In the Shinto shrines, since the worshipers are not allowed to enter the main building (honden) and the oratory (haiden) is open only for certain occasions, a special construction was designed for relations with the public: the shamusho, often translated as the shrine’s administrative office.

Besides other purposes, the shamusho is most often used for selling talismans and charms, activity traditionally performed by the Miko shrine maidens, easily recognizable by their white shirts and bright red hakama…

Shamusho, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Tradition and modernity, simple but stylish restaurant architecture