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<\/p>\nSophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and Prince Edward respected the traditions of a Japanese temple by going barefoot during their visit. <\/p>\n
The Duke of Duchess of Edinburgh toured the Sojiin Temple in Koyasan on the third day of their four-day diplomatic mission to the island nation on behalf of the Royal Family.<\/p>\n
The couple\u2019s trip to the sacred mountain town and temple saw them experience traditional Japanese customs and Buddhist culture firsthand. <\/p>\n
Their Royal Highnesses visit to this historic Buddhist site featured a ceremonial exchange of gifts and a traditional vegetarian meal.<\/p>\n
Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward went barefoot while visiting Sojiin Temple in Koyasan<\/p>\n
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Upon reaching the temple’s main entrance, Edward and Sophie were greeted by three distinguished hosts: Yoshiya Hirano, who serves as Mayor of Koya Town, Izumi Miyazaki, the Governor of Wakayama Prefecture, and Jiyun Inaba, a priest who holds the position of Head of Education at Kongobu-ji Temple. <\/p>\n
After entering the temple, Mr Hirano and Mr Miyazaki presented gifts to the duke and duchess in accordance with Japanese tradition. <\/p>\n
Following this ceremonial exchange, Their Royal Highnesses proceeded to the Hojo, which serves as the temple’s dining area. <\/p>\n
In accordance with the significance of the temple, both the Duke and Duchess removed their shoes as they entered the inner sanctum. <\/p>\n
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Their Royal Highnesses removed their shoes to respect the ancient tradition of the temple<\/p>\n
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As they received gifts from their hosts, Edward could be seen wearing only a pair of white socks while Sophie was barefoot. <\/p>\n
After receiving gifts, Their Royal Highnesses shared a private meal with their hosts, where they were served dishes from the shojin ryori cuisine. <\/p>\n
This Buddhist vegetarian cooking style is traditionally consumed by monks throughout Japan and is an important aspect of the temple’s culinary heritage. <\/p>\n
Sojiin Temple holds significant historical importance, having been established during the Kyuan era of the Heian period by Gyoe Sojibo, who served as Koyasan’s twentieth head priest.<\/p>\n
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Edward and Sophie received gifts from their hosts before enjoying a traditional monk’s lunch<\/p>\n
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The temple currently operates under the leadership of head priest Eimyo Miyata and maintains its role as a sacred location for notable families, particularly the Hosokawa clan. <\/p>\n
Visitors continue to travel to Sojiin for memorial services and ancestral offerings, whilst the temple also functions as a shukubo, providing overnight accommodation for pilgrims and tourists. <\/p>\n
Edward and Sophie’s trip to Japan has seen them attend a huge variety of engagements, covering both the ancient traditions and cutting-edge future of the island nation. <\/p>\n
The couple were reunited on their tour of the Sojiin Temple, having taken on a number of separate activities the previous day. <\/p>\n
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Sophie met with Ukrainian refugees the day prior <\/p>\n
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In one solo engagement, Sophie visited a cafe hosting a calligraphy class ran by the Ukraine Mental Health Exchange Centre, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting Ukrainian refugees and evacuees in Japan.<\/p>\n
During a particularly poignant moment, the Duchess of Edinburgh placed her hand over her heart and told the gathered Ukrainian’s that she was \u201cso sorry for what is happening\u201d in their country.<\/p>\n
Among those seeking refuge was Danyl Zagorodniy, a 16-year-old from Kyiv who has been living independently in Tokyo whilst his mother and father continue to reside in Ukraine.<\/p>\n