Tsubaki Kanagara Shrine Of America

My boyfriend’s family introduced me to the Shrine a few weeks ago and I was so impressed. We went through a purification ceremony and walked the grounds. We all took home some Omamori amulets for luck, protection and blessings. One of the most peaceful places on earth.

Purchased Yakuyoke omamori because its start of Yakudoshi for me. They accept Paypal for payment and Kannushi-​sama was quick to reply to my email. I live in LA but my omamori arrived in two days which happened to be my birthday. Thank you! HopefullyI can make a trip here someday.

If you used to live in Japan and go to the shrine on new years every year like me, you’ll love this place. The shrine is in the Granite Falls area near Stevens Pass. When you step foot on the shrine area you feel like you’re in Japan. I almost forgot I was in WA. The staff that work there are very passionate about the shrine and the culture. I was surprised to see non-​Japanese people working there and they were very devoted to the shrine. The guy that stood in front of the entrance gives warm welcome in English and in Japanese. If you go here on the new years event, you can experience Japanese new year with prayer traditions and prayer goods you can purchase for good luck for the new year. This Shrine is right by the river and everything about it is beautiful.
It was about 50 minute drive from Shoreline and the drive was smooth using the GPS on my phone. I went on a beautiful sunny day on January 2^nd 2013 and the view of the mountains was just incredible. I’ll definitely go back again!

I wanted to review some place special for my 500^th review… and then I ended up reviewing an excellent EE over at The Triple Door and lost track of reviews! Oops…
Located on on twenty-​five acres of calm beauty, it’s an hour north of Seattle near Granite Falls. It’s a little far but worth the drive and completely worth the serenity. They have a calendar throughout the year with various Shinto events and functions for the public. Or just jump in the car for an impromptu journey and spend a while walking around the grounds or beside the river.
The Shyuuki Taisai and Torii Hounoshiki (Great Fall Festival and Shrine gate ceremony) occurs on October 9^th. The doors of the Honden (inner shrine) will be opened and gifts will be offered to Okami. A koto ensemble will be on hand to perform at the ceremony also. Or take advantage of one of their seminars on Shinto.
There’s a lovely emaden where you can hang your wooden ema. And we made the acquaintance of a very friendly cat during our first visit. If you do visit, check out their calendar beforehand, you might be able to attend one of their events!

Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America is still a Shinto shrine.
We attended this morning for the Yakuyoke Taisai, or misfortune purification ceremony. The shrine’s priests were lovely, kind, and informative.
The Grand Shrine itself is quite beautiful, and an incredibly peaceful place. After the service, and walking the grounds, I felt as if I had shed 10 years worth of mental gunk.
We don’t pass this way often, but Tsubaki is worth the extra miles.

several years ago my husband and i visited here. at that time it was a shinto temple, as i recall.
the people who were there were quite friendly and pleasant. on the rare occasion when we drive to granite falls i say a prayer for them and hope that all is well there.
what i liked the most was the peaceful environment. it is a nice place to sit quietly and meditate.