Takaoka Sekino Shrine

　I visited Takaoka Sekino Shrine when I opened my guesthouse. My grandfather was from Takaoka, and the story goes that our ancestors who were a parishioner of Sekino Shrine were granted the surname ‘Sekino’. The shrine is known for bestowing blessings such as good fortune and prosperity in business, and my father also paid a visit there before starting his own business.

　I visited the shrine this weekend for the first time in eight years. Although 30 June had already passed, the ‘chinowa’—a ring of reeds set up for the Nagoe-no-harae purification ritual—was still in place. Passing through the chinowa is a traditional ceremony to purify oneself of physical and spiritual impurities and pray for good health and protection from misfortune. Having purified myself, I shall strive to provide services that satisfy all our guests with a renewed sense of purpose.