In secular Japan, what draws so many to temples and shrines? Stamp collecting and tradition

In secular Japan, what draws so many to temples and shrines? Stamp collecting and tradition | The Asahi Shimbun Asia & Japan Watch

Almost weekly Momo Nomura makes time to visit Shinto shrines. She performs the prescribed rituals — cleansing her hands, ringing a bell, bowing and clapping. But her main purpose is getting a Goshuin, a stamp with elegant calligraphy that shrines provide for a fee to certify the visit.

In secular Japan, what draws so many to temples and shrines? Stamp collecting and tradition

TOKYO (AP) — Almost weekly Momo Nomura makes time to visit Shinto shrines . She performs the prescribed rituals — cleansing her hands, ringing a bell, bowing and clapping.

In secular Japan, what draws so many to temples and shrines? Stamp collecting and tradition

TOKYO (AP) — Almost weekly Momo Nomura makes time to visit Shinto shrines . She performs the prescribed rituals — cleansing her hands, ringing a bell, bowing and clapping.

In secular Japan, what draws so many to temples and shrines? Stamp collecting and tradition

TOKYO (AP) — Almost weekly Momo Nomura makes time to visit Shinto shrines . She performs the prescribed rituals — cleansing her hands, ringing a bell, bowing and clapping.

In secular Japan, what draws so many to temples and shrines? Stamp collecting and tradition

MARI YAMAGUCHI Associated Press TOKYO (AP) — Almost weekly Momo Nomura makes time to visit Shinto shrines. She performs the prescribed rituals — cleansing her hands, ringing a bell, bowing and clapping. But her main purpose is getting a Goshuin, a stamp with elegant calligraphy that shrines provide for a fee to certify the visit. She loves the stamps, which she began collecting during the pandemic. One with blue hydrangeas got her started. “Beca…

In secular Japan, what draws so many to temples and shrines? Stamp collecting and tradition

TOKYO (AP) — Almost weekly Momo Nomura makes time to visit Shinto shrines . She performs the prescribed rituals — cleansing her hands, ringing a bell, bowing and clapping.