While visiting Tsurugaoka Hachimangu I happened upon a Shinto wedding. This picture is of the bride after they are leaving the small shrine where the wedding was held. Apparently it is rare to see a wedding being held at so important a shrine. Most weddings in Japan are held in hotels.

Hotel Nakanoshima is a seaside ryōkan located on a private island in Katsuura Bay accessed via a short ferry ride from the tourist pier in Nachi-Katsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. One of the highlights of staying at the Hotel Nakanoshima is the large outdoor bath overlooking the bay. The sounds of waves on the rocks nearby, while watching the sunset over the mountains, is a wonderful experience. See also: www.hotel-nakanoshima.jp/

Hotel Nakanoshima is a seaside ryōkan located on a private island in Katsuura Bay accessed via a short ferry ride from the tourist pier in Nachi-Katsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. One of the highlights of staying at the Hotel Nakanoshima is the large outdoor bath overlooking the bay. The sounds of waves on the rocks nearby, while watching the sunset over the mountains, is a wonderful experience. See also: www.hotel-nakanoshima.jp/

a shinto priest performing a purification ceremony at a new hotel

Tokyo- Japan