Path to Hachimangu Shrine, originally uploaded by demosthenesofathens.

At the very end of the Wakamiya Oji, past the huge red torii, the wide path to the Hachimangu Shrine was flanked by stalls selling different foodstuffs, some recognizable (like beautiful candy apples) and some not so much.

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Hachimangu Stairs 2, originally uploaded by demosthenesofathens.

The crowds of daytrippers at the Hachimangu Shrine moved on from the stage where the Shinto wedding was taking place to the various side shrines with monks blessing little charms for business, travel, health, marriage, and so on. Temple miko briskly walked around, helping with odd jobs like sweeping the courtyard floor and carrying pots and flowers.

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Boy in Kimono, originally uploaded by demosthenesofathens.

As we made our way down the Wakamiya Oji, we saw a lot of daytrippers heading toward the Hachimangu Shrine.

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Hachimangu Wedding, originally uploaded by demosthenesofathens.

The two families left their footwear at the foot of the stairs leading up to the shrine stage. All the men were in dark suits, the women in smart, stylish dresses. The offerings were in place, fresh fruits aside from the traditional rice wine and bread. A crowd had gathered around the stage to take pictures of the ceremony.

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