Recently, I started running and noticed the abundance of buildings around my neighborhood. I also observed that there are many temples and shrines located within residential areas.
As many Japanese do, I just visit a temple at the end of year, and a shrine at the beginning of year. Japanese people are often thought to be non-religious and lacking in deep faith, as evidenced by the fact that individuals like myself visit both Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines at least once a year.
Shrines and temples are not only beautiful, but can also provide a sense of energy, which we refer to as a “power spot.” By making a power spot the destination of your run, you can feel refreshed while also improving your health through exercise.
My destination of the shrine is Suwa Shrine in Yanaka, Tokyo. Suwa Shrine is a god of the son of Okuninushi from Izumo, and has the character of a water god. It is also known as a god who did not give up until the end in the myth Kuniyuzuri. Various benefits such as praying for victory, traffic safety, business prosperity, good health and longevity, and safe childbirth can be obtained.
You will see a pair of komainu, stone statue in the shape of a dog that is placed in the precincts of shrines and temples. Generally, the one placed on the left is considered to be a female dog, and the one placed on the right is considered to be a male dog. Komainu are said to be placed to protect people entering and leaving the precincts from evil spirits.
