3.1 Timing and Etiquette for Post-Childbirth Thanksgiving Visit
After receiving prayers for a safe delivery at Nakayama-dera Temple and your baby is born safely, you should make a “thank-you visit” (oreimairi).
A thanksgiving visit is an important visit to express gratitude for the blessings received for a safe delivery.
🔹 Thanksgiving Visit Registration
🔸Timing for a Thank-You Visit
・Ideally, visit about one month after birth (around the time of the baby’s first shrine visit).
・However, prioritizing the health of both mother and child is paramount, and visiting at a time that is comfortable is perfectly acceptable.
・Many people visit with their baby when their health and the weather have settled down.
Nakayama-dera Temple warmly welcomes thank-you visits that also serve as a report of the birth. It’s less crowded than the “Day of the Dog,” making it an attractive option for a more relaxed visit.
🔸Etiquette for a Thank-You Visit
The basic principle of a thank-you visit is to “express gratitude.” Don’t be too concerned with formalities; visit with sincerity.
1.Approach the main hall and quietly put your hands together to express your gratitude.
2.If you received any gifts (talismans, amulets, maternity belts, etc.), return them respectfully.
3.If time permits, request a “thank-you prayer” (optional).
Many people combine this with their “first shrine visit (Omiyamairi)” to pray for their baby’s healthy growth, and it’s a popular commemorative visit that also includes photo opportunities.
3.2 Where to Return the Maternity Belt, How to Return It, and Is a Return Fee Required?
Maternity belts, amulets, and talismans received at Nakayama-dera Temple should be returned with gratitude.
This is based on the traditional Japanese custom of “purifying and returning items that have received blessings.”
🔸Where to Return the Maternity Belt
・Return Location: Near the main hall, or at the “Osamedokoro” (offering place) on the temple grounds
・Reception Hours: Approximately 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
・Items Accepted: Maternity belt, safe childbirth amulet, talisman, etc.
When returning, please bring them in a clean paper or cloth bag.
It is more polite to say “Thank you for the blessings for a safe childbirth” to the temple staff.
🔸Is a Return Fee (Burning Fee) Required?
At Nakayama-dera Temple, there is no special fee for returning the items, but many people offer a small donation (a few hundred to a thousand yen) as a token of gratitude.
Donation boxes are often placed in front of the temple office or the place where the votive slips are kept, so please place your donation there.
There is no need to feel obligated to give a specific amount; what is important is expressing your gratitude for the services you received.
🔸Is it possible to return the items by mail?
For those living far away or with young children, it is possible to return the items by mail.
Wrap the maternity belt and talismans cleanly in an envelope or package, include a short letter (expressing your gratitude and contact information), and send it to Nakayama-dera Temple.
The temple will respectfully burn them for you.
🔸Summary
Praying for a safe delivery at Nakayama-dera Temple is a precious opportunity to pray for the health of both mother and child throughout the period before and after childbirth.
Receiving a maternity belt provides reassurance for childbirth, and after a safe delivery, a visit to express gratitude follows this tradition—this is the form of prayer at Nakayama-dera Temple.
Nakayama-dera Temple is a place to deepen gratitude and bonds not only for expectant mothers but for the entire family.
May this moment of gratitude become the first step in your new life with your baby.