The water is running once more at the “Water Ablution Pavilion” of Chiayi Shinto Shrine after a dry spell of nearly half a century The Water Ablution Pavilion opposite the Chiayi City Historical Relic Museum is part of the Chiayi Shinto Shrine built in 1911. The shrine was built by Chiayi Prefecture to promote Shintoism, the national religion of Japan, as part of the “Japanization” campaign at the time. There were two iterations of the Shinto shrine. The first iteration was set to open in 1915, located to the front and right of where Chiayi Tower is today. There were so many pilgrims that a second iteration of the shrine was built to provide more space.

The historic site includes the site of the first shrine, as well as auxiliary buildings such as the ceremonial storeroom, water ablution pavilion, rest area (gathering area), pilgrim hostel, and office.

The water ablution pavilion for the second iteration of Chiayi Shinto Shrine entered use in 1945. It is a stand-alone pavilion with four support posts and an octagonal water trough in the center. Inside the trough is a stone disc. Long-handled ladles are provided for pilgrims to rinse their hands and mouth for ritual cleansing.

To protect the historic monument, tap water is now piped to the pavilion with sensor-controlled dispensers to introduce tourists to the ablution ritual of Japanese Shinto shrines. The restoration of the water supply will hopefully make visitors more aware of Shinto shrine’s history and and culture when they visit the Chiayi City Historical Relic Museum.

Signage is placed inside the Water Ablution Pavilion to introduce visitors to the proper ritual for its use:

    (1) Hold the long-handled ladle with the right hand to collect the water (once per person) and wash the left hand.
    (2) Pass the ladle to the left hand and wash the right hand.
    (3) Pass the ladle back to the right hand, pour water into the left palm and use it to rinse the mouth (or symbolically wet the lips).
    (4) Raise the ladle into a vertical position to wash the shaft with the remaining water.
    (5) Replace the ladle so it is ready for the next user.

Visitors that have not experienced the Japanese-style Water Ablution Pavilion can visit the Chiayi City Historical Relic Museum to try it for themselves. Please place the wooden ladle back in its original position after use so that the next visitor can experience the ablution ritual for themselves.