Experience the Divine: Become a Shrine Maiden for a Day!
The Suita Omiya Takahama Shrine, located in Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, is a historic shrine that has been captivating visitors with its mystical atmosphere and beautiful precincts since 735 AD. What sets this shrine apart is the unique opportunity it offers for ordinary people to experience being a shrine maiden.
Voices from the Participants
Many participants report feeling lighter after the experience, and many believe they have received divine blessings. Some participants express their awe, saying, "The moment the drum sounded in the main shrine, I felt a sense of tension as I faced the gods."
What is the Shrine Maiden Experience?
The Shrine Maiden Experience is a program that allows you to immerse yourself in the world of Shinto, a world that is not easily accessible in everyday life. Participants can learn about the etiquette of shrine maidens while dressed in the same attire as professional shrine maidens. They serve by cleaning the shrine precincts and learn about the etiquette of worship. After learning the etiquette, they offer tamagushi (a type of Shinto offering) in a ceremony called Tamagushi Houten.
Flow of the Experience
The Shrine Maiden Experience lasts about 2 hours, including dressing up and commemorative photo shooting. Participants first dress in a white robe and red hakama, transforming into a dignified figure serving the gods. They then learn how to clean the shrine precincts and the correct way to perform ablutions and worship. A commemorative photo is taken on the spot, which can be sent to you at a later date.Eligibility for Participation
Any woman, regardless of age or nationality, can participate. There is no set limit on the number of participants, so you can participate alone. However, only two people can dress in the full shrine maiden attire at the same time.
Experience Fee
The fee for the Shrine Maiden Experience starts from 5,000 yen. If you choose to wear the full shrine maiden attire, the fee is 8,000 yen.Voices from the Participants
Many participants report feeling lighter after the experience, and many believe they have received divine blessings. Some participants express their awe, saying, "The moment the drum sounded in the main shrine, I felt a sense of tension as I faced the gods."
