Sarutahiko Shrine — Crossroads & New Beginnings

**Hoiseki stone ritual:** The octagonal stone pillar (方位石, hoiseki) in the main courtyard is the shrine's focal point. Each side represents a compass direction and zodiac sign. Traditional practice: identify your wish category (career = north, relationships = south, health = east, etc.), touch the corresponding direction on the stone, and offer a silent prayer. The stone's worn surface reflects centuries of worshippers' touches. Photographing the stone is acceptable, but maintain respectful demeanor (this is an active religious practice, not merely a tourist photo op). **Sarume Shrine:** Located within Sarutahiko's grounds, Sarume Shrine (猿女神社) venerates Ame-no-Uzume — the goddess who lured Amaterasu from hiding by performing an ecstatic dance (according to mythology). This makes Ame-no-Uzume the patron of performing arts, making Sarume Shrine popular with dancers, actors, musicians, and entertainers seeking blessings before performances. The small shrine (easily missed) is tucked behind the main hall — look for the distinctive dance-themed ema (wooden prayer plaques). **Omikuji fortune-telling:** Sarutahiko Shrine offers omikuji (fortune paper slips, ¥100). Unlike standard omikuji, these focus on directional guidance — which direction to travel for luck, which direction your opportunities lie, etc. The fortunes tie directly to Sarutahiko's role as pathfinder deity. Even if you don't read Japanese, the directional kanji (東西南北, east-west-south-north) and zodiac symbols are recognizable. Fold bad fortunes and tie them to the provided tree branches (leaving misfortune at the shrine); keep good fortunes.