Title:
Japanese Shrines, Fukuoka, Kyushu, Japan.
Caption:
Inside the grounds of many Japanese Shinto temples or shrines, there
is a small water source, usually under an ornately carved awning. People
purify themselves by washing their hands with a hishaku wooden ladle .
This practice is called okiyome. Okiyome is also used in various
religious or healing rituals.
Today many young people do not practice devout Shintoism. Most visit
temples to enjoy the beautiful gardens and for photo opportunities on
special occasions.
