My main purpose? To pray for fertility blessings. 

For my fertility prayer, I visited Okazaki Shrine in Kyoto. This historic shrine was founded in 794, at the same time as the capital was moved to Heian-kyo (now Kyoto). Located in the Okazaki area near Heian Shrine, it is well known for its adorable rabbit motifs.

The Rabbits of Okazaki Shrine

In Japan, many people visit shrines that offer blessings for various aspects of life—such as wealth, health, success, or safe childbirth—before taking on new challenges. I am no exception!

Rabbits are believed to be the messengers of the gods at Okazaki Shrine, and you can find rabbit statues throughout the grounds!

 [Insert photo of lined-up rabbit statues]

As I walked further, I found a temizuya (purification fountain) on the left-hand side. Among the many white, cute rabbit statues, one stood out—the “Kodakara Usagi” (Child-Blessing Rabbit). Unlike the others, this rabbit has a solemn, black shine, giving it a sacred presence.

(Temizuya: A water basin at shrines where visitors purify their hands and mouth before praying.)

It is said that if you pour water over this Kodakara Usagi and gently rub its belly while making a wish, you will be blessed with a child. Of course, I followed this tradition! Interestingly, I did the same ritual back in 2020, and soon after, I found out I was expecting my first child! So, this time, I also visited to express my gratitude. 

 [Insert photo of the black rabbit]

Nearby, there were many ema (wooden prayer plaques) hung by visitors wishing for fertility and safe childbirth. These ema feature adorable rabbit designs!

Praying at the Main Shrine

Next, I proceeded to the haiden (main worship hall) for my prayer.

At Japanese shrines, the proper way to pray is through the “Two Bows, Two Claps, One Bow” method:

1⃣ Bow twice deeply. 2⃣ Clap your hands twice. 3⃣ Make your prayer. 4⃣ Bow once more.

I made my prayer with all my heart!

Lucky Charms and Omikuji

After my prayer, I visited the Juyosho (Amulet Office) to purchase a Kodakara Omamori (Fertility Charm). Hoping for the best!

Okazaki Shrine is also famous for its adorable omikuji (fortune slips)! Remember the row of rabbits in my first photo? Those are actually rabbit-shaped omikuji!

(Omikuji: Fortune slips found at shrines and temples, predicting luck in various aspects of life.)

Inside each rabbit figurine, there is a small piece of paper with your fortune and advice for the future—kind of like a Japanese fortune cookie!

These lucky rabbits are too cute to part with, so many visitors keep them as decorations for good luck.

Leaving with a Grateful Heart

After receiving so much positive energy from these charming rabbits, I bowed once again at the torii gate before leaving.

For those considering fertility prayers—or any other wishes such as love or success—I highly recommend visiting Okazaki Shrine. Let these sacred rabbits bless you with happiness and fortune!

Wishing you all the best and may happiness find its way to you!

The post A Prayer Journey to Okazaki Shrine: The Fertility Shrine of Japan🐇⛩️✨ first appeared on MIMI’s JAPAN.com.