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Shrine HistoryThe original shrine was founded in 1818 (Edo era). The shrine today was established in 1871 during the Meiji era of restoration.

The shrine is believed to be very lucky. If you visit on the fifth day of the month it is believed to be very lucky. Especially, if you visit on the fifth day of May when the Deities celebrate.

The shrine visit has you approach the fountain area first. Get a cup then fill it with water. Pour water on the left hand with your right

hand, switch hands and pour over your right hand. Pour some water into your hand and rise your mouth and spit it out and the last bit of water in the cup pour over the hand that touched your mouth.

The fountain like the one below is usually close to the main entrance of all shrines.

kAt the Tokyo SuitenguShrine

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This is the front of the shrine. Also the way I way I take back to the building everyday.

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The traditional homage area will look like this. You would approach, bow, clap, toss some money, clap twice (to get the Deities attention because you credit) and then ring the bell.

People at this shrine get in line to ring the bell and toss some money. But they also line up to pet the dog and the pup for luck and family. They also touch the head of the strange money boy statue.

There are charms are sold at the shrine. Ya ku yo ke (is a charm to protect from evil). Some other charms are mainly for women.

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As you can see. It is the same day.

I’m at the Palace grounds.

I have an appointment to visit June 30

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The palace grounds are like a park. The statue area has a place to buy ice-cream, souvenirs, and rest.

Walking away from the Palace you will find the Tokyo International Forum. They have shops, food, shows, conferences, and twice a month a flea market. Some stuff is very American- They sell clothing, Betty Boob dolls, and nick-nacks.

The Peacock is my closest grocery store. You buy milk, eggs, lettuce (no ice-burg), package meat, vegetables.

For detergent, plastic/ paper plates, and ice-cream you need a connivence store.

For shampoo, body wash, hair product, and basic grooming you need the pharmacy or a beauty shop.

For DVD, shavers, irons, TV, and electronics you need a BIC store.

I did find a vending machine with Pepsi. Yes, soda is a vending machine or connivence store purchase.

However, Pepsi is rare to find.Japan seems to be a Coke country. The coke is so bitter.

Dr. Pepper is in some machines and tastes a lot better than Pepsi and Coke. It has some sweetness. Most drinks are very room temperature and bitter in taste.

I have been drinking a lot of mineral water

That paper cup is the EX-Large size.

To find a Post Office station is simple. Look for the orange and white Jp (Japan post).

Walk through the doors and look at the counter. There will be a machine counter with slips of paper with numbers.

The numbers are called out, but the machine puts up the number being called.

Pay and leave...

They also have postal saving accounts that people can use but the ATM is in the building and is only available during working hoursof Tuesday through Saturday 10 am-6 pm.

The Peacock grocery store has it’s own shrine. It is a simple walk in/out shrine for busy people.

This is a typical neighborhood shrine. People from the area would go there to pray, pay homage, give respect, and introduce new members of the family.