Shinto Wedding (Shinzen Shiki Wedding)

If you've ever been curious about the intricacies of weddings in Japan, you'll find that contemporary Japanese weddings often mirror modern Christian ceremonies. However, the allure of traditional Japanese wedding ceremonies, particularly the Shinto wedding or shinzen shiki wedding, has endured over the years, rooted in a ceremony dating back to the Taisho Emperor's era. 

A Shinto wedding is a traditional Japanese ceremony conducted in front of deities. The Shinto priest blesses and purifies the couple, who offer branches from the sacred sakaki tree and engage in ceremonial sake drinking. Typically intimate, the ceremony is limited to family, while a larger reception follows. It embodies Shinto themes of purification and involves ceremonial sake drinking, lasting around 20 to 30 minutes.

While traditionally intended for Shinto shrines, contemporary options include hotels and banquet halls that accommodate those desiring a Shinto wedding without the need to journey to a shrine. A notable advantage of Shinto weddings is their affordability compared to Western-style ceremonies. With a budget ranging from 30,000 to 100,000 yen (~$250 to $850), one can host a reasonably extravagant traditional Japanese-style wedding. However, there's a caveat: opting for professional gagaku (traditional Japanese court music) performers entails an additional cost of 30,000 to 50,000 yen ($250 to ~$400). Nonetheless, many find it worthwhile to have personalized background music during their sacred procession.

In addition to financial considerations, young couples are drawn to Shinto-style weddings for the sacred ambiance and the unique atmosphere of the shrine, the preferred venue for the ceremony unless a hotel is chosen. The allure extends to the opportunity to don beautiful kimonos, a rarity for Japanese youth in contemporary times. It may be surprising to learn that there are no strict mandates requiring attendees or the marrying couple to wear kimonos during the ceremony; however, it's common for most to embrace traditional Japanese attire.

For the bride, there are several kimono choices, such as the Shiromuku (white kimono), Kurofurisode (black kimono), and Iro-uchikake (colorful kimono). The latter is particularly favored because the vibrant colors add a lively touch to photographs. Among these options, the Shiromuku is the priciest and arguably the most popular. As for the groom, the customary wedding attire is a Haori Hakama featuring five family crests imprinted on the kimono.

In recent times, larger venues have started accommodating friends alongside family members during the wedding ceremony, a departure from the traditional practice constrained by space limitations. This evolving trend reflects a growing inclination among couples to extend invitations to friends as well.

The stages of a Shinto wedding ceremony

Here we introduce the various stages of the traditional Shinto ceremony, just in case you were curious, or for some reason were invited and need to know what to do.

1. Sanshin-no-Gi (Procession Ceremony) 参進の儀

 The bridal party, accompanied by guests, is led to the shrine by a shrine maiden, with traditional Japanese flute music, known as gagaku, accompanying the procession.

2. NyUjyO  (Entrance) 入場

Wedding participants enter based on familial ties, with the groom's family seated to the right of the altar and the bride's to the left. The bride and groom are introduced by the shrine maiden.

3. ShUbatsu-no-Gi  (Purification Ceremony) 修祓の儀

 A Shinto priest purifies the bride, groom, and attendees before the ceremony officially begins.

4. Norito-sOjO (Shinto ritual prayer reading) 祝詞奏上

The priest reads a ritual prayer, seeking blessings and protection for the couple, followed by all attendees standing and bowing.

5. Sankon-no-Gi（Exchange of cups）三献の儀

 The bride and groom exchange cups (in the order of increasing cup sizes) containing sacred wine. The cups are exchanged three times and the couple takes three sips each time. This procedure is called the “san-san-kudo 三々九度” (literally, three three nine, referring to the three sips from three cups, for a total of nine sips).

6. Kagura Hōnō (Dedication of the Sacred Dance) 神楽奉納

Shinto maidens perform ancient dances and music as an offering to the gods.

7. Seishi SOjO (Reading of Vows) 誓詞奏上 

The bride and groom approach the altar and the groom reads the marriage vow. Not to be left out, the bride also adds her own name to the vow.

8. Tamagushi HOten (Tamagushi Offerings) 玉串奉奠 

The bride and groom offer tamagushi (a sasaki branch with tied cotton strips) to the gods. This step usually ends in 2 bows and 2 claps but could vary depending on the shrine.

9. Yubiwa-no-gi (Exchange of Rings)  指輪の交換

 The bride and groom exchange rings, symbolizing their commitment.

10. Shinzokusakazuki-no-Gi (Drinking of sacred wine with the wedding participants) 親族杯の儀

As a celebration for the newly formed bond between the 2 families, all participants from both the bride and grooms’ families take 3 sips of the sacred wine.

11. Saishu Aisatsu (Greetings by the Shinto priest) 斎主挨拶 

Along with the shinto priest, everyone bows in front of the altar and exchanges celebratory words.

12. TaijyO (Exit) 退場 

All attendees perform bows to the altar and are allowed to leave. Following this, the married couple usually will usher guests to a more casual wedding party.

Tips for attending a Western style wedding ceremony

While it would be nice to be invited to a traditional Japanese wedding, more likely you’ll be invited to a western style wedding ceremony. While its name may be deceivingly familiar, the western style ceremony in Japan is nonetheless a Japanese adaptation and contains many rules which should be noted.

For those who just received an invitation to a wedding, fear not. Here’s a guide to how you should prepare for and handle yourself at the event.

1. What to wear

For a Shinto wedding, appropriate clothing is essential. Traditional Japanese garments are commonly worn, with women opting for knee-length, fancy, neutral-colored kimonos. Men typically wear a black suit with a white tie, though colored ties are now acceptable. Reflecting Japanese modesty, female guests should avoid outfits that expose too much skin, such as shoulders. If a suitable kimono is not available, consider a shawl to cover exposed areas. Adhering to these dress guidelines ensures respect for the sacred and cultural significance of the Shinto wedding ceremony.

2. What to bring

When attending a Japanese wedding, it is customary to bring a monetary gift known as "goshugi." This gift is placed inside a specific envelope, which can be easily found at a stationary store, such as Loft. Ensure that the money inside is relatively new, unfolded, and not crumpled. The amount of the gift varies, with common ranges being around 30,000 to 50,000 yen (~$250 to ~$400) for a friend or coworker and higher for bosses. Additionally, the receptionist at the wedding will handle the envelope, so guests should not hand it directly to the couple. Following this tradition ensures a thoughtful and culturally appropriate gesture for the newlyweds.

3. Expect the unexpected

As a foreign guest, you might find yourself invited to deliver a speech, simply because of your special status. The speech need not be lengthy, but it's advisable not to approach the wedding unprepared.

4. After the ceremony

Following a traditional wedding, your invitation might extend solely to the reception party. Typically held after the wedding, this gathering can range from 20 to 200 attendees, comprising relatives, friends, and co-workers of the couple. The event usually commences with formal speeches by the bride and groom. Following the banquet, guests have the opportunity to share speeches as well. The bride and groom may undergo outfit changes throughout the reception, concluding with expressions of gratitude from the newlyweds towards the end of the festivities.

Difference between Buddhist and Shinto Weddings:

In a Shinto wedding, the ceremony occurs before deities, with participants donning kimonos, holding sakaki branches, and drinking sake. It involves the symbolic nan-nan-san-ku-do sake ritual, lasting around 20 to 30 minutes, and includes offerings at a ceremonial altar. A Shinto priest and shrine maiden oversee the ceremony, followed by a celebratory banquet.

Contrastingly, a Buddhist wedding, known as Butsuzen kekkon, transpires before Buddha, typically in a temple, featuring Buddhist sutra recitations. Attired in traditional garb, the couple exchanges vows and participates in ceremonies centered around Buddha, followed by a reception. The ceremony emphasizes Buddhist rituals and teachings, also followed by a reception with family and friends.

Shintoism Views on Marriage

 While not prescribing strict rules, Shintoism emphasizes familial bonds and communal harmony, aligning with its broader emphasis on reverence for nature and spirits.

Whether attending a Western-style ceremony or a traditional Shinto wedding, this glimpse into the nuances of Japanese wedding traditions aims to instill confidence in accepting invitations, offering a cultural journey through the elegance of these special celebrations.

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