Sometimes, little informational videos are all you need to prepare for an upcoming trip. Here is a memorable one about Shinto that I learned about in professional development classes for teachers.
Phrase of the Day:
Here are some important phrases to know when visiting a Shinto shrine in Japan:
- “O-miyage wa doko de kaimasu ka?” (Where can I buy souvenirs?)
- “Goshuin o tote mo ii desu ka?” (Can I have a goshuin?) Goshuin are special stamps or seals that can be collected at shrines and temples.
- “O-mamori wa doko de kaimasu ka?” (Where can I buy amulets?) O-mamori are small amulets or charms that are believed to bring good luck and protection.
- “Miko-san wa doko ni irasshaimasu ka?” (Where is the shrine maiden?) Miko are young women who serve at Shinto shrines as assistants to the priests.
- “O-mikuji wa doko de kaimasu ka?” (Where can I buy a fortune?) O-mikuji are slips of paper containing fortunes that can be purchased at shrines and temples.
- “Chōzuya wa doko desu ka?” (Where is the purification fountain?) Chōzuya is a place where visitors can purify themselves before entering the shrine.
It’s also important to remember to bow when entering and leaving the shrine, as well as when speaking to the priests or shrine maidens.
Here are the phrases again with hiragana next to them:
- “お土産はどこで買いますか？” (おみやげはどこでかいますか？) (Where can I buy souvenirs?)
- “御朱印を取ってもいいですか？” (ごしゅいんをとってもいいですか？) (Can I have a goshuin?) Goshuin are special stamps or seals that can be collected at shrines and temples.
- “お守りはどこで買いますか？” (おまもりはどこでかいますか？) (Where can I buy amulets?) O-mamori are small amulets or charms that are believed to bring good luck and protection.
- “巫女さんはどこにいらっしゃいますか？” (みこさんはどこにいらっしゃいますか？) (Where is the shrine maiden?) Miko are young women who serve at Shinto shrines as assistants to the priests.
- “お御籤はどこで買いますか？” (おみくじはどこでかいますか？) (Where can I buy a fortune?) O-mikuji are slips of paper containing fortunes that can be purchased at shrines and temples.
- “手水舎はどこですか？” (ちょうずやはどこですか？) (Where is the purification fountain?) Chōzuya is a place where visitors can purify themselves before entering the shrine