Item Story & Historical Context
On June 6, 1930 (Showa Year 5), a traveler completed a spiritual pilgrimage to Izumo Grand Shrine—one of the oldest and most venerated Shinto sanctuaries in the country, renowned as the sacred gathering place of the gods.
Standing before the sacred inner precinct, the traveler acquired this scenic monochrome postcard depicting the sanctuary’s historic Hassoku-mon (Eight-Legged Gate). Before sending it, they had the front stamped with an official, ornate violet pilgrimage cachet prominently dated 5.6.6 (June 6, 1930).
Turning the card over, the traveler inscribed a heartfelt travel dispatch in flowing black brush ink to a recipient in Fujiidera, Osaka Prefecture. The writer recounts their journey arriving via Taisha Railway Station, traveling by local motorcar, and paying respects at the grand shrine. Mailed directly from the shrine post office with a crisp blue 1.5-sen definitive stamp tied by a circular date cancel, this card traveled across the country as a genuine bearer of pilgrimage blessings.
With its authentic transit folds, aged silver-halide photo tone, and vibrant postal markings, this artifact captures a personal moment of pre-war spiritual travel during the dawn of the Showa era.
Condition & Details
- Type: Real Photo Scenic Postcard / Travel Correspondence (Pilgrimage Ephemera)
- Origin/Context: Izumo Grand Shrine, Shimane Prefecture to Osaka Prefecture (Dated June 6, 1930 / Showa 5)
- Markings:
- Front: Large purple commemorative shrine cachet dated “5.6.6”; bottom caption identifying the Hassoku-mon Gate of Izumo Grand Shrine.
- Reverse: Original blue 1.5-sen definitive stamp tied with matching circular date cancel; handwritten brush-ink correspondence and address; bilingual “CARTE POSTALE” header.
- Condition: Authentic vintage used/traveled condition. Shows organic age toning, honest historical fold lines and handling creases from its postal transit across the nation, while all calligraphy, stamps, and cancels remain remarkably clear and intact.
- Includes: Comes carefully packed in a protective archival sleeve with rigid backing to ensure safe transit.
Shipping & Payment
- Payment: Secure checkout powered by Stripe. All major credit cards accepted.
- Fulfillment: Ships directly from Japan via Japan Post with end-to-end tracking. Every order is dispatched within 3 business days, and your tracking number will be sent directly to your email as soon as it’s on its way.
- Shipping Notice: To ensure maximum care, archival safety, and accurate weight-based insurance for each distinct historical artifact, all items are packaged and shipped individually (no combined shipping available).