Unbelievable magic shows at Niagara Falls

Magical performances in Niagara Falls are a thrilling and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. The mesmerizing blend of magic, illusion, and breathtaking scenery creates a unique and enchanting atmosphere that cannot be found elsewhere. One of the main attractions in Niagara Falls is the "Mystic Magic Show," which combines traditional magic tricks with modern technologies to create mind-boggling illusions. The show takes place in a state-of-the-art theater, complete with elaborate sets, special effects, and a team of talented performers. From disappearing acts to levitation stunts, the "Mystic Magic Show" is guaranteed to leave audiences spellbound. Another popular magical performance in Niagara Falls is the "Wonders of Wonder" show, which showcases the world's most renowned magicians and illusionists.

Another popular magical performance in Niagara Falls is the "Wonders of Wonder" show, which showcases the world's most renowned magicians and illusionists. These artists perform awe-inspiring tricks, such as escaping from locked boxes, making objects vanish into thin air, and reading minds. The "Wonders of Wonder" show often features guest appearances from celebrity magicians, adding to the excitement and allure of the performance.

Morito Shrine: A Sacred Place by the Sea

You might be tempted to think that Shinto shrines belong to mossy forests or remote mountains, and many might agree with you. However, many famous Japanese shrines have a close relationship with the sea. Itsukushima Shrine on the ethereal island of Miyajima is a great example, but it’s not the only one.

Great views

Located in the town of Hayama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Morito Shrine stands as one of the most famous shrines in all of Hayama, if not the whole Shonan area. Built around 1180 by the first Kamakura shogun, Minamoto no Yoritomo, Morito Shrine grabs the attention of visitors for a number of reasons.

One is its location right along the Hayama coastline, in a small peninsula that separates Morito Beach and Manase Beach. A beach shrine is a curious sight but here, you simply cross Misogi Bridge over Morito River to reach this sacred place. Another reason is the beautiful scenery. On clear days, particularly in winter, both Enoshima Island and Mount Fuji are visible. A memorable sunset is the perfect gift when visiting at the end of the day. From Morito Shrine, you can see tiny Najima Island where a small red torii gate stands. The view is reminiscent of Miyajima's Itsukushima Shrine, and is definitely a sight not to miss.

The actual shrine

Entering the shrine area through its torii, you’ll soon discover a few buildings on both sides of the pathway. On the western side, is the chozuya to purify your hands and mouth, followed by a rest area. Continuing along towards the shrine’s honden main building, you will face the shamusho shrine office where you can buy amulets or ask for the shrine’s official goshuin seal stamp and other goods. Just behind the shamusho, there is a rampway that can be used by wheelchair or stroller users.

Now facing the shrine’s honden, the building seen today was rebuilt from the original one in the 16-17th centuries and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Hayama. Interestingly, the shrine doesn’t have its own mikoshi (portable shrine), so, instead, each Hayama district uses their own to celebrate the shrine’s annual festival on September 8, a day believed to be the shrine deity's birthday as well as the day when Yoritomo asked for permission from Shizuoka Prefecture's Mishima Taisha Shrine (to which he was deeply connected) to build Morito Shrine.

Good fortune for all

Morito Shrine is one of seven sacred sites where, in the Kamakura period, prayers to prevent disasters, promote good health and welcome good weather were held. Known as one of the nanasebarai seven purification spots, the other six places are Yuigahama, Shichirigahama, Katasegawa, Mutsuura, Itachigawa and Enoshima Ryuketsu.

Returning towards the entrance torii from the east side, you’ll notice a few more interesting buildings. Close to the honden lies the Oseki Inarisha, a small praying spot thought to help people suffering from coughs and sore throats. Next is Suitengu, a second praying spot said to help mothers safely give birth to their child. Right by it lies the Kodakara Ishi Nassho, a place where parents return stones that have their child's name written on it in the belief that their child will become as strong as a stone.

Closer to the entrance, you’ll see the Koshinto, where the deity Sarutahiko Okami is enshrined, followed by two more praying altars. Chikureisha, where people pray for the health of their livestock, and Soreisha, where prayers are offered to an ancestor. For those interested, even a wedding facility can be found outside of the torii on the west side.

Gifts of history

At the rear of the shrine are a few more interesting spots to visit. One is a bronze sculpture of Yujiro Ishihara, a famous actor and singer of the post WWII Showa period. He spent his younger days in the area, loving it as much as its people loved him. His older brother Shintaro raised funds to build the small lighthouse that can be seen just behind it, near Najima Island. Many fans still gather here to pay tribute to him.

Walk on a little more and you'll come to an 800-year old pine tree called senganmatsu. It is said that, in the year of 1184, when Yoritomo was resting at the beach, he saw this pine tree on the rock and praised it as being “a very rare pine tree.” He was told that the tree, using the currency of the era, had a value of some 1000 gan and has been known as the senganmatsu one-thousand-gan-pine-tree ever since.

A great location, particularly during the summer and festival season, Morito Shrine is a destination that comes highly recommended.

Getting there

By train:

• From the East Exit of Zushi Station on the JR Yokosuka Line or the South Exit of Zushi-Hayama Station on the Keikyu Zushi Line:
  • 10 minutes by taxi, or
  • 15 minutes by the no.12 Keihin Kyuko bus bound for Hayama Isshiki. Alight at Morito Shrine bus stop.

  By car:

  • From Yokohama-Yokosuka Expressway (E16) exit at the Zushi IC via the Zuyo Shindo towards Kamakura
    • Go straight at the Nagae intersection, entering the tunnel. Turn left at the Nagisabashi intersection (before the bridge) then straight at the Hayama Motomachi intersection. Cross the bridge for about 100m and then turn right to pass under the red torii. Turn left just before the shrine to the parking lot. A 20-minute drive from the Zushi IC to the Morito Shrine.
      • There are 105 car spaces available. First 30 minutes are free, then ¥220 / 30min from October to June, and ¥550 / 30min from July to September.

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      At the rear of the shrine are a few more interesting spots to visit. One is a bronze sculpture of Yujiro Ishihara, a famous actor and singer of the post WWII Showa period. He spent his younger days in the area, loving it as much as its people loved him. His older brother Shintaro raised funds to build the small lighthouse that can be seen just behind it, near Najima Island. Many fans still gather here to pay tribute to him.

      

      In addition to these shows, there are numerous street performers and buskers who entertain visitors throughout Niagara Falls. These magicians can be found along the bustling Clifton Hill, performing close-up magic tricks and illusions that often leave spectators stunned. These impromptu performances add an extra layer of magic to the already mesmerizing atmosphere of Niagara Falls. The main idea of magical performances in Niagara Falls is that they offer a captivating and mesmerizing experience for visitors. Whether watching a grand theatrical show or stumbling upon a street performer, the blend of magic and the stunning natural beauty of Niagara Falls creates a truly enchanting atmosphere that is sure to leave a lasting impression..

      Reviews for "Magical entertainment for the whole family in Niagara Falls"

      1. John - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with the magical performances in Niagara Falls. The tricks were predictable and amateurish, lacking any creativity or originality. The magicians seemed more interested in their own egos than in providing an enjoyable and mind-blowing experience for the audience. I've seen better magic acts at children's birthday parties. Save your money and skip this one.

      2. Sarah - 1/5 - I cannot express how much I regretted attending the magical performances in Niagara Falls. It was a complete waste of time and money. The illusions were poorly executed, and the magicians continuously stumbled through their acts. The lack of professionalism was evident, and it was painfully obvious that they were inexperienced. I left the show feeling cheated and disheartened. I would strongly advise anyone considering attending to choose a different form of entertainment.

      3. Mike - 2/5 - The magical performances in Niagara Falls were highly underwhelming. The tricks were stale and unimpressive, and the entire show lacked any sort of wow factor. The magicians' delivery was lackluster, and it felt like they were going through the motions without any real passion or enthusiasm. The audience participation segments were forced and awkward, and it was clear that the performers were trying too hard to be funny. Overall, I left the show feeling like I had wasted my time and money. I would not recommend this to anyone looking for a truly magical experience.

      Witness mind-blowing illusions at Niagara Falls