The approach to the shrine was reflected in the glass of the portable shrine's storage room at Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine

Portable shrine at Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine

Passing through a large torii gate from Eitai-dori Street and proceeding along the approach to Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, I came upon a glass-walled building on my left. Looking inside through the glass, I saw two golden mikoshi (portable shrines) placed there. The storage of the portable shrines can be viewed from the outside. It would be a waste of a treasure if the magnificent mikoshi could only be seen during festivals. The mikoshi is so shiny and golden that even the gods riding in it must be pleased. It is said that not only gold and silver, but also diamonds, rubies, and other precious stones are used in abundance in this portable shrine.

Not only Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, but many other shrines have gold-painted portable shrines in their collections. This is in contrast to the rarity of a shrine's pavilions themselves being decorated with gold. In Japan, where many religious facilities are decorated in subdued tones that embody wabi-sabi, the palette of colors used for the portable shrines stands out. When I visit Southeast Asia, I see Buddhist statues and stupas decorated with gold, and I see that the local people's idea of godliness is different from the Japanese idea of godliness.

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