Torii Gate and Shimenawa Rope: Gateway to the Sacred
Torii Gate and Shimenawa Rope: Gateway to the Sacred
by pix4japan
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pix4japan
Location: Shirahama Beach, Shimoda, Shizuoka, Japan Timestamp: 06:42 on January 3, 2024
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 37 mm ISO 400 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/5.0
On the northern end of Shirahama Beach in Shizuoka Prefecture, two reefs extend into the sea, connected by a shimenawa rope (注連縄), crafted from rice straw or hemp. In this specific location, the rope serves to demarcate consecrated areas, acting as a talisman against evil and symbolizing the transition from the earthly world to the sacred one.
The reef on the right is named Daimyojin-Iwa, roughly translated as the “rock of deity with extraordinary spiritual powers.” It features a torii gate facing the sea, directing its gaze towards the 10 islands located off the Izu coast.
The torii gate and sacred shrine rope are integral components of the nearby Ikona-hime-no-Mikotojinja Shrine, commonly known as Shirahama Shrine. This shrine holds the distinction of being the oldest Shinto shrine on the Izu Peninsula. Its theological focus revolves around the origin legends of the 10 Izu islands situated offshore.
The island gods and the deities housed within the shrine are interconnected within a complex familial web. This intricate relationship is reflected in the vermilion torii gate, which points seaward in the direction of the 10 islands.
The Japanese New Year festivities center around witnessing a sunrise and visiting a shrine with loved ones to express gratitude and seek blessings for the upcoming year. At Shirahama Beach, you can embrace both experiences – capturing a stunning sunrise and conveniently visiting the nearby Shirahma Shrine.
Google Maps links to this destination, and links to sources of additional reading can be found in the most recent pix4japan blog post (link in Bio).
1 Comment
Location: Shirahama Beach, Shimoda, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamp: 06:42 on January 3, 2024
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
37 mm ISO 400 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/5.0
On the northern end of Shirahama Beach in Shizuoka Prefecture, two reefs extend into the sea, connected by a shimenawa rope (注連縄), crafted from rice straw or hemp. In this specific location, the rope serves to demarcate consecrated areas, acting as a talisman against evil and symbolizing the transition from the earthly world to the sacred one.
The reef on the right is named Daimyojin-Iwa, roughly translated as the “rock of deity with extraordinary spiritual powers.” It features a torii gate facing the sea, directing its gaze towards the 10 islands located off the Izu coast.
The torii gate and sacred shrine rope are integral components of the nearby Ikona-hime-no-Mikotojinja Shrine, commonly known as Shirahama Shrine. This shrine holds the distinction of being the oldest Shinto shrine on the Izu Peninsula. Its theological focus revolves around the origin legends of the 10 Izu islands situated offshore.
The island gods and the deities housed within the shrine are interconnected within a complex familial web. This intricate relationship is reflected in the vermilion torii gate, which points seaward in the direction of the 10 islands.
The Japanese New Year festivities center around witnessing a sunrise and visiting a shrine with loved ones to express gratitude and seek blessings for the upcoming year. At Shirahama Beach, you can embrace both experiences – capturing a stunning sunrise and conveniently visiting the nearby Shirahma Shrine.
Google Maps links to this destination, and links to sources of additional reading can be found in the most recent pix4japan blog post (link in Bio).