Mie

Today was my dad's birthday and we rented a van to head out to Mie. It was a cloudy day so it wasn't too hot. After a brief stop at one of the checkpoints, we arrived at Futamiokitama Shrine, where the famous Meteoiwa was. The wedded rocks were very impressive and we even got to see a traditional Shinto wedding happening. We walked along the coast line to get a closer look at the rocks. There was also a Shinto ritual we could partake by taking these straw pretzels and putting them on our bodies and offering it to the shrine. It is said that they would get all the bad things inside of us so of course I had to try it. We walked to the edge before realizing it was a dead end so we went back and took some more photos at another look out point near the bay.

Our next stop was the Mikimoto Pearl Island. A tiny island with amazing views of the sea. We first stopped by the Pearl Museum thought the main draw for this place are the Ama, the women divers of Japan. Similar to the Haenyeo of Jeju Island in South Korea, these women fearlessly free-dive into the ocean to collect pearls from oysters. Hence, the Pearl Museum. We learned a lot about the cultivation and harvesting of pearls as we walked around the various halls and floors. When it was time to finally see the Ama in action, I can safely say I was thoroughly impressed with how they just seemingly dive in and pop out carrying the ocean's bounty.

We had lunch at the only restaurant on the island where most of the food was once again oyster-themed. Satisfied with a good lunch, it was time to complete the final leg of the journey. A pilgrimage to Ise Grand Shrine.

Ise Grand Shrine was unique as it had both an outer shrine and an inner shrine. The correct pilgrimage route had us start on the outer (Geku) where we first walked on the left side. Going inside the cool forest was a very fun experience for my mom as she enjoyed nature. The shrines here were constructed differently, made out of natural materials. The outer shrine's main shrine didn't allow photography inside but it was a humble one.

We walked back to the car where we were taken to the inner shrine, Naiku. We crossed the Ujibashi bridge on the right side this time and purified ourselves at Isuzu River before proceeding to the main shrine where the Shinto goddess of the sun, Amaterasu, was enshrined. I did my prayers just as I did in Geku and felt satisfied that my pilgrimage was completed. I let Jake lead us deeper into the forest where an older shrine of Amaterasu was. Here I made some personal wishes. We walked together as a family and stopped by a lake and the amulet shop where I got one for health and happiness.

We then explored the shopping district a bit before getting on the car to celebrate dad's birthday with a dinner at Hilton. The food here was exquisite and everything was really delicious. I went ahead and treated my family to show my gratitude for everything.Læs mere