Japanese Photography | The Hottest Shrine in Kyoto during the Year of the Rabbit: Okazaki Shrine

The Year of the Rabbit has arrived! Japan also uses the Chinese zodiac, so 2023 will also be the Year of the Rabbit in Japan. Therefore, this year, the must-visit shrine in Kyoto is the Okazaki Shrine, also known as the "Rabbit Rabbit Shrine". ⛩️Okazaki Shrine in Kyoto Located near the Kyoto Heian Shrine, the official name of the Gokazaki Shrine is "Higashi Tenno Gokazaki Shrine". Although it appears solemn and dignified on the outside, once you enter, you will see a very cute side: the entire shrine is full of rabbit elements, and the enshrined deities also appear in the form of rabbits~ every rabbit god is so cute~ 🐰Bunny elements in the shrine ✨The lanterns at the entrance of the shrine are painted with rabbit images that resemble brush paintings. With just a few strokes, the rabbits are vividly and cutely depicted. ✨On the red shelf opposite the main shrine, there are many small white clay rabbits placed, which is a popular spot for taking photos on the internet. ✨Whether it's the stone pillars inside the temple or the corners of the courtyard, they are filled with rabbit stone carvings, each one round and chubby, especially cute. 🐰Shrine Blessings 👉Because rabbits symbolize fertility, the Okazaki Shrine is a famous shrine in Kyoto for praying for children and safe childbirth. 👉The hand-washing house here has a unique black rabbit. After washing your hands, scoop water and pour it on the black rabbit's body, then touch its belly, and you will receive the blessing of the gods for a smooth childbirth. 👉On both sides of the main hall of the shrine, there are "bonding rabbits" raising their left hands and "wealth-attracting rabbits" raising their right hands. ⛩️Worship at a shrine ✨Requesting a fortune-telling stick Here, the fortune-telling sticks are rabbit-shaped. When seeking a fortune, choose a rabbit that you like and pull out the paper from its bottom. If it's a good fortune, take the rabbit and the paper with you. If it's a bad fortune, leave the stick and the rabbit at the shrine to avoid misfortune. ✨Rabbit Draws a Horse The painted horse with a rabbit image is also a major feature of the shrine. Write your beautiful wishes on the painting and you can immediately pray for the blessing of the rabbit god. 🌈Practical information ✨Name: Higashitennozan Okazaki Shrine 📍Address: 51 East Tennocho, Okazaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 🕐Opening hours: 9:00~17:00 Japan Travel | Kyoto Travel | Kyoto Photography | Kyoto Shrines | Kyoto Photoshoot | Must-Visit Spots in Kyoto | Heian Shrine | Okazaki Shrine | Rabbit Year Photoshoot in Kyoto