Chinowa

A Chinowa (茅の輪) is a sacred grass ring, part of an ancient Shinto purification ritual known as Chinowa Kuguri (茅の輪くぐり), performed to cleanse spiritual impurities, ward off misfortune, and invite good health. Walking through it might not transport you to another planet, but in the eyes of Shinto belief, it’s a powerful step into a cleaner, luckier version of your life. Held during the Nagoshi no Harae (夏越の祓)—the Mid-Year Purification Ceremony—this ritual can be seen at shrines across Japan towards the end of June.

This particular one in Shimbashi (新橋) stood out, offering a striking contrast between the bustle of Tokyo’s business district and a moment of quiet, timeless tradition. It’s like Tokyo’s own version of a spiritual Stargate: one that doesn’t bend space-time, but might just bend your luck in the right direction.