Otaru Sumiyoshi Shrine !

by Kazu

Basically, before entering the premises of the sacred area of shrines in Japan, we have to wash our hands and gargle at the venue for that beside the gate to the main sacred area of shrines. But after the pandemic of covid-19 from Wuhan, China, to avoid the infection, it is prohibited to wash the hands and to gargle there. Using the hand-washing table, some of the shrines in Hokkaido decorate the place with flowers.  

Sumiyoshi Shrine in Otaru City is located on the hillside from where the port of Otaru can be seen. The shrine was established for the safe of the ocean traffic and fishery as well as the peace and prosperity of Otaru citizens.

The shrine has a monolis stone to measure the hights of kids on the same level of hand-washing area. We Japanese people have the custom to celebrate and pray for the good health and grow of kids when they become three, five and seven years old. The death rate of the children in Japan had been comparatively high before.  Kids are the treasure of the society. We should appreciate enough the low level of mortality.