Which Shrines in Tokyo Offer the Chinowa Ring Kuguri Ritual? Learn About the Etiquette and Origins Before You Visit!

Chinowa ring (made of straw) Kuguri Ritual is a ritual held at shrines to pray for good health and is often accompanied by purification ceremonies. Originating from the myth of Susanoo no Mikoto, this tradition is deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

In this article, we thoroughly explore the etiquette, origins, and important precautions for participating in the Chinowa ring Kuguri ritual. We also provide detailed information about 9 shrines in Tokyo where you can experience this sacred ritual.

Check out essential details like access and visiting hours before you head out, and make the most of this unique cultural experience!

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A Complete Guide to the Etiquette of Chinowa Kuguri and Shrines in Tokyo Offering This Ritual!

Have you ever heard of the Chinowa ring Kuguri ritual, performed at shrines alongside purification ceremonies? This traditional ritual, which involves passing through a straw ring to pray for good health, is also practiced at shrines across Tokyo.

In this article, we’ll provide detailed information about Chinowa ring Kuguri, including its etiquette, origins, and other essential knowledge to help you prepare. Additionally, we’ve thoroughly researched nine shrines in Tokyo where you can experience this sacred ritual.

What Exactly is Chinowa Ring Kuguri? And When Can You Experience It?

A type of ritual implement used in the Shinto ceremony known as Ōharae (Great Purification)

The Chinowa ring (made of straw) used in the Chinowa Kuguri ritual is a type of sacred implement featured in the Ōharae ceremonies held at shrines. In Japan, where there is a long-standing custom of purifying mental and physical impurities through rituals, the Ōharae is a large-scale purification ceremony performed nationwide.

The Chinowa ring is a large shimenawa (sacred straw rope) approximately 1.9 meters in diameter, made from strawes of the Poaceae family.

Held every June and December

The Ōharae Ceremony is held twice a year, in June and December. The June purification is known as Nagoshi no Harae (Summer Purification), while the December purification is called Toshikoshi no Harae (Year-End Purification). These ceremonies are performed to cleanse the impurities accumulated over the past six months and to pray for safety and well-being in the coming half-year.

Discover the Origins and History of Chinowa Kuguri

Its origin comes from the myth of Susanoo no Mikoto.

A long time ago, while on a journey, Susanoo no Mikoto met two brothers named Sominshorai and Kotanshorai. Kotanshorai, who lived a wealthy life, refused to offer him shelter, but Sominshorai, who lived in poverty, welcomed him with warm hospitality.

Several years later, Susanoo no Mikoto visited Sominshorai’s house again and imparted wisdom to him: “If a terrible disease ever spreads, make a ring out of straw and wear it around your waist to protect yourself from illness.” As the story goes, the descendants of Sominshorai prospered, while the family of Kotanshorai perished.

This myth gave rise to the custom of wearing a ring made of straw around one’s waist as a talisman to ward off evil spirits, a practice called Sominshorai. It is also said to be the origin of the traditional ritual of Chinowa ring Kuguri, where people pass through a large straw ring for purification and protection.

How the Tradition of Passing Through Chinowa Ring Began?

Originally, Chinowa ring was about the size of a waist, but it is believed that the true identity of Susanoo no Mikoto is connected to how it became the larger size we see today and evolved into a ritual for passing through.

The true identity of Susanoo no Mikoto is said to be a dragon god who was commanded to rule the sea. According to ancient Chinese texts, the original form of the dragon god is thought to be a mizuchi, a type of serpent.

Chinowa ring represents a coiled mizuchi and serves as a symbolic form of Susanoo no Mikoto. The giant shimenawa ropes at shrines are also symbols of the dragon god, transformed from Chinowa ring.

It is said that encircling sacred trees at shrines with shimenawa ropes and then tying them into a loop carries spiritual significance, such as creating a sacred barrier.

In other words, during the Ōharae (Great Purification), passing through Chinowa ring made of shimenawa—representing a form of Susanoo no Mikoto—is a way of praying for the visit of the powerful deity and seeking his protection.

A shrine in Tokyo where you can pass through a grass ring ① Tokyo Daijingu

Tokyo's Oise-sama*, Known as a Shrine That Brings Good Luck in Matchmaking (*a nickname for this shrine inspired by the famous Ise Grand Shrine)

Oise-sama in Tokyo was founded in 1880 and is dedicated to amaterasu and Toyouke. It was the first shrine in Japan to hold a Shinto wedding ceremony and is also known for its blessings in matchmaking.

Chinowa ring Kuguri is set up once a year on June 30th during the summer purification ceremony (Nagoshi no Ōharae) and remains available for several days. Visitors can pray by passing through Chinowa ring outside the festival hours.

Access/Visiting hours

Visiting hours are from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, and awards are held from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Access: 5 minutes walk from Iidabashi Station on the JR Chuo Line, Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, Namboku Line, Tozai Line, Toei Oedo Line, approximately 30 minutes by taxi from Haneda Airport, Tokyo Monorail, JR Yamanote Line, It takes about 1 hour to transfer on the JR Chuo/Sobu Line.

Shrine in Tokyo where you can pass through a grass ring ② Kanda Myojin

Myojin Shrine boasts a history of 1300 years

Kanda Myojin Shrine was founded in 730. The official name of the shrine is Kanda Shrine, which has been affectionately known as "Myojin-sama" since ancient times as the guardian deity of 108 areas in central Tokyo, including Kanda, Nihonbashi, and Otemachi. The deities enshrined are Onamuchi no Mikoto, Sukunahikona no Mikoto, and Taira no Masakado no Mikoto, and are said to be the gods of matchmaking, prosperous business, warding off evil spirits, and family harmony. It will benefit you. You are free to attend Chinowa ring Kuguri, which is held twice a year in June and December, and you can receive a large purification card for an entry fee of 1,000 yen, while a Chinowa ring amulet costs from 3,000 yen.

Access/Visiting hours

You can visit the shrine 24 hours a day, and the presentation hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. How to get there: 5 minutes walk from Ochanomizu Station (Hijiribashi Exit) on the JR Chuo Line/Sobu Line, 5 minutes walk from Ochanomizu Station (Exit 1) on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, 1 minute walk from Kanda Myojin Stop on the Toei Bus, etc. Details below).

Shrine in Tokyo where you can pass through a grass ring ③ Shiba Daijingu

Oise-sama in the Kanto region, which has been around since the Heian period

Shiba Daijingu Shrine was built in 1005 during the reign of Emperor Ichijo. The deities enshrined at Ise Grand Shrine, amaterasu and Toyouke, are enshrined as the main deities, and have been popular as Kanto's Oise-sama since ancient times. Chigibako is famous for its benefits such as matchmaking and prosperous business, and Chigibako is widely known as a talisman for good relationships. Chinowa ring Kuguri is held following Ōharae (Great Purification), which is held once a year in June, and if you wish to participate, you will need to apply at the company's application desk, by phone, fax, or email.

Access/Visiting hours

Visiting hours are from 9:00 to 17:00. Access: 2 minutes walk from exit A6 of Daimon Station on the Toei Asakusa Line and Oedo Line, 5 minutes walk from the north exit of Hamamatsucho Station on the JR Yamanote Line and Keihin Tohoku Line, and 5 minutes walk from Onarimon Station on the Toei Mita Line. . If using the JR Shinkansen, it takes about 12 minutes by taxi from Tokyo Station, about 10 minutes from Shinagawa Station, and about 18 minutes from Haneda Airport by monorail to Hamamatsucho Station, then a 5-minute walk from the station.

Shrine in Tokyo where you can pass through a grass ring ④ Kameido Tenjin Shrine

Seasonal flower festival

A shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, founded in 1662. Visitors are entertained by the flowers that bloom in full bloom throughout the year in the precincts, including over 300 plum trees, the mysterious wisteria reflected in Shinjiike Pond, and plums and chrysanthemums that are said to have been favored by Lord Suga. Chinowa ring Kuguri is held once a year on June 25th, and you are free to participate.

Access/Visiting hours

The precincts are open 24 hours a day, but the main hall is only open for worship from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additionally, the gates open at 6:00 on New Year's Eve and close at 9:00 pm on New Year's Day. Access: 15 minutes walk from the north exit of Kameido Station on the JR Sobu Line, 15 minutes walk from the north exit of Kinshicho Station on the JR Sobu Line and Hanzomon Subway Line. During the Wisteria Festival, the temple is illuminated to coincide with the best time to see the flowers, and you can walk around the precincts in about 20 minutes.

Shrine in Tokyo where you can pass through a grass ring ⑤ Namiyoke Shrine

Namiyoke Inari Srine Is Popular for Its Beautiful Paper-Cut Red Stamps.

Namiyoke Shrine is dedicated to Inari Okami, the deity who calmed the turbulent waves of the Edo period. Affectionately known as Namiyoke Inari Srine, the shrine is believed to bring blessings such as warding off evil spirits, protection from disasters, and success in business.

During the Summer Festival, held annually on the weekend around June 10th, the area transforms into a lively celebration with festival stalls lining the path from the shrine to the main street. From the first day of the festival until the purification ceremony, a Chinowa ring (made of straw) is set up in the shrine grounds, allowing visitors to participate in the Chinowa ring Kuguri ritual.

Additionally, the cut-out shuin (red seal stamps) distributed exclusively during this period are a hit with tourists and make for a unique keepsake.

Access/Visiting hours

You can visit the shrine 24 hours a day, and awards are held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Access: 7 minutes walk from Tsukiji Station on the Eidan Hibiya Line, 5 minutes walk from Tsukiji-shijo Station on the Toei Oedo Line, and 3 minutes walk from Tsukiji 6-chome bus stop on the Toei Bus.

Shrine in Tokyo where you can pass through a grass ring ⑥ Jakubo Shrine

Snake Day is the festival day of the white snake.

This shrine was founded in 1322 and enshrined amaterasu, amenokoyane, and Emperor Ojin as its deities. The shrine grounds also enshrine Hakuja Daijin (White Snake) and Hebikubo Ryujin (Snake Hollow), and the Snake Day, which is the festival day of the White Snake, who is said to be a divine messenger, is considered an auspicious day and is visited by many worshipers. During the Summer Purification Ceremony held on June 30th, a grass ring is set up in front of the shrine building from June 30th to July 7th, and you can also walk through the grass ring. The purification ritual starts at 6:00 P.M. in both June and December.

Access/Visiting hours

Visiting hours are from 9:00 to 17:00. Access: 5 minutes walk from Nakanobu Station on the Toei Asakusa Line, 6 minutes walk from Nakanobu Station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line, and 8 minutes walk from Nishi-Oi Station on the JR Yokosuka Line. It is a 12-minute walk from Togoshi Koen Station (formerly Jakubo Station) on the Tokyu Oimachi Line (a good-luck worship course named the White Snake's Return Path).

Shrine in Tokyo where you can pass through a grass ring ⑦ Akasaka Hikawa Shrine

A lush shrine surrounded by a sacred forest

Founded in 951, this shrine is surrounded by lush greenery and was built by Tokugawa Yoshimune. The deities enshrined are Susanoo no Mikoto, Kushiinada Hime no Mikoto, and Omunaji no Mikoto. Coinciding with the Great Summer Purification Ceremony to be held on June 30th, a grass ring is set up at the torii gate several days in advance, and those in attendance are served Nagoshi Gohan, which resembles Chinowa and consists of round summer vegetables placed on top of multigrain rice. Chinowa ring Kuguri offering fee is from 1,000 yen.

Access/Visiting hours

Visiting hours are 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and presentation hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Access: 7 minute walk from Akasaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, 8 minute walk from Roppongi Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, 8 minute walk from Roppongi Station on the Toei Oedo Line, 11 minute walk from Roppongi 1-chome Station on the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line. 13 minutes walk from Tameike-Sanno Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.

Shrine in Tokyo where you can pass through a grass ring ⑧ Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine

A shrine known as the birthplace of sumo

Founded in 1627, this shrine is the birthplace of sumo and enshrines Emperor Ojin as its deity. During the Summer Purification Ceremony held on June 30th, a large grass ring with a diameter of 3 meters handmade by Shinto priests and staff is set up on the approach to the shrine, and visitors can worship through the grass ring for several days after the ceremony. For a limited time, Chinowa ring Kuguri offering fee is from 500 yen.

Access/Visiting hours

You can visit the shrine 24 hours a day, and the presentation time is from 9:00 to 17:00. Access: 3 minutes walk from Monzen-Nakacho Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, 6 minutes walk from Monzen-Nakacho Station on the Toei Oedo Line, 15 minutes walk from Etchujima Station on the JR Keiyo Line, 15 minutes by car from JR Tokyo Station. It is 20-30 minutes by car from Haneda Airport.

Tokyo shrine where you can pass through a grass ring ⑨Nogi Shrine

A shrine dedicated to a couple who were loyal to Emperor Meiji

This shrine is dedicated to Maresuke Nogi no Mikoto, a general of the Imperial Japanese Army during the Meiji period, and his wife, Shizuko Nogi no Mikoto. Maresuke, who played an active role in the Russo-Japanese War, is known as the god of victory, and also as the god of matchmaking because a married couple is enshrined here. For the Minazuki Great Purification Ceremony, which is held on June 30th, a Chinowa ring is set up in the shrine precincts several days in advance, and visitors can pray while passing through the straw ring. The Chinowa Kuguri offering fee for the Minazuki Great Purification Ceremony is 2,000 yen per family (as of the 2019 ceremony).

Access/Visiting hours

Visiting hours are 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and presentation hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Access: Right from Exit 1 of Nogizaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, 6 minutes walk from Roppongi Station on the Toei Oedo Line, and approximately 40 minutes by car from Haneda Airport.

Etiquette for passing through a grass ring and praying to the gods (Tonae Kotoba)

Basic etiquette for passing through a grass ring

The etiquette for passing through a grass ring is to pass through a figure eight three times while chanting sacred prayers.

On the first lap, bow in front of you, step over the grass ring with your left foot, and return to the front in a counterclockwise direction.
On the second lap, bow in front, step over the grass ring with your right foot, and return to the front in a clockwise direction.
On the third lap, bow in front of you, step over the grass ring with your left foot, and return to the front in a counterclockwise direction.
Bow in front of the shrine and step over the grass ring with your left foot to pray.

A commonly used sacred prayer that goes through Chinowa Ring Kuguri.

Prayer is chanted silently. Commonly used sacred words are "To purification, to purification, to protection, to happiness"(Harae tamae, Kiyome tamae, Mamori tamahe, Sakiwae tamae).

Points to note when passing through grass grass rings

Please note that the procedures for Chinowa ring Kuguri and praying to the gods differ depending on the shrine.

We have introduced commonly used Shinto prayers, but since each shrine enshrines a different deity, the Shinto prayers also vary. Please note that the words chanted may be different each time you go around, and during busy times you may only be able to do one lap.

Please Do Not Take the Thatch Home With You

After passing through the grass ring, pulling the grass out of the ring and taking it home with you will not bring you blessings, but will bring back impurity. Please be careful not to take any grass home with you.

The Ritual of Hitogata: How to Use Paper Dolls in the Ōharae Ceremony, Just Like in Chinowa ring Kuguri

Paper Doll Ritual Etiquette

Some shrines perform the purification of dolls (Hitogata). The doll etiquette is that the priest writes the name, age, and gender on the doll, and blows on it three times to instill a soul in it, and the priest burns it. You can exorcise the impurities and sins that have accrued over the past six months. Even if you can't go to the shrine in person, some shrines accept orders by mail, so if you live far away, why not check the website of each shrine.

Let's reset the impurity of half a year

How was that? Chinowa ring Kuguri ritual is a meaningful purification practice, held at many shrines in Tokyo, to reset and cleanse yourself of impurities from the past six months. Why not join this ritual, learn the simple etiquette for praying, and start the next half of the year feeling refreshed and renewed?