More_Shichigosan

Entrance...To get to a shrine, a person usually walks through a gate like this one above. It is called a Torii gate. It separates the real world from the sacred.

(Above) This is the torii gate at Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo. If you look closely you can see two girls dressed in their kimonos for Shichi-Go-San. How old do you think they are?

About Meiji Jingu Shrine...It was established in 1920. It is located in the center of Tokyo and is composed of 175 acres of land. This land was a favorite place of Emperor Meiji (ruler from 1868-1912) and his consort, Empress Shoken. People from all over Japan donated over 100,000 shrubs and trees that include all of the tree species found in Japan.
(Below) One of the buildings that makes up the Shinto Shrine of Meiji Jingu in Tokyo. Scroll below to go onto the next page and learn more about what kids wear and the kinds of gifts that they get during Shichi-Go-San.

Purification...Before you enter the shrine, you must purify yourself. First, go to this hand-washing stone basin and wash your hands with the water. With a dipper, pour water into your cupped hand and then bring the water to your mouth and gargle. You should NOT put the dipper to your lips.

Visit the Shrine....Now you are ready to enter the shrine. Once inside, throw some money into an offering box, bow deeply twice before the enshrined deity. Then clap your hands twice and take one more deep bow. Watching other people helps you learn the procedure too!

Sometimes when people go to a shrine to pray they pull on a cord like this and ring the bell to get the attention of the gods, before praying.