鯉山は祇園祭後祭の山鉾で、応仁の乱以前から存在している山（舁山）です。応仁の乱後1500年以降、特段の事情なき限り巡行してきました。本稿では御神体たる大鯉、著名な懸装品たるタペストリー、ご利益、御朱印などにつき解説申しあげます。合掌

たけちよ

その他祇園祭祭詳細は以下のリンクをご参照ください。

祇園祭2026/令和8年総合ガイド：神輿渡御・山鉾巡行・宵山開催などのみどころ、有料観覧席、屋台、日程・粽・鉾立などを網羅

2026/令和8年祇園祭の総合ガイドです。本年は神輿渡御、山鉾巡行、宵山などのみどころ、有料観覧席、くじ取り式の結果一覧、歴史や由来、前祭・後祭・山鉾巡行・神輿渡御などの行事の日程、生稚児や久世駒形稚児、各山鉾や御朱印、屋台や歩行者天国や交通規制などのおすすめ情報です。

kyotokankoyagi.com

2017.11.26

祇園祭日程2026 /令和7年：宵山・山鉾巡行・神輿渡御・花傘巡行など徹底解説

2026年/令和8年の祇園祭の日程につき解説します。宵山、山鉾巡行、神輿渡御、花傘巡行等すべて開催されます。日程表一覧、詳細な解説と共にご紹介申し上げますのでお役立てください。

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.05.23

祇園祭後祭宵山2026：見どころや楽しみ方、混雑状況を説明

祇園祭2026の後祭宵山につき、会所飾り、ちまき、御朱印、屏風祭、あばれ観音など宵山の楽しみかたとみどころを網羅してご紹介します。

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.07.21

祇園祭

祇園祭の歴史、後祭宵山、久世駒形稚児、先祭宵山、神輿と神輿渡御、祇園祭の歴史と御霊会の意義、日程、山鉾の構造と組み立て方、祇園祭総合ガイド、神用水清祓式、山鉾解説、茅くぐり、宵宮祭などの記事があります。

kyotokankoyagi.com

大鯉と宮殿

概説

山鉾の主題は、神話、能、故事などに取材するものが多くありますが、鯉山では中国の故事に取材し、17世紀に左甚五郎により彫刻されたとされる、御神体たる巨大な木彫りの鯉と浪（なみ）が乗せられています。これらは鯉が龍門瀑を登る様子を表現しています。

龍門爆

「龍門瀑」とは、黄河上流にある難攻不落の滝門という滝の名称です。『後漢書』では、この滝を登り切った鯉は龍になると記載されています。

時に、鎌倉時代になると宋から禅宗が伝播しました。蘭渓道隆（らんけいどうりゅう）とという南宋の僧侶で、日本に帰化し、禅宗をもたらしましたところ、著書の『大覚禅省行文』の中で、鯉が生命を賭して瀧を昇り龍になる行為並びに背後にある意思を、雲水が修行を経て観音の智慧を得る過程での範とすべしとしています。また、『碧巌録』という禅公案とその注釈が記された書物にも登場します。この思想はその第七則において”三級浪高魚化龍”と記されています。

龍門瀑は禅宗の庭園によくみられ、天龍寺にあるものが典型的な龍門瀑です。以前は『都林泉名所図会』にみられるように、実際に水が流れていましたが、現在は枯山水となっています。

シカさん

1, 2, 3がそれぞれ滝で1と2の間に鯉を表す石があり、1の上に観音様を表す石があるよ。天龍寺に参拝してから、宵山に乱入するといいね。

七里ヶ浜親方

詳細は以下のリンクを参照してくれ。龍門瀑はヘビ文字版しかねえ。すまねえ。

Ryomonbaku, a.k.a. Toryumon Makes Carp Dragon: 登竜門と龍門瀑につき英語で説明

Ryumonaku literary means "Dragon Gate (Toryumon) Waterfall" and found in many Zen temples. It shows us the way to be an enlightened person through the Buddhist training.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2025.10.19

天龍寺枯山水庭園のみどころ：曹源池、龍門爆、座禅石、蓬莱山など

現在の天龍寺の庭園は方丈の前にある「曹源池」という池を中心とした回遊式庭園です。「龍門爆」と呼ばれる枯山水は、西芳寺上段庭園とならび、前期枯山水の傑作とされています。本稿では石の三橋、蓬莱山、亀島、夜泊石、座禅石などを加味し、曹源池のみどころを解説申し上げます。

kyotokankoyagi.com

2022.05.16

大鯉

大鯉は全長約1.5メートル、本体、ひれ、髭のパーツからなり、ひれ、髭は本体に差し込まれています。収納する箱には寛文二年（1662年）に新調した旨の記載があり、放射性炭素年代測定の結果もこれを裏付けます。

これらは江戸時代の名工、左甚五郎の作とされています。左甚五郎は実在の人物か否かは不明ですが、日光東照宮の眠りねこや三猿を作成したとされ、あまりの精密さから夜になると動き出したと伝えられます。

七里ヶ浜親方

活躍した時代が300年くれえあるし、個人名なのかもしれねーし、master/ chef de彫る人みてえな意味でつかわれてたのかもしれねーのよ。後述するホメロスもほんとにいたのかわからねーし、まー、いいんじゃねーの？大鯉も『イーリアス』も現に残ってる事実の方が重要だべ。

尚、真松には鯉があしらわれた鈴が二つ付いています。

大鯉の下にある浪は龍門瀑としぶきを表していますが、これは大鯉とは別に明治五年（1872）に作成されたものです。それまでは、滝は苧麻（からむし。麻の一種）などで表現されていました。現在も名残が残っています。（鯉のあごのあたり）

また、欄縁（らんぶち。大鯉が乗っている胴体の上の縁の部分。赤枠内）にも浪の金工があしらわれています。

いわれ

この大鯉にはいわれがあります。室町六角付近にすんでいた大家が大津から用事をすませて帰る途中、渡し船にのっていたところ、手ぬぐいを取り出そうとして、小判を琵琶湖に落としてしまいました。その後、この顛末を正直者の男に話します。その後、その男が魚うりから琵琶湖の鯉を買ったところ、中から小判がでてきました。先ほどの顛末を思い出した男は大家のところに返しにいくと、大家は当該小判は鯉をかった人のもの故受け取れない旨伝えます。男も大家のものだと譲らないので、仕方なく役人に相談したところ、その小判で鯉を左甚五郎に彫ってもらい、山にするといい旨助言を受け、大鯉がご神体になったとするものです。

宮殿

宮殿（くうでん）のいう社が乗っていますが、ここには素戔嗚尊が祀られ、鳥居には八坂神社の扁額があります。数多の山鉾の中で、八坂神社とその御祭神が祀られているのは鯉山だけです。

タペストリー

鯉山の胴体は一枚のタペストリーを分断したものと、それらと縫い合わせられた清初の女性官服からなっています。

タペストリーには、”BB”とイニシャルが入っており、BBタペストリーとも称されます。16世紀にベルギーのブリュッセルで作成されたもので、ホメロスの叙事詩『イーリアス』の一場面が描かれています。（BBの意味については後述します）

七里ヶ浜親方

すまねえ。他の祇園祭の記事だと、ホーマーとかイリアードとか書いてるけど、意味は同じだ。ヘビ文字だとイリアードで日本語だとイーリアスだ。

もともとのタペストリーはご覧のようになっていましたが、これを（厚さ故はさみが入らなかったため）ノミで切り分けています。巡行時には平成になって復元されたものが使用され、原本は宵山の期間会所で目にすることができます。

ブリュッセルで同時期に作成されたBBタペストリーは、鶏鉾、霰天神山、白楽天山などでも懸装品として用いられています。

このタペストリーについては、鯉山のタペストリーの写真と日本で作成された調査書に基づく、1979年にベルギー王立美術歴史博物館(Royal Museum of Art and History)のキュレイターの報告書(Report concerning some ancient  Brussels tapestries preserved in Japan (Kyoto and elsewhere)  がありますので、以下、要約します。

添付資料の復元図から以下三点が推論される。（原文はdeduction can be made)

1. 外苑部分は1560年前後にブリュッセルで作成された動物学タイプ（zoological type)に属する
2. 中央部のデザインから後期フランドルルネサンス（北方ルネサンス）期の作品と推定される。
3. 中央部のデザインの主題はソロモン王とシバではなく、（その旨調査書に記載されていたと解される）キリスト教以前の歴史に属するものであり、国王と女王が羊さん（原文ではan offer of two sheep(?)と記載）をアポロン（ハープを持ち、月桂冠を冠していることからわかる）場面である。

上記から、本件タペストリーは1575年から1620年の間に作られた神話を主題とした作品群の一部である。このデザインはフランドルのものであり(surely Flemish) 、イタリアのものとは明確に異なる。（調査書ではイタリアから支倉使節に譲渡されたと記載されていたと解される）ただし、イタリア人は同時期のタペストリーを購入することはよくあったので、1613年に支倉使節にイタリア人から譲渡された可能性もある。

本件報告書の添付資料、並びに、ほかの同時期に作成されたと解される鶏鉾の懸装品など一連の作品の共通性から、当該作品群はホメロスの『リーリアス』に描かれるトロイ戦争の様子を描写したものであり、鯉山のものもこれに属する。

BB とは、Brabant-Brussells の略であり、ブリュッセルの市の紋章である。1525年より使用が義務付けられた。Brabant とはブリュッセルがある行政区(原文ではprovince or county)のこと。

また、翌年の書簡では、このタペストリーはカトリックの宣教師経由で日本にもたらされた可能性を示唆しています。

イーリアス

イーリアスはギリシャ神話に描かれるトロイア戦争に取材した作品であり、あらすじを要約すると以下の通り。

タペストリーの場面

概説

タペストリー中心部では先述の6、すなわちプリアモスがアキレウスに会いに行く前にアポロンに祈りを捧げ、鳥占いの啓示を待つ場面であるとされています。他方、外縁部は先述の動物学タイプ（zoological type)に属し、上が空（先述の報告書原文ではair)、左右が陸（先述の報告書原文ではearth)、並びに下が海（先述の報告書原文ではwater)が描かれます。

見送り

見送りをは山鉾の後方にかけられる懸装品のことです。冠をかぶって髭を生やしている人がプリアモス、隣は王妃へカベです。

胴掛（東）と水引

竪琴を持っているのはアポロンの像、青い服の人は鳥占いをする神官、上には月桂冠を持した鷲が飛んできています。左右には清初の女性官服の一部が縫い合わせてあります。

水引（胴掛の上の部分）は空を表し、鳥さん（左からシギ、ハト、オウム、雉）が描かれます。

胴掛（西）と水引

アポロン像の祭壇の部分が描かれます。ブタさんにのように見えるのが供物の羊さん、隣の女性はカッサンドラの可能性が示唆されています。

水引は海を表し、海獣と海神が描かれます

前掛

外縁部の左右の部分を分断して作られています。陸を表し、孔雀、ウシさん、などが描かれます。中心部の二枚の下の部分にそれぞれBBの文字があります。

ご利益

鯉山のご利益は先述の登竜門から導出されます。すなわち、出世運などが認められます。また、疫病退散が祇園祭の本義ですので、このご利益も当然に具備します。

御朱印と授与品

七里ヶ浜親方

手ぬぐいがイカしすぎ

御朱印はスタンプ式です。粽と茅の輪には小さな絵馬がついています。御朱印は会所入口向かって左側にあります。

参考文献

• 高原美忠（1972）『八坂神社』學生社
• 真弓常忠（1992）『神道祭祀ー神をまつることの意味』朱鷺書房
• 真弓常忠（1992）『八坂神社』学生社
• 真弓常忠（2000）『祇園信仰』朱鷺書房
• 真弓常忠/編（2002）『祇園信仰事典』戎光祥出版
• 下間正隆（2014）『イラスト祇園祭』京都新聞出版センター
• 島田崇志/編（2024）『祇園祭細見　改定版』都の祭研究会
• 鯉山誌編纂委員会（2024）『祇園祭後祭　鯉山』公益財団法人鯉山保存会
• 鯉山誌編纂委員会（2024）『祇園祭後祭　鯉山　タペストリー編』公益財団法人鯉山保存会

Depending on seasons, the sky changes its color, especially in twilight. Around late February, when plum blossoms in bloom, the sky grows into bright blue telling us the winter is nearly ending. We enjoy plum blossoms illuminated in Kitano Tenmangu shrine expecting the upcoming spring.

The sky disappears before Atomatsuri of Gion Matsuri starts. Sakimatsuri is the last opportunity to admire it.

During the period, I guess a couple of days, this peculiar one shows up. Enjoy the pleasant evening. 合掌

Goshuin (御朱印) consists of two words. 御 is a prefix indicate respect and 朱印 means “red stamp seal.”

Today, when we say Goshuin, it means a calligraphy or stamp as a kind of souvenir of Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple we visit.

No one knows the beginning of it exactly but it can go back to the 17th or 18th century.　　 At that time, people dedicated Nokyo to a Shinto shrine or a Buddhist temple.

Nokyo is to dedicate a sutra or scripture written down on a hand scroll or a sheet of paper. Shinto and Buddhism were so fused Shinto shrines accepted it though it has no scripture. For example, Itsukushima shrine has a large volume of Heike Nokyo (Sutras handed in by the Heike clan).

Usually, a sutra is long and it is demanding to write it down. As time went by, people  substituted a printed one or a piece of wood called Nokyo Fuda for Shakyo.

When people handed in Shakyo to a shrine or temple, it gave them Shuin as a certificate.

Today, people don’t think Goshuin as a certificate of Nokyo but treat it as a “proof” of the Goen, or the relationship, between a Shinto shire or a Buddhist temple they visit and them though some believe it is a collectible.

The meaning of Gosyuin

This is a Gosyuin of the Afro Buddha of Konkai Komyoji temple. It is a typical one and I show you what the words ans stamps mean.

たけちよ

Afro Buddha? Check them out!

Afro Buddha in Kyoto アフロ大仏英語で説明

The real name of "Afro Buddha" is "Goko Shii Amidabutsu.（五劫思惟阿弥陀仏）" It means that a Buddha meditates forever. In this artile, you can learn the reason of its hair style and its features, souvenirs and so on.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2020.01.20

THE AFRO DUCKIES in Konkai Komyoji: MISSING 金戒光明寺のアフロアヒル英語で説明

The Afro duckies are messengers of AFRO BUDDHA in Konkai Komyoji temple. They make 3-D Raigozu to save those who in despair. 金戒光明寺のアヒルさんにつき、英語で説明申し上げます。合掌

kyotokankoyagi.com

2022.03.11

Prepare for Gosyuin

Have a Gosyuin cho notebook

Gosyuin cho is a notebook for Goshuin. It is available at Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples (except small ones), book stores, and souvenir shops.

Pay a visit to the main hall

First, pay a visit to the main hall or the facility the deity of a Goshuin you want to have.

Find a Shamusho/ Jimusho or Goshiin booth

Goshiin is usually issued in Shamuho of shrine or Jimusho of temple. Both are the places we can have amulets, Omikuji, and so on. Some large shrines and temples have Goshuin booth. Wait in line in front of it.

Don’t cut in. We wait in line even in the aftermath of natural disasters.

How much does it cost us?

七里ヶ浜親方

CASH ONLYィィィ!!!

A Goshuin costs you JPY 100~. Pay in small changes as possible.

DO NOT TAKE PHOTO WITHOUGT PERMISSION while personnel writes Goshuin

Types of Goshuin

Introduction

There are many types Goshuin. I’ll show you some of them. Basic, ready-made, limited, luminous, and “art work” ones.

Basic Gosyuin

The basic ones are available all through the year and personnel write it down on your Goshuin notebook.

Ready-made Goshuin

Some temple has Kakioki (書置き) Gosyuin. It is a ready-made one and personnel add the date of visit.

Limited Gosyuin

Goshuin available in some special occasion. This one is available only when Goshichinichi Misiho takes place.

And this one is available only in December. 主夜神 (Shuyajin), the deity of Hosrinji temple is open to us in the month. The cat is a medium between the deity and us. 肉球(cat beans) stamp tells us we always remember the kawaii.

Luminous Goshuin

This Gosyuin, Nene chan (encircled in red) emits light in darkness. Luminous Goshuin is usually available at night illumination visit.

“Art work” Goshuin

There are many types of art work Goshuin. This is a papercut one.

Gion Matsuri Gosyuin

All the Yamahokos of Gion Matsuri have the Goshuin of their own. They are available only during Yoiyamas. Chek out these.

Gion matsuri Schedule 2026: Mikoshi, Yamahoko parade Yoiyama 祇園祭日程2026英語版

The schedule of Gion matsuri 2026 was announced. Mikoshi, Yamahoko parade, and Yoiyama available. Gion matsuri has lots of rituals held in July. In this article, you can see exact schedule they are held.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.05.27

Gion Matsuri 2026 : Sakimatsuri Yoiyama 祇園祭前祭宵山英語で説明

In Gion Matsuri 2026, Yoiyama take place prior to Yamahoko parade. In this article, you can learn the way to enjoy it.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2022.07.13

Gion matsuri 2026: Atomatsuri Yoiyama 祇園祭後祭宵山英語で説明

The precise information of Atomatsuri of Gion matsuri 2026; Byobumatsuri, Kaisyo Kazari of each Yamaboko floats. Gion bayashi, Gohuin stamps and others are available.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.07.21

Have a special Gosyuin note book at Kaisho of Yamahoko, book stores, and souvenir shops.

Every page indicates which stamp should be stamped.

In the Matsuri, there are many ready-made Goshuins. Takayama provides us with a beautiful one every year.

And Kuronushi Yama, too.

Of course we can have Gosyuin of Yasaka shrine. The one is of 2019. Gion matsuri marked the 1150th anniversary and “奉拝” is written in gold.

Gion Matsuri is formally known as Gion Goryo-e.  And Goryo-e Goshuin is available in July.

シカさん

Check this out.

Why is Gion Matsuri celebrated? 祇園祭の意味を英語で説明

Gion matsuri has changed in many ways but its aim reminds the same for 1150 years. In this article, you can learn the exact reason why Gion matsuri is celebrated.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.06.20

Gion Matsuri is a festival for getting rid of epidemics. In the pandemic period, these ones were available.

Japanese is known as a non-descriptive language and we sometimes talk without words.

We often spot this bar in Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, and other facilities. It is a Kekkai (結界). Kekkai originally means the border between the sacred and secular world but this bar only works as a border and means “This is as far as you go” and also has numerous meaning depending o situations: Private, authorized personnel only, restricted area, (something is) not available, and so on.

Kekkai makes the invisible wall and has the same meaning these fences have.

This is a basic and typical usage. The bar is in front of a opened sliding doors leads to the garden. It means, “This place is not available for entering the garden.”

Stone(s) tightened with rope has the same meaning. It is usually found outside of doors.

The basic meaning gives birth to other ones. If a Kekkai is located in front a door of a room, it means “Private” or something like that.

In this case, “Don’t have a seat.”

And this means, “Don’t touch the racoon dog.”

Why Kekkai, instead of cautions?

Why do we place Kekkai instead of stating cautions? It is hard to answer because it is nothing peculiar for me but I can assume some reasons.

First, stated cations are 角が立つ (Kado ga Tatsu). The sentence means that behaviors or words make someone annoyed.

We know we can’t behave as we want to in other’s place. That is a common sense we have. On the other hand, the owner wants us not to do something.

With a caution like “Private,” we feel as if we were said, “This is a private place, you understand?” in an asserted voice. It seems a lack of empathy.

Second, stated cautions would be an eyesore.

As you see, these bars are in beautiful places. A piece of paper saying “Private” will ruin them. In addition to it, it also ruin the calmness. It may sound strange but it ruin the calmness in our aesthetic sense.

We find some cautions in some places. I’m sure and guarantee that is a polite service but I suppose our decency might be collapsing these days on the other hand. 合掌

A video draw attention these days. In the video, a well-bred, highly-educated and cultured guy made graffiti scars on a bamboo in Mt. Inari of Fuhismi Inari Taisha shrine.  Worst scenario, scarred bamboo will rot and we have no choice but to cut it down.

He is not the first one brave enough to show us we wouldn’t deserved to be alive if we could be ever gentle. Actually, similar cases reported many times in the shrine, Arashiyama, and other places.

We detest them not only they take the bamboos’ life away but they also violate what we inherited from our ancestors.

As is often the case, the origin of Fushimi Inari started as the faith of Kannnabi (神奈備). Our ancestors found Kami (Shinto deity) behind nature or natural phenomena and Kannabi is a place or thing where Kami stays. Mt. Inari gave people soil, water, and other several things for agriculture. They found a Kami who brought them prosperity in the mountain and held various rituals there.

In the 6th century, Buddhism brought them religious facility and Kami enshrined in Shrine. Fushimi Inari has enshrined Uka no Mitama no Kami (宇迦之御魂神), the deity of food and agriculture in the main hall for over 1,000 years and Mt. Inari still is a sacred place where Uka no Mitama and other Kamis stay and Shin Butsu Shugo (神仏習合), the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism is still alive and the bamboo is a part of it.

The sacredness of nature helped Japanese people to adopt a Buddhist teaching called Shitsu Busho (悉有仏性). In this teaching, every single living one is equal and could be a Buddha, i.e., enlightened one or awakened one. All the living ones, including rivers, flowers, animals, and so on. This is a foundation behind our way of thinking and norms and we despise those who make them ceased to exist. 合掌

These years, people praise and focus on Aomomiji. Aomomiji is “Autumn leaves in green.” In spring, their green leaves come out and they turn red.

I assume the season of Aomomiji starts in April and ends August. I said “assume” because the word was invented for tourists about a decade ago and the definition of it varies from person to person. At least, as a Japanese goat, I had never heard of the word.

On the other hand, there is a word we have been familiar with: Shin Ryoku.

Shin Ryoku(新緑) means “new green(leaves).” The leaves of deciduous trees start growing around early April. They are in light green and keep the color by mid-May.

This period is in the early summer of the Japanese lunar calendar and Shin Ryoku is one of Kigos. Kigo (季語) is a world that tells us a season in Japanese poetry.

In Shin Ryoku seeson, we find every single life comes alive anew. I’m sure no Japanese people deny this feeling and that is one of the reasons we love Sakura that implies the up-coming Shinryoku season.

There is another word describes the seasn: Midori Sassu (緑さす).

Midori Sasu means this. The sun beam through the leaves make them refreshing in bright green. It casts warm Komorebi on the ground.

Places to visit

Shisendo temple is one of the most underrated places. We can admire Shinryoku in tranquility.

Rurikoin is the best place to visit. I prefer spring though it is famous for autumn leaves.

In some places, night illumination is available.

I hope you can enjoy Shin Ryoku and Midori Sasu virtually. 合掌

I heard we can use 🎏 on every single iPhone. The Emoji stands for Koinobori or “Carp Streamer,” the carp-shaped wind cones flown on the day of Tango no Sekku.

Sekku are annual ceremonies held five times in a year. Tango no Sekku (端午の節句) is one of them takes place on May 5.

Tango no Sekku 端午の節句

Tango means “the first day of Uma (horse) of a month. In the traditional Japanese lunar calendar, May is a month of Uma (午). “午” and “五(five)” can be pronounced as “Go.” We call this “Ontsu (same pronounciation).” Due to this, our ancestors found 五月五日(May 5) was suitable for Tango no Sekku.

たけちよ

In a nutshell,

1. Tango= 1st day of Uma month.
2. Uma can be pronounced as “Go.”
3. Five also can be pronounced as “Go.”
4. 5/5 is suitable for Tango.

BAAH?

七里ヶ浜親方

Horse in a calendar? Check this out.

Eto, the traditional calendar in Japan 干支につき英語で説明

In Japan, we have several ways to express a year: Koki, Imperial period, Japanese lunar calendar, CE, and Eto(干支). This post shows you a comprehensive understanding.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2026.01.22

This Sekku is imported from ancient China. In Jingchu Suishiji, a description of annual events of around 6th century, says, “May is horrible and there are many taboos. People ornamented their house gate with Shobu and Yomogi plants.”

Japan adopted this custom in the 8th century. Otomo no Yakamochi, the famous poet, described it in Manyo Shu, the compilation of Japanese Wakas:

シカさん

Manyo Shu is a source of Reiwa, the Imperial period. 2026 is Reiwa 8.

The meaning of Reiwa, the new Japanese Imperial period

Reiwa (令和), what does the new Imperial period/era mean? Why are Japanese people delighted because it was quoted the Manyosyu?

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.04.01

Seisho Nagon, one of the most influential court ladies, also reported it in The Pillow Book:

たけちよ

Shobu and Yomogi are medical herbs. People believed they get rid of Jyaki. Jyaki is usually translated as “evil sprits” that causes anything wrong. In Tango no Sekku, every single person, including emperor, ornamented their attire with these herbs.

シカさん

This custom is still alive. This is Noki Shobu ‘Shoubu on the roof. The long plans are Shobu and the short ones are Yomogi. Their scent prevent the evil spirits from entering the residence.

The may in the Japanese lunar calendar (we call it Satsuki) is June in the Gregorian calendar. In June, they prepared for Tsuyu(梅雨), the rainy and moldy season that brings them inconveniences like epidemics and maladies.

On the other hand, Taue(田植え) started in May (June today). In Taue, Saotomes (早乙女), the young unmarried girls, plant rice in paddies. They did Kessai (潔斎) around Satsuki 5 in order to prepare for Taue because Taue means not only rice-planting but also means serving for, or co-working with “Ta no kami (Deity of rice paddy).”

七里ヶ浜親方

We find Kami in nature and natural phenomena. We not only co-work with the Deity but we also inherited the rice cultivating from Amaterasu Ohmikami. They didn’t prepare for it without Kessai.

Japanese mythology 5: 1st Emperor of Japan acceded the throne

In this post, let us see how the ancestor of Japanese emperor arrived at Japan and the first emperor acceded the throne. 合掌

kyotokankoyagi.com

2024.02.12

What is Misogi and Harae? 禊と祓を英語で説明

Misogi and Harae is the ways to get rid of evilness in order to prepare for something sacred.  In this post, I'll show you what they are. 合掌

kyotokankoyagi.com

2023.12.31

In brief, Tango no Sekku is a fusion of getting rid of the evil and Kessai.

Established as a Sekku for Boys

In the 13th century, the Kamakura Shogunate was established and Samurais were overwhelming and they accelerated the importance of Shoubu(尚武), the self-restraint braveness. “尚武” and “菖蒲” are pronounced as “Shobu,” i.e., they are in “Ontsu (same pronounciation).” Owing to this, Tango no Sekku became a ceremony for Samurais’ sons, especially the eldest one.

Around the 18th century, commoners started to celebrate their son’s success with Koinobori on Tango no Sekku, relaying on the anecdote of Toryumon.

たけちよ

In the story, a carp became a dragon through the hardships. It also paved the way for Karesansui gardens. I assume the Rock garden of Ryoanji was not born without it.

Ryomonbaku, a.k.a. Toryumon Makes Carp Dragon: 登竜門と龍門瀑につき英語で説明

Ryumonaku literary means "Dragon Gate (Toryumon) Waterfall" and found in many Zen temples. It shows us the way to be an enlightened person through the Buddhist training.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2025.10.19

In addition to it, their admiration for Samurais made them display Musha figurine in their home. (The armor in the photo is not Musha figurine. It is one of Yumiyacho Bugu Kazari in Gion Matsuri.)

Kabuto (helmet) often replaces Musha figurine.

七里ヶ浜親方

She wears a newspaper-Kabuto though we also have Hinamatsuri, the Sekku for girls.

Basic Koinobori

This is a typical string of Koinobori we can see today. At first, Koinobori meant a black one and a Nobori with a picture of Zhong Kui painted on.

Zhong Kui is a Taoist deity who saved Emperor Xuanzong of Tang’s life when he suffered from malaria. In Kyoto, we can find a figurine on the roof of a house. It works as a guradian.

From top:

• Black Carp: Father. Koinobori meant a black carp only originally.
• Red Carp: Mother. Added to Koinobori later.
• Blue Carp: Son. Added to Koinobori later.

Over the Balack carp, a five colors Nobori usually added. They are painted in five colors of Inyo Gogyo theory.

たけちよ

Inyo Gogyo theory is divided into Inyo(陰陽) theory and Gogyo(五行) theory.

 

• Inyo(陰陽) theory means “Shady place and Sunny place.” It is a dualism of Yin(Shady) and Yang(Sunny). These elements interact each other.
• Gogyo(五行) is so-called “Five Elements Theory” in which every thing is made of 木(Wood)/火(Fire)/土(Earth)/金(Gold)/水(Water).

As a result, in Inyo Gogyo theory, everything depends on a balance of Yin and Yang and mutual peace or destruction of the five elements.

In accordance with Sankan Shion (三寒四温 A week has three cold days and four warm days), we expect the upcoming spring in the air with a conviction that our lives come alive anew. In April, when a new fiscal year and semester commence, Somei Yoshinos, so called Sakura, are in full bloom. Hence, they conjures up precious memories.

Moreover, they remind the literate of the sentences of a poem composed by 劉 希夷 (Liu Ky? I’m not sure how the name pronounced in Chinese. In Japanese, it pronounced as “Ryu Ki i.”) in Tang dynasty.

They reads: 年年歳歳花相似 歳歳年年人不同

They could be roughly translated as “Every year flowers bloom same but people are not the same.” They are also known as “Zen Words” that implies everything is changeable.

They are simple but very profound, especially the latter one. The former means that flowers bloom in the same way every year. It tells us a fact.

The latter says, “Every year, 人(Person or people. We can’t tell 人 means single or plural in this case. ) are not the same as the flowers. It is very ambiguous and prolific because we can’t be sure we are not the same or those who around us are no the same, or other. The understanding depends on the lives we lead.

Every spring, I always remember these sentences being at a loss for the answer under the full-bloomed Somei Yoshinos.

I assume Sakuras are popular for something aesthetic but we don’t admire them only for instagrammable stimulations.

Fortunately, Somei Yoshinos has just stared blooming this year. Let us contemplate what they mean.  I suppose it is “the authentic way” to enjoy Sakuras. 合掌

たけちよ

Not in Japan? Don’t worry. Visit Kiyomizudera virtually and enjoy the Sakura.

On February 3, we cerebrate Setsubun in order to chase away Oni, the evil spirits, and welcome a new season. In Setsubun, we throw roasted beans and decorate the entrance of our home with an ornament of sardine. In this post, I’ll show you what this custom is. 合掌

What is Setsubun? 節分とは何か？

In the old solar calendar, Setsubun (節分) is the last day of each season. Accordingly, there are four Setsubun in a year but the word usually means the last day of winter. Next day is Rishyun (立春) and spring begins. Why do we focus only on spring? I suppose there are many reasons but I’m sure we convict everything comes alive in the season.

In the old days, we thought Jyaki (邪気) made us suffer around a new season. It is usually translated as “evil spirits” harm to us.

Jyaki was invisible and ancient people considered it as Oni (鬼). Oni is one of Yokai, the supernatural spirits or creature found in Japanese folklore.

In a nutshell, in Setsubun, we chase Oni for the sake of doing away with Oni (Jyaki) and welcoming spring.

Setsubun started as a ritual of the Imperial Court and we adopted it as a private custom, incorporating Tsuina (追儺).

Tsuina 追儺

Tsuina is also one of rituals of the Imperial Court. In 705, it is commenced in order to remove Oni as a cause of epidemics. On the new year’s eve, Hososhi (方相氏) and government officials chase the invisible Oni out from the Imperial Court.

Hososhi plays the most important role. He has a fierce appearance enough to make Oni frightened.

First, he hits them each other three times.

Then, one of the official shoots arrows and the other swings a stick. Tsuina is completed.

This is the authentic Tsuina. Fortunately, we can admire it in Daina no Gi in Heian Jingu shrine.

And as time went by, due to his appearance, Hososhi became Oni to be drove away.

Why roasted beans?　なぜ大豆？

In Tsuina, Hososhi and his colleagues used arms to drive away Oni but we take advantage of roasted beans: We scatter them shouting, “Fuku wa Uchi, Oni wa Soto (Good luck in, Oni out)!” And after that, we eat as the same quantity of them as our age.

It depends on Kokurei Shinko (穀霊信仰), the faith of grains. In this faith, we believe grains have a sacred power as sources of life. It is important faith. For instance, Fuhimi Inari is based on it.

And Aouma Soran shinji shows us a good example. The Shinme horse eats soy beans in order to remove Jyaki in front of the main hall of Kamigamo shrine.

Sardine ornament 柊鰯

We decorate the entrance of our home with Hiiragi Iwashi (柊鰯). It is a false holly bough stuck into a head of a sardine. We believe its odor keeps Oni away from our house and the leaves sting Oni. And we usually sardines on the day.

Ehomaki? 恵方巻？

You may heard of Ehomaki. It is a Makizuhi. Some say eating it with facing a direction where Toshitokujin, the deity of the year, is in brings us good luck but it isn’t an authentic custom. I suppose some merchants invented the story.

Hatsuuma is the first day of Uma in Kisaragi. Uma is Eto, the way to describe days and Kisaragi is February in the Japanese lunar calendar. On the day, Fushimi Inari Taisha, the head shrine of Inari shrines holds Hatsu Uma Taisai ritual in order to celebrate its foundation. We call it “Hatsu Uma Mode,” or “Fukumairi” and pay a visit to the shrine to ask the Inari Okami, the deities enshrined there, for our prosperity and commemorate the day the deities descended to Mt. Inari.

The day before the ritual, the main hall and sub-shrines are ornamented with “Aoyama Kazari,” the amulet made of the leaves of the trees grew in the mountain.

In this post, I’ll show you what Hatsu Uma Taisai is.  合掌

シカさん

Fushimi Inari is ready for Hatsu Uma Taisai.

What is Hatsu Uma? 初午とは

Uma(Horse) is one of Eto that describe days. Eto is an abbreviated “Jikkan Jyunishi.” These days, we usually use Eto only when mention a year but also use it on days in special occasions.

七里ヶ浜親方

Jikkan Jyunishi? Check this out.

Eto, the traditional calendar in Japan 干支につき英語で説明

In Japan, we have several ways to express a year: Koki, Imperial period, Japanese lunar calendar, CE, and Eto(干支). This post shows you a comprehensive understanding.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2026.01.22

Why なぜ2月の初午にお祭りが行われるのか

Inari no Ohkami, the deities of Fushimi Inari descended to Mt Inari, the Kannabi Yama of it, on the first day of Ume in 711.

たけちよ

Kannnabi Yama is a mountain deity stays.

Shaku Nihongi (『釈日本紀』), cites the lost witing of Yamashino no Kuni Fudoki(『山背国風土記』), the records of Yamashiro (the place known as Kyoto today) puts it:

”風土記に曰はく、伊奈利と稱ふは、秦中家忌寸（はたのなかつへのいみき）等が遠つ祖、伊侶具の秦公、稻粱を積みて富み裕ひき。乃ち、餅を用ちて的と為ししかば、白き鳥と化成りて飛び翔りて山の峯に居り、伊禰奈利生ひき。遂に社の名と為しき。其の苗裔に至り、先の過ちを悔いて、社の木を抜じて、家に殖ゑて祷み祭りき。今、其の木を殖ゑて蘇きば福を得、其の木を殖ゑて枯れば福あらず。”

シカさん

The Gist.

たけちよ

Each number implies:

#1 Sorei Shinko, the faith on ancestors, #2 the faith of grain, #3 Inari no Ohkami is a deity of grain, and #4 Shirushi no Sugi of Hatsu Uma Taisai.

the lost witing of Yamashino no Kuni Fudoki doesn’t mention when Fushimi Inari was founded but the reliable sources like Nijyunisya Chyushiki (『二十二社註式』), the descriptions of important 22 shrines in the 11th century, says Fushimi Inari was founded on 711.

Inari no Ohokami means a collective deities. The most important one is Uka no Mitama no Kami (宇迦之御魂神). Uka is a deformation of Uke that stood for food in old days. She is known as a deity of food, especially rice.

About 1,000 years ago, people climbed 7 times on the day.

シカさん

Climbing the mountain is equivalent to visiting a shrine because both of them are places where deity stays.

In the pillow book, the famous collection of essays in 1,002, Seisho Nagon, the author, tells us a story of a woman she met in Hatsuuma Taisai. The woman put it: 「まろは七度まうでし侍るぞ。三度はまうでぬ。いま四度はことにもあらず。まだ未に下向しぬべし」

七里ヶ浜親方

Today, I climb the mountain 7 times. I’ve already done it 3 times. 4 more times? Piece of cake!

Even today, we climb the mountain as she did: Oyama Meguri. It takes about 1 hour.

Fushimi Inari Taisha hike, a.k.a. Oyama Meguri 伏見稲荷お山めぐり英語で説明

In Fushimi Inari hike, known as "Oyama Meguri" in Japanese, we visit the sacred mountain to find what Japanese people believed through thousands of years.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2023.09.15

Shirushi no Sugi しるしの杉

Sirusni no Sugi is an amulet we can have in Hasu Uma Taisai. This is base on the story in the lost witing of Yamashino no Kuni Fudoki.

”風土記に曰はく、伊奈利と稱ふは、秦中家忌寸（はたのなかつへのいみき）等が遠つ祖、伊侶具の秦公、稻粱を積みて富み裕ひき。乃ち、餅を用ちて的と為ししかば、白き鳥と化成りて飛び翔りて山の峯に居り、伊禰奈利生ひき。遂に社の名と為しき。其の苗裔に至り、先の過ちを悔いて、社の木を抜じて、家に殖ゑて祷み祭りき。今、其の木を殖ゑて蘇きば福を得、其の木を殖ゑて枯れば福あらず。”

The descendants of Hara no Iroko were ashamed of his deeds and brought the cedar trees in the mountain to their home. (Generally speaking,) If it grows up, it brings us a luck, and vice versa.

Shirushi no Sugi seemed to be popular. For instance, a famous poet wrote a poem in the 13th century:”きさらぎやけふ初午のしるしとて稲荷の杉はもとつ葉もなし”

In Hatsu Uma Taisai, I can’t find a single cedar leaves in Mt Inari because people brought them back to their homes.

In addtion to it, thanks to the story, the cedar leaves was accepted as amulets those days.

Today, we can buy other amulets like them.

Otsuka Taisai お塚大祭

On the same day, Otsuka Taisai riutla takes place in Gozendani Hohaijo. It used to be a place where priests prepared for food for the deities in Mt. Inari.

About Fushimi Inari Taisha

Access to Fushmi Inari Taisha

 JR Line

Get off train at Inari station. Local line only.

Keihan Line

Get off train at Fushimi Inari station.  Express, Local and Sub-express line only.

たけちよ

Check this out.

How to get to fushimi Inari-taisha shrine: Train, don't take bus 伏見稲荷アクセス英語版

The easiest ways to Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine. Take JR or Keihan lines. Don't take bus.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2024.06.29

Bibliography 参考文献

• 山折哲雄/編（1999）『稲荷信仰事典』戎光祥出版
• 三好和義（2003）『伏見稲荷大社』淡交社
• 中村陽/監修（2009）『稲荷大神』戎光祥出版