our joUrnal
Reflections & Insights
Thoughts on Japanese spirituality, mindfulness practices, and stories from our retreats in Japan.
Journal
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Geku or Naiku First? How to Visit Ise Jingu（外宮と内宮、どちらから？伊勢神宮のお参りの順番とおすすめの巡り方）
English 日本語 If you are planning a trip to Ise Jingu, one question often comes up:Should I visit Geku or Naiku first? Main Sanctuary at Naiku Main Sanctuary at Geku The simple answer is:Geku first, then Naiku. This is the traditional o... -
What Is Okihiki? How Ise Communities Help Build the Next Shikinen Sengu（御木曳とは？地域の人々が次の式年遷宮を支える伊勢神宮の伝統）
What is Okihiki? Discover how Ise communities pull sacred timber by river and land, helping carry Ise Jingu’s 1,300-year Shikinen Sengu tradition toward 2033. -
What Is Shikinen Sengu? Why Ise Jingu Is Rebuilt Every 20 Years（式年遷宮とは？伊勢神宮が20年ごとに生まれ変わる理由）
Discover Shikinen Sengu, Ise Jingu’s 1,300-year tradition of rebuilding its sacred shrines every 20 years, and how people are preparing for the next renewal in 2033. -
Ise Jingu Geku Guide: What to See at the Outer Shrine（伊勢神宮・外宮ガイド｜外宮で見ておきたい場所）
Planning a visit to Ise Jingu Geku? Discover the Main Sanctuary, Taka-no-miya, Shikinen Sengu, Sengukan Museum and a suggested route before continuing to Naiku. -
Ise Jingu Geku Audio Guide: A Deeper Way to Experience Omairi （伊勢神宮・外宮のオーディオガイドができました）
Our first Ise Jingu Audio Guide is here! Explore Geku at your own pace while learning about Omairi, sacred rituals, Shikinen Sengu and the stories behind the places you pass. Retreatripの伊勢神宮Audio Guide、第1弾は外宮。お参りの流れやお社、式年遷宮などの儀式を知りながら、自分のペースで外宮を巡ります。 -
Chinowa-kuguri: A purification ritual every 6 months（半年に一度のお清め「茅の輪くぐり」 ）
I went to Yoyogi Hachimangu Shrine in Tokyo for Chinowa-kuguri. English 日本語 At many shrines in Japan a large green ring appears at the end of June.It is called Chinowa, and walking through is called Chinowa-Kuguri.It’s for removing im... -
The Exhibition of Bonsai at Meiji Jingu（明治神宮で奉納盆栽水石展）
English 日本語 The other day, I happened to see a beautiful bonsai exhibition at the main shrine area of Meiji Jingu!It was the annual "Hōnō Bonsai Suiseki Exhibition", held every June for more than 20 years. Most of them were around 200... -
Water Lilies Are Blooming at Meiji Jingu Gyoen!（明治神宮御苑に、睡蓮の季節がやってきました！）
English 日本語 Now water lilies are in high season at the Gyoen (Inner Shrine) of Meiji Jingu in Tokyo! It’s totally stunning to see them in Nanchi (South Pond) from the fishing deck, in front of Kakuuntei (Tea House). Feel so... -
Yesterday’s Japanese Iris Field at Gyoen of Meiji Jingu!（昨日の明治神宮御苑の菖蒲田）
English 日本語 Yesterday, I visited Meiji Jingu Gyoen (inner garden) to check Japanese irises again!I headed to the iris field, wondering if they’re still blooming…they are!! No matter how many times I see landscapes adorned with beautif... -
The Japanese Iris Field at Meiji Jingu Gyoen is Now in Peak Bloom!（明治神宮御苑の菖蒲田、今見頃を迎えています!）
English 日本語 Meiji Jingu Gyoen is a historic garden that has existed since before Meiji Jingu was built.Every June, the Japanese irises in its iris field come into bloom.There are around 1,500 irises in about 150 different varieties!Th...
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