Because having seen a Shinto shrine in a Japanese animes and mangas so I wanted to go visit to worship there for some time.
particularly the scene where the main girl character goes for a New Year’s prayer to a Shinto shrine with the boy whom she like is romantic!

I went to Hakone-jinja Shrine today, yes, at last my wish came true!
Hakone-jinja Shrine is built on the mountain. The place is full of green from a distance. Shrine is facing to Lake Ashino one of the tourist spot.
Air feels very clean probably maybe because we are now away from the noises of the cities. It feels refreshing when I take a deep breath.
A stunning cinnabar red gate is beautiful. The place is considered to be the border between God’s world and the human world. So, I passed the gate and entered into the God’s world.

Japanese cedars in an approach is quite high and old, it is said that the age of 800 years old.

This cedar is 35 meters tall and 1,200 years old. This tree was chosen and listed as best 100 of Tree of Kanagawa.

Washing hands and gargle in a small water pavilion with ladles are needed before entering the spiritual area.
Do you know a way of the proper worship, everybody?

A Shrine names Nine head Dragon Kings next to Hakone-jinja Shrine is very popular. It is said that nine dragons here can bring you a good match. Sometimes young girls make a long queue to worship. This is my chance, can’t miss it!
If you too want a good match, come for worship!

All the buildings are red.

As well as other Shinto shrines, here is a place for fortune‐telling.
It was Chu-kichi. Meaning pretty good?
“The marriage proposal” is written in one column, “Wait for you to give me a hand to it”
It should be really so. . .

I bought the votive tablet filled with words of blessing and displayed it.
Even though I’m not a Japanese, well, Japanese God will protect me and hear me out.

Seeing from the distance, Lake Ashino in front of the Shinto shrine dazzles and is very beautiful.

Water is very clear if you take a close look. I can see stones and sands on the bottom and I can even see the glasses which someone dropped! . .

Nine dragons is supposed to live in Lake Ashino
From the end of July to the beginning of August, there take place lots of festivals and events here and seems to become very lively for a while.
There is fireworks display, too!
Don’t you think it ve-ry romantic to watch fireworks in a yukata (summer kimono)?

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