In Japan, shrines are sacred places that were built to attract Shinto kami or spirits from nature. Dating back 2000 years, there are estimated to be more than 100,000 Shinto shrines in Japan that people visit to pay respect to the kami or pray for good fortune. Today, approximately 106 million people in Japan are followers of Shinto.
We caught up with Tatsuro, a cyclist who lives in Shimonoseki, the westernmost city on Japan’s main island. Tatsuro has visited and prayed at shrines for much of his life. But until recently, he never really thought about the spiritual role his bicycle might play in his visits to shrines.
Here’s Tatsuro’s story:
It’s rather amazing how it all started. I have always liked bicycles and shrines. However, I never had the money to buy a good bicycle, so until last year I was riding a small, cheap folding bicycle. Even though the bicycle wasn’t ideal, I liked riding around on it and I could go to places nearby.
After some time, I discovered a shrine nearby where I live that I could easily go to with my folding bicycle. So, I started going often to this shrine and I prayed every time I went. In Japan, there is a custom called “gankake,” which refers to making a wish to a spirit. When I pray, I always wish for my family’s safety, but last year I also started wishing for a new bicycle.
Located in the castle town of Chofu, it has been worshiped by the common people as the god of victory, and the god of safe childbirth. Tatsuro cycles to the shrine while sightseeing in a historic town. (photo credit: Tatsuro)
Then, strangely enough, not long afterwards, I had enough money to buy a new bicycle. To be more precise, my circumstances changed. I started a new job and also had more time to ride my bicycle. Before, with my old job, I didn’t have enough money to afford a new bike. I also didn’t have time to ride my bike because I was working all the time. But now I can ride my new bike to work, and also have time to ride on my days off.
I believe that God granted my wish. So, I decided that I should give back something in return for my wish being granted. I came up with the idea to ride my bicycle to as many shrines in my region as I can and to create a website that will showcase the shrines in my region. I don’t know how long it will take me, but I plan to visit all the major shrines in the area and collect photos and write about them. Of course, I will also pray when I visit these shrines and wish for more good luck.
