Edwin studied architecture and he is interested in collecting postcards showing typical buildings.
Shrines in Japan are divided into different classes according to the holiness of the patron. Ise Shrine, which worships Amaterasu - the Goddess of Sun and also the highest deity - is of the highest class.
The Shrine is divided into two parts: the inner and the outer. Apart from Amaterasu, there are a few more deities being worshiped in it.
While I was visiting Ise Shrine, I spotted people walking around the shrine with a bag of coins. To pray, one must throw a coin to the "God's area," so that was why people preparing coins for praying.
Visit Edwin's blog for more explanation of Japanese architecture.