In The Presence of Shinto

Pass through the torii gate into the sacred grounds of a historic Kanazawa shrine for a private 90-minute immersion in Shinto. Guided by Yuki-san, a Shinto priest whose lineage has cared for shrines in Kanazawa for over a thousand years, you experience the shrine during the stillness of the early morning or the soft glow of the late afternoon, outside regular visiting hours. In addition to a brief grounding in core Shinto beliefs, you walk the grounds, among the branch shrines and ancient architecture, hearing the stories connected to them. In the main building, you learn the symbolic significance of priest and miko attire, as well as ritual instruments used in ceremonies and festivals. You take part in a short purification and blessing ceremony in the worship hall. Yuki-san introduces you to Kaga Hachiman Okiagari, a traditional talisman that embodies the Kanazawa spirit of resilience and gratitude — and you witness him create a goshuin, sacred calligraphy commemorating your visit.

This experience goes beyond typical sightseeing by offering direct access to a 26th-generation guardian of a living tradition in an English-led setting. For the intellectually curious traveler, its value lies in the depth of the conversation and the rare opportunity to ask nuanced, thoughtful questions about Shinto’s place in Japanese culture and contemporary life. What makes the experience especially memorable is its multi-layered nature. By visiting during quiet hours, you experience the shrine and its kami in a more tranquil and authentic atmosphere. Walking through the grounds, encountering the spaces and objects being discussed, and engaging in open conversation with Yuki-san make the experience feel more immersive and personal. Furthermore, participation in this experience helps support the physical upkeep of the shrine and the preservation of the traditions it carries forward, as well as the continued legacy of a family that has protected these grounds for centuries.

Yukimasa Atsumi is a 26th-generation Shinto priest at Yasue Hachimangu Shrine in Kanazawa where his family lineage has cared for shrines in the city for over a thousand years. Through dialogue, ritual and storytelling, he helps people encounter the spiritual, cultural and human dimensions of Shinto in a way that feels personal, thoughtful and grounded. A former schoolteacher who has also lived in Australia and Sweden, Yuki-san speaks excellent English. Through the International Administration of Jinja Honcho (Association of Shinto Shrines), he has guided foreign diplomats and ambassadors to Ise Grand Shrine and shrines across Japan and has participated in international religious conferences. With deep roots in shrine life and an international perspective, he shares Shinto not as an abstract subject, but as a living part of Japanese daily life. Through his work, he takes part in important moments in people’s lives, from prayers for safe childbirth to weddings and seasonal festivals.

Socks are recommended, as shoes may be removed in certain areas. The experience invites thoughtful observation, reflection, and cultural curiosity. Photography is welcome at appropriate moments, with respect for the setting.