Isaniwa Shrine is very much a ‘working shrine’. Whenever you visit, you’re likely to encounter some sort of ceremony going on, whether it’s a Shinto wedding, or a blessing for a newborn child. Casual visitors can also be seen dropping by and making a quick obeisance.

You can enter the shrine freely and walk around the colonnade that encloses the buildings. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting when a wedding is being held, you can glimpse the bride and groom in their kimonos, and the kannushi in his white robe through the bars of the colonnade.

In fact, there’s nothing to stop you mingling with the other guests and enjoying the sight of the two families lined up facing each other in their formal black suits and kimonos.

 

Approach to Isaniwa Jinja