and travelled here to have our children take part in a private 7-5-3 ceremony. Even though we were out of state, they kept us on their mailing list. Bishop Amano has a sense of humor. When I took my youngest there at age three she started misbehaving. We told her to behave because "Kamisama" (God) was watching. She proceed to ask in a loud voice "Kamisama doko, doko?" (Where is God?) and looked all over the shrine. Amano cracked up a bit. When she was later served the sweet sake, she smacked her lips and let out a big "ahh" like she was in a beer commercial. He lost his composure for a few seconds and had to stop. BTW, Bishop Daiya Amano has become well known in Japan in the last few years due to some TV spots. You'll see more Japanese tourists here now. The only negative is its proximity to the Chinese Cultural Plaza. Too many mentally disturbed people living there. It was a problem 10 years ago and still a problem today. read more

On the second stop of the tour I took with Dr. Jim, a professor from HPU, we stopped at the Izumo Taishakyo Mission. Honestly, I was amazed that I completely failed to see this temple from the back of the Chinese Cultural Plaza. Here is what I learned from Dr. Jim regarding the temple: -Shinto is primarily practiced in Japan. -The religion is nature based so it is important to note that this particular temple has a stream which runs across the front of the temple. -Those who practice Shinto, worship universal spirits that reside in nature. -The temple is distinguished by its simple lines and gray/brown hues. -Like the Buddhist temple, there is a great gate in the front of this temple. The purpose of the grandiose gate is to remind you to leave all worldly concerns behind upon entering. -Shortly after the entrance of the gates, there is a little pavilion which is used to cleanse one self (usually fresh water) before approaching worship area. -As you approach the main alter, there is a huge rope hanging over entrance (used in holiday street processions) along with white paper cut outs. -Remember to remove your shoes before going into the main temple. This was actually the second Shinto temple which I've visited here on Oahu (the first one is next to Queen Emma's Summer Palace). It definitely helped having Dr. Jim there to shed some light on the proper ways to pay respect to the temple. read more

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This is my go to shrine to welcome in the new year. It always gets busy at the new year, so much that they hire police officers to help pedestrians at the crosswalks. There is a crosswalk right at the entrance, but its nice to have an officer stop traffic so you can safely cross. People of all ages come here, some even bring their pets to get their blessings. For those that are unfamiliar with the formalities, the two men at the top of the stairs will direct you with what to do when at the bells (dont forget to bring cash for this part). After you are done with the formal part, you can check out the tables where they sell the omamori (amulets for luck or protection). They do not accept credit/debit cards at the omamori tables, so make sure you bring cash or check. Upon leaving you can pickup a thimble of sake (or candy for kids) and leave an optional donation in their collection jar. read more

What an awesome experience. I have always wanted to attend a Shinto New Years Blessing and today was the day. In order to avoid the large crowds, I went the day after January 1 and during the morning. The Shrine volunteers were very helpful directing people to the temizuya water pavilion where you wash your hands and mouth before proceeding to the Shrine stairs. Once at the top of the steps, toss some coins into the coin box, the Priests will direct newcomers (like me) to ring the bell, bow 2 times, clap 4 times, bow 1 time and make a wish. All the while the Priest is waving the Shide over you. Once you are done, you proceed down the steps and to the left where another helpful volunteer offers you New Years Sake and Candy...yum. For the first 3 days of the New Year, there is a temporary tent set to the side of the Torii gate where you can purchase an assortment of Omamori from the Shrine maidens. The amulets and charms are labeled in English so that you can pick the right one. If you are picking up more than one Omamori, I highly recommend that you also take a picture of the amulets label that is pictured at the front of the Shrine so that you remember which amulet you have. What I really loved about this Shrine is that volunteers, Priests and Shrine maidens were very helpful and made you feel welcome. For a newbie like me, that was very important and I will definitely return next year for another Blessing and to return my old Omamori. New Years Blessings are held on Jan. 1: 12:00 a.m. (Dec. 31, midnight) to 5:00 p.m. Jan. 2: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Jan.3: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Happy New Year! read more

This Shinto shrine is an architectural treasure on the NW corner of Chinatown. Visit this shrine with an open mind and you may feel connected to something especially bright and timeless. Please do follow the simple, posted instructions for preparing for and performing prayer. read more

Best to come early in the morning on New Year's Day, not while streets are dusty with fireworks residue (12 midnight-3 am), but before the crowds start to crush and swell up the riverside concrete walkways (9:30-10 am onward). Park on the street, around the corner on 'Aala near public housing--'cuz the lot next to Izumo is crowded and hard to navigate. Watch for still-unexploded fireworks underfoot (mostly the less harmful snapping kind), which local poor kids might leave as a New Year's surprise for the hoarders of visitors who flood their neighborhood this morning and leave without enriching it in any way. Then after the visit, go get yum cha (dim sum) at the Chinese Cultural Plaza, at least trying to put some money in the local community and its small business. If you're picky about spiritual stuff, find out from the staff when Rev. Amano or Rev. Jun are doing the blessings on New Year's Eve or Day (most likely, the shifts on NYE from 11 pm or midnight-ish through 2-3, when it's most busy). The others who'll conduct this ritual will be dressed in Shinto attire are not bad, but more likely to be male volunteers from the shrine congregation and not trained in specific practices of Shintoism beyond the basics of the NY's blessing rituals. Omamori are not that special, compared to the anime/manga influenced ones at Kotohira Jinja or the cool (and running out quickly) wooden carved ones at Daijingu, but they'll do if all you want is some basic luck for personal health, studies, love, traffic safety, home safety, pet health, etc., and not something more flash. No ozoni (Japanese NY's soup) for visitors--if you want a sample for a small donation, go to Kotohira instead. [If you don't mind the parking lot shuttle, longer lines, more crowded and commercial omamori sales site, etc.] Shinnen akemashite omedetou gozaimasu! read more

I stumbled upon this little treasure while finding our way to the nearby botanical garden. I had to stop and investigate. This shrine is beautiful! I'm not Japanese and I'm not Buddhist, but I've been to shrines in Japan and am familiar with the rituals. I thought that this shrine had all of the same elements as the shrines I saw in Japan and it was so well kept that it had a very peaceful atmosphere. I ended up sitting near the water and watching the people nearby and had a little zen time. read more