Our hour-long trek to Sumiyoshi-taisha, one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines, was more of a work out session than a scenic stroll. The path wasn’t exactly postcard-worthy, and we passed through a district where the vibe was less ‘historic charm’ and more ‘gritty reality.’ Tiny houses, and while there was no visible trash, there was an unmistakable air of struggle and resilience. 💔 The highlight of that leg? Stumbling upon a big Life supermarket where we loaded up on some very tasty baked goods for lunch. Because nothing lifts the spirit like tasty pastry.
- The shrine itself? Absolutely worth it. Big, beautiful, and dripping in Shinto elegance. (Shinto is the indigenous faith of the Japanese people and is the major religion followed by Buddhism.) We even caught a glimpse of families with kids in traditional Japanese outfits snapping photos after what looked like a dedication ceremony. Adorable outfits, wholesome vibes.
- WoD: A torii is a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine, where it symbolically marks the transition from the mundane to the sacred, and a spot where kami are welcomed and thought to travel through.
