Thank you for choosing our tour at Asakusa on October 4. We welcomed 18 guests from Germany, Australia, UK, Bolivia, France,Brazil and Czech Republic. I hope all of you enjoyed and shared interesting conversations with us during the tour. As promised, group photos and snapshots are attached to remember the fun times we had.
The Asakusa Lantern Festival will be held from October 4th to October 11th. Lanterns will be lit from sunset to 9:30pm for a week from the 4th. It’s a truly fantastical festival. If you have time, be sure to check it out.
“October is called Kami-nazuki” (Month without Gods)
So if we go to a shrine in October, will there be no gods there?
It was believed that the eight million gods from all over Japan would gather in Izumo Province (present-day Shimane Prefecture) once a year to hold meetings to discuss matchmaking and other matters.
As a result, it is said that in areas outside of Izumo Province, this month came to be called “Kannazuki” (Month without Gods) because the gods are absent.
However, in Izumo Province, where the gods gather, this month is called “Kamiarizuki” (Month with Gods
Don’t worry,it’s okay to visit shrines during Kannazuki.
Kami’s alter egos and spirits: It is believed that gods can divide their “alter egos” among many shrines. Since the gods who gather in Izumo are not the original gods but their alter egos, the original gods are present at shrines across the country and protect the people.
Rejecting the interpretation that “gods are absent”: Kannazuki is said to be the month when gods from all over the country gather in Izumo to hold meetings, but this interpretation does not mean that “gods are absent from shrines.” At many shrines, it is believed that the gods are never absent.
Once again, thank you so much for joining us on our tour. We always make efforts to
improve our tours and highly appreciate your feedback on our TripAdvisor/Facebook
etc. Your comments motivate us to continue our volunteer activities. Please tell your
family and friends about how you enjoyed our tour. Next time you’re in Tokyo, please
join another one of our tours East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine/Harajuku and Ueno Park. We’d love to see you again.
(by Katsu)