Now, we are in Honden area. The building in the center is called “Maidono”, a place for Shinto events. When we visited there, a couple was having a wedding ceremony. The Shinto priest told us that Matsuzaka, a pitcher of Major League, had wedding in Mishima Taisha Shrine, too.
In front of the Honden main hall, actually we call it “Haiden”, you know what we do, right ? Yes, toss coins and “bow twice, clap twice and bow once again”. Be sure you pray for the safety of your family or passing the exam, whatever, before the last bow.

In “Mishima Taisha Shrine Formal Visit Tour”, you can get inside the Haiden hall to have a traditional ritual by Shinto priests. We did, as well. It seemed to have taken every evil fortune away from me to have a happy new-year. After the ritual, you will get a talisman and others as in the picture. This talisman is one of our cultures. We put it on the wall of the room to pray every day instead of visiting the shrine.
Getting out of the Haiden hall, the priest took us to the back of Honden main hall, regarded as one of the most sacred places in the shrine, where general visitors can’t get in. Pictures not allowed. He told us, at the center of the backyard, that this is the gate for Konohana-no-sakuyahimeno-mikoto, the god of Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine and also the daughter of the god in Mishima Taisha, Oyamatsumi-no-mikoto.
So, gods have families.＾＾；

At the end of the tour, you will be guided to the Museum. On our way, he showed us a huge tree of orange osmanthus, designated as a natural treasure. It is said to have been there for more than 1200 years but not one of the 7 trees. It is quite mysterious that the criteria for 7 trees, 7 stones and 8 alleys have not been yet clarified. I’m sure it will give off fascinating scent at the end of summer.＾＾
So, the Museum. The admission is included in the tour fee. No payment. Please find the historically valuable materials and feel the history of Mishima as long as you like.

By the way, Mishima Taisha Shrine has 2 sources of water. One is from Mt. Fuji, which is definitely drinkable. And the other is from Hakone, which is not somehow. Interesting, isn’t it ?＾＾
After the museum, we had a specialty of Mishima Taisha Shrine at a Japanese Teahouse. Fukutaro, rice cake mixed with tansy with bean paste, is very popular and famous in Mishima. Only ¥200 for 2 sticks, coming with green tea ! You can also buy them for souvenirs. It’s very nice they accept payment by Tsumamigui-ticket.＾＾

So, how do you like this tour ? Mishima is only within an hour from Tokyo. Please visit Mishima Taisha Shrine for the Tour or Hatsumode. In the tour, you will have a help in English, Chinese or Korean, if the staff of Mishima Tourist Association is available. For further information, please contact Mishima Tourist Association.

Have a good day !＾＾

Mishima Taisha Shrine
Access from JR Mishima Station ： 15 minute walk
Open Hours ： 7 days a week
“Mishima Taisha Shrine Formal Visit Tour”
Tour Fee ： ¥800 ( Museum admission included )

“Shizuoka Guide” is our official English blog website for events & sightseeing. Always with you ! ＾＾