8.1 The Charm of a Shinto Wedding Ceremony
Ikuta Shrine is a popular wedding venue since ancient times, known as a “place to forge the bond between husband and wife” because it enshrines the god of matchmaking.
The Shinto wedding ceremony, held in the vermilion-lacquered shrine, offers a solemn atmosphere and allows for a ceremony that cherishes tradition, which is a major attraction.
・It is believed that the divine virtues of the main deity, Wakuhime-no-Mikoto, will bring marital harmony and family happiness.
・A traditional yet magnificent ceremony can be held in the shrine grounds surrounded by nature in all four seasons.
・Located in Sannomiya, the heart of Kobe, it is easily accessible for guests.
For these reasons, couples wishing to have their wedding come not only from Kobe but from all over Japan.
8.2 Wedding Ceremony Flow and Estimated Costs
🔸Wedding Ceremony Flow
1.Procession (Bride’s Procession)
A highlight of a Shinto wedding ceremony is the sight of the bride and groom and their relatives proceeding through the shrine grounds, led by a shrine maiden.
2.Purification Ceremony
Purification of mind and body, and prayers for the safe completion of the ceremony.
3.Recitation of Prayers
The Shinto priest reports the marriage of the bride and groom to the gods and prays for their lasting happiness.
4.San-San-Ku-Do (Oath Ceremony)
The bride and groom exchange sake cups, making a vow of eternal love.
5.Offering of Tamagushi
The bride and groom, followed by their relatives, offer tamagushi (sacred branches) and make vows before the gods.
6.Family Cup Ceremony
To strengthen the bond between the two families, all relatives exchange sake cups.
In this way, the traditional and solemn ceremony is imbued with the meaning of strengthening the bond between husband and wife and family.
🔸Estimated Costs
For a ceremony only, the estimated cost is around 200,000 yen.
Including attire, photography, and a reception, the total cost is generally around 800,000 to 1,500,000 yen.
Furthermore, many plans combine the ceremony with hotels and wedding venues affiliated with the shrine, offering a wide range of reception venue options, which is another attractive feature.
8.3 Reasons for its Popularity in Combination with Kobe’s Cityscape
One of the reasons why weddings at Ikuta Shrine are so popular is its excellent location.
・It’s within walking distance of Sannomiya, the heart of Kobe, making it easily accessible for guests from afar.
・After the ceremony, commemorative photos can be taken in locations such as Kitano Ijinkan, the former foreign settlement, and Kobe Port Meriken Park.
・It’s suitable for both Japanese and Western-style attire, allowing for a photo wedding with Kobe’s cityscape as a backdrop.
In particular, the combination of a Shinto ceremony and location photos showcasing Kobe’s unique style is popular not only with local couples but also with brides and grooms from all over Japan who dream of marrying in Kobe.