Travel Photo: Japanese Pilgrims

Junrei (じゅんれい) is a Pilgrimage

 

 

Towards the end of March, this year, these pilgrims were spotted on an Okinawan highway.

A quick stop was made to get permission to take a photo and, off we went.

In mainland Japan these sort if things can be seen at many locations.

But, pilgrimages of this sort are rarely seen on this island.

It was a first, for me.  I was happy just getting a photo and, didn't ask any further questions.

A website was located with all you'd ever want to know about Japan's pilgrimages.

Some of the visits to special sites are for religious purposes.

Others, are more of a travel and tourism operation.

People can buy all the paraphernalia associated with pilgrimages at temples and shrines.

Or, the can purchase everything they need at online stores.

When someone goes on one of these excursions, they pay for stamps to be placed in a book.

That way, they have proof, that every special site was visited along the way.

The word "jun" means, to wander. And, "rei" means worship.

So, "junrei" literally means wandering worship.

What locations these pilgrims visited is an unknown at this time.

And, whether their travels were for religious or tourism reasons is anybody's guess.

Do you ever see people dressed like this where you live ?

The Most Special Rock I've Ever Seen on Okinawa

This stone is a monument, marking a spot on the east coast of Okinawa.

It is said, the creator of the Ryukyu Islands set foot on the main island, here.

Yaharazukasa is the name of this historical rock.

The tide was in when we discovered it so, I couldn't just walk over to see the whole stone.

At low tide, someday, I'll get the full picture for you.

The legendary goddess, Amamikiyo, passed through this spot, coming from Kudaka Island.

And, I have a list of all the places, she visited next.

So, some sort of pilgrimage, could be made, through this area in Nanjo City.

For those, not so interested, in pilgrim stuff, I have a surprise.

Non-pilgrims could go paragliding, right near this sacred stone !



Related Post: Paragliding in Okinawa

Off the Beaten Path to a Ritual in a Cave (Photo Essay)

10 More Photos from the Cave Tour

 

 

Little known cultural events of this sort are becoming popular.

 Travel and tourism connections, along with newsletters, keep me informed.

 Toguchi Sensei, the spiritual leader of this event, knows it as well.

When we first discovered, this ritual, it was performed, only once a year.

Tourist maps and markers, may have helped Sururu Gama become popular.

Or, it could just be word of mouth, that brought about increased interest in the event.

To accommodate the number of visitors, four cave tours have been scheduled this year.

 

 It's a good idea, to see what you're getting into before going on one of these pilgrimages.

It isn't exactly like a Sunday drive to church.

 Getting to and from, the sea level cave, takes a bit of hiking and rock climbing.

Visits are made during low tide and, you crawl, to get in there.

Here's a view of a heart-shaped hole in a rock, just outside the cave.

At half tide, this and the cave would be invisible unless, you are a diver or, snorkeler.

The cave will hold about 50 guests before becoming overcrowded.

Candles and some natural light help you navigate the interior.

The real attraction is Ayako Toguchi, performing her rituals.

She is a respected spiritual leader in the Ryukyu Islands.

 And, blesses each individual who attends the event in this cave.

There will be two more tours of this cultural event, for the year 2014.

April 13th and the 20th, are the scheduled dates.

For reservations and further information:  TEL 0980-56-2187

Japanese language or, translator are required.