The Best Noh Stage in Japan for the Beginning of Your New Life!
In the midst of a lush pine forest, a phoenix seems to have landed on the sacred pond, spreading its wings and resting.
A Noh stage on a pond is actually quite rare. Have you ever seen one before? In most places, the bottom of the Noh stage is not a pond but white gravel. One of the reasons why the Noh theater at Misogi Shrine is different and outshines the others is that our Noh stage appears to be floating above the pond.
The Noh stage at Misogi Shrine is the best Noh stage in Japan, and is highly regarded in the world of Noh.
You can have a Shinto wedding ceremony on one of Japan’s most unique Noh stages.
The unique ceremonies which are performed in accordance with the ancient traditions of Japan, while wearing beautiful kimono, will surely make for a memorable experience for you and your guests. For example, the path of a couple is determined by the two great gods, Izanagi and Izanami. In the scene of the birth of the nation, the deities are depicted as going around the pillars of heaven and then joining together to give birth to a nation and a god. Therefore, when the bride and groom rededicate a branch from a sacred tree, they go around the pillars of heaven and meet each other before offering their branch to the gods.
A Ceremony Unique to Misogi Shrine
There is a unique wedding ceremony at Misogi Shrine which includes the “Meoto Yuihai no Gi” (Toasting Ceremony) and the “Keirin no Gi” (Ring Exchange). In addition, during the rededication of the offering of the sacred branch, the couple will go around the pillar of heaven and then make their offering to the gods.
Toasting Ceremony for Married Couples
This ritual is different from the usual sake toasting ceremony. The priest of the shrine leads the couple in a traditional ceremony of exchanging cups to seal their marriage.
The Ring Exchange
The ceremony of exchanging rings is more than just exchanging rings. The rings are used to signify the divine bond between husband and wife, and to promise that they will walk together for the rest of their lives.
Going Around the Pillar
It is the two great gods Izanagi and Izanami who determine the path of a married couple. In the scene of the birth of the nation, the deities are depicted as going around the pillars of heaven and then joining together to give birth to a nation and a god. In this way, when the bride and groom rededicate their offering of the sacred branch, they go around the pillars of heaven and meet each other before offering their branch to the gods.
Wedding Process
The following is a general description of the process of a Noh stage wedding.
Prior to the ceremony, you will be briefed on the process of the ceremony, the toasting ceremony, and the rededication of the sacred branch. We will also explain the vows to be made.All the guests will be escorted in front of the Noh stage.
When the appointed time arrives, the priestess will lead the guests to the main shrine.
The groom, bride, and their matchmaker are escorted to the main shrine.
Then, led by the priest, the master of the shrine, the groom, the bride, and the priestess, in that order, cross the sacred bridge to the Noh stage.
They pass through a mirror room (Kagami-no-Ma).
After passing through the Kagami-no-Ma, they take their places on the Noh stage.
The ceremony on the Noh stage will proceed as follows:
- Purification
- Worshipping the god of the shrine
- Offering
- Congratulatory prayer to the gods
- Toasting Ceremony
- The ring exchange
- Pledge of commitment
- Offering of the ritual dance
- Rededication of a branch from a sacred tree
- Removal of offering
- Worshipping the god of the shrine
Ceremony Fee at Misogi Shrine
Noh Theater Wedding
300,000yen
Number of attendees： 200 maximum
Fire Hall Wedding
100,000yen
Number of attendees： 50 maximum
Comments
The following is a comment from a couple from Los Angeles who had their ceremony on our Noh stage.
Mr. John Hudgens ♥ Mrs. Kozue
“Surrounded by a beautiful Noh stage and lush greenery, the ceremony made us feel blessed by the gods of nature. One of the reasons we chose Misogi Shrine was because of the wonderful care of the priests. They blessed our wedding as if it were a family affair, and we were able to greet the day with a warm feeling. They also explained the traditional rituals to us before the ceremony, and we were able to go into the ceremony with a sense of respect for Japanese traditions.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have rental Kimono?
We will be happy to make introductions upon request.
Is there a place to change into Kimono?
Two guest rooms (10 tatami mats in size) and a large hall, which can be partitioned into two rooms, are available for use.
Can we have a wedding party at the shrine?
We cannot accept requests for Misogi Shrine, but we can recommend nearby hotels (such as Risonare Yatsugatake).
Can we take pictures and make a video?
You can take pictures.
However, during the ceremony, there are times when you are not allowed to take pictures.
Also, please tell your guests to refrain from standing on the Noh stage while taking photos.
If you wish, we can refer you to a professional photographer.
How many people can attend?
A significant number of people are possible. Please consult with us before deciding on the number of people who will attend.
What happens when it rains?
There is a roof over the stage where the wedding will take place. A tent will be set up for the attendees.
This will be agreed upon in advance at the time of the planning meeting. If the weather is too bad for the wedding ceremony to be held on the Noh stage, the ceremony will be held at the Fire Hall.
How long does the ceremony take?
The wedding itself lasts approximately one hour. If you need to get ready, including dressing, please arrive at least two and a half hours before.
How should the attendees dress?
The wedding ceremony will be held in front of a Shinto shrine, so please dress accordingly.
Where is the waiting room for the attendees?
Please use our shop and exhibition space, Yojyokan. Alternatively, you can use the large hall. Please contact the shrine for details.
Will there be time to make family introductions?
This is not included in the ceremony, but will be discussed and coordinated with you in advance.
Is there accommodations for handicapped guests?
The shrine has two wheelchairs available for loan for visitors with disabilities. For more details, please contact us in advance.
Contact
If you have any further questions, please contact us at the following:
Tel: 0551-36-3000
Hours of operation: 9:00~16:00