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.

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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.

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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

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.

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.

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

干支 is a compound of “干” and “支.”

“干” is an abbreviation of “十干(Jikkan)” and “支” is an abbreviation of “十二支(Jyunishi).”

That is, Eto is Jikkan Jyunishi (十干十二支）exactly.

Eto is a calendar invented in ancient China and was imported to Japan in the 6th century. Accordingly, we invented our original calendar (暦 koyoimi) in 604.

Today, we omit Jikkan and use Jyunishi only to mention a year. In many cases, Eto means Jyunishi actually.

Eto (Jyunishi) animals and their meanings 干支の一覧とそれぞれの意味

Introduction 概説

As I tell you later, Jyunishi originally stood for a process of cultivation but they are described as animals derived from the Kanji of them.

子(Ne)＝ねずみ Mouse

Original Ne is 孳(Shi). 子 is also pronounced as “Shi” and “Ne.” Shi is one of a process of cultivation but is is hard to understand. For the purpose of easy understanding, it was replaced with mouse.

Mouse is a prolific mammal and implies prosperity. It is usually a Kenzoku(kind of medium between deity and us) of Daikokuten.

丑(Ushi)＝うし(Ox)

Original Ushi is 紐(Chu). The Kanji resembles 丑(OX). The symbol of toughness.

寅(Tora)＝とら(Tiger)

Original Tora is 螾(In). The Kanji resembles 寅(Tiger). The symbol of bravery.

卯(U)＝うさぎ(Rabbit)

Original U is 冒(Bo).卯 is also pronounced as “U.” Rabbits lives in a herd and it is believed that they bring us prosperity in family affair.

辰(Tatsu)＝龍(Dragon)

Original Tatsu is 振(Shin).龍 (Dragon) is also pronounced as “Shin.” In Japan, dragon is a deity of water. It also implies power.

Dragon Hole at Yasaka shrine in Kyoto 龍穴につき英語で説明

Dragon hole is a place where Ki, the source of power and energy, stays temporary. Yasaka shrine in Kyoto is located over it.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2024.08.18

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

已＝へび

Original Mi is 已(I).卯 is also pronounced as “U.” For the purpose of easy understanding, it was replaced with snake. It is a Kenzoku of Benzaiten and brings us a plenty of money.

午(Uma)＝うま(Horse)

Original Uma is 忤(Go). For the purpose of easy understanding, it was replaced with horse. It brings us a good cultivation and health.

未(Hitsuji)＝ひつじ (Sheep)

Original Hitsuji is 昧(Mai). For the purpose of easy understanding, it was replaced with Sheep. By the 19th century, we didn’t tell sheep from goat exactly. I brings us peace.

たけちよ

ME

申(Saru)＝さる(Monkey)

Original Saru is 呻(Shin). The Kanji resembles 申(Monkey). The symbol of wisdom.

酉(Tori)＝とり(Rooster)

Original Tori is 緧(Shuku). For the purpose of easy understanding, it was replaced with Rooster. I brings us prosperity in business.

戌(Inu)＝いぬ (Dog)

Original Inu is 滅(Metsu). For the purpose of easy understanding, it was replaced with Dog. The symbol of royalty and easy delivery.

亥(I)＝いのしし(Boar)

Original I is 閡(Gai). For the purpose of easy understanding, it was replaced with Boar. The symbol of health and easy delivery.

Celebrating a new year with Eto

Around new year’s eve, we usually find large Ema in Shinto shrines and Buddhis temples. As Hatsumode, we love to pay a visit to Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples that have something to do with the Eto of the year in order to have some Goriyaku (Kind of bllessings).

2026 is Hinoe Uma. Omitting Hinoe, this year is a year of Uma (Horse). Shinto shrines used to keep Shimme horse but there only about 10 shrines inherit this custom. In Kyoto, Kamigamo shrine has Shinme horse named Koyama-go. During Sanganichi (1/1-1/3), countless people visit there to see him.

And they also admire Hakuba/Aouma Soran Shinji ritual for more Goriyaku.

十干 Jikkan

Introduction

Jikkan consists of 甲(Ko), 乙(Otsu), 丙(Hei), 丁(Tei), 戊(Bo), 己(Ki), 庚(Koh), 辛(Shin), 壬(Jin), and 揆(ki). These words were used in order to express days in ancient China over 2,000 years ago. They originally stood for a process of cultivation. Later, Inyo Gogyo theory influenced them.

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.

Jikkan and Inyo theory 十干と陰陽説

Jikkan is divided into Yokan(陽干 Sunny) and Inkan (陰干 Shady). Yokan means “elder brother” and Inkan means “little brother.”

Jikkan and Gogyo theory 十干と五行説

十二支 Jyunishi

Introduction

Jyounishi consists of 子(Ne), 丑(Ushi), 寅(Tora), 卯(U), 辰(Tatsu), 巳(Mi), 午(Uma), 未(Hitsuji), 申(Saru), 酉(Tori), 戌(Inu), and 亥(I).

These words were also used in order to express days in ancient China. And they also originally stood for a process of cultivation. Later, they stood for animals each other.

Jyunishi and Inyo theory 十二支と陰陽説

Jyunishi also is divided into Yokan(陽干 Sunny) and Inkan (陰干 Shady).

Jyunishi and Gogyo theory 十二支と五行説

Jikkan Jyunishi 十干十二支

Combinations 組み合わせ

Make pairs with Jikkan and Jyunishi. We can make 120 pairs but we can only make a pair of Yukan and Youshi, vice versa. Accordingly, there are 60 pairs.

本来は十二支は十干十二支で表されるので、暦では「乙巳」などと表記されます。

Calculation 算出方法

Divide a year of Western calendar by 10. The remainder decides a Jikkan.

たけちよ

2026 divided by 10 is 202 with a reminder of 6. The Jikkan is 丙(Hinoe).

Jyunishi

Divide a year of Western calendar by 12. The remainder decides a Jikkan.

たけちよ

2026 divided by 12 is 168 with a reminder of 10. The Jyounishi is 午(Uma).

たけちよ

IDEST, 2026 is 丙午(Hinoe Uma).

Komorebi(木漏れ日) means the sunbeams leaking from woods and leaves.

Take a look at the photo. The space between leaves makes lens and the sunbeams cast themselves in circle on the shadow. I’ve heard we can’t find such a word in any other languages but I’m sure you can understand our aesthetic sense.

たけちよ

Not a shadow. The sunbeams on the shadow, right?

When we go out to admire flowers, autumn leaves, gardens, and other things, we always pay attention to Komorebi without consciousness. For example, when we see autumn leaves, we also see it as a part of the scenery.

In this photo, you can enjoy Komorebi, Mizukagami, and the autumn leaves at the same time. Besides, we feel the warmth with it. We prefer a scenery like this.

七里ヶ浜親方

On the contrary, we feel something refreshing with it.

I suppose we, including Shika-san, want to feel we also a part of nature or universe.

With trees, you can find Komoebi in any places in the planet. Just enjoy them as we do. 合掌

We are not sure exactly when cats started to invade Japan. Rumor has it that they were imported as guardians of hand scrolls of sutras. The oldest document about a cat as a companion animal is Kanpyo Gyoki (『寛平御記』), the long lost diary of Emperor Uda/ Uda Tenno.

Fortunately, Kakai Sho (『河海抄』), the commentary of The Tales of Genji cited the diary:

寛平元年二月六日。朕閑時述猫消息曰。驪猫一隻。大宰少貳源精秩満来朝所献於先帝。愛其毛色之不類。餘猫猫皆淺黑色也。此獨深黑如墨。爲其形容惡似韓盧。長尺有五寸高六寸許。其屈也。小如秬粒。其伸也。長如張弓。眼精晶熒如針芒之亂眩。耳鋒直竪如匙上之不搖。其伏臥時。團圓不見足尾。宛如堀中之玄璧。其行歩時。寂寞不聞音聲。恰如雲上黑龍。性好道引暗合五禽。常低頭尾著地。而曲聳背脊高二尺許。毛色悅澤盖由是乎。亦能捕夜鼠捷於他猫。先帝愛翫數日之後賜之于朕。朕撫養五年于今。毎旦給之以乳粥。豈啻取材能翹捷。誠因先帝所賜。雖微物殊有情於懐育耳。仍曰。汝含陰陽之氣備支竅之形。心有必寧知我乎。猫乃歎息舉首仰睨吾顔。似咽心盈臆口不能言。

Kanpyo Gyoki 『寛平御記』

寛平元年二月六日。朕閑時述猫消息曰。驪猫一隻。大宰少貳源精秩満来朝所献於先帝。

3/11/899 I have a time to spare and try to write about my cat. Having served the term,  Minamoto no Kuwashi came back to the capital. And he offered this black cat to Emperor Koko.

愛其毛色之不類。餘猫猫皆淺黑色也。此獨深黑如墨。爲其形容惡似韓盧。

The color of his coat is unique. It is dark black and beautiful as charcoal as though she was a Kanro (the fine breed dog in ancient China). Other black cats look like gray cats.

長尺有五寸高六寸許。其屈也。小如秬粒。其伸也。長如張弓。

She is 7″ in height and 18″ in length. When crouching, she looks like a tiny black pea. When stretching, she is as long as a bow.

眼精晶熒如針芒之亂眩。耳鋒直竪如匙上之不搖。

Her eyes glitter like needles. Ears stand straight as spoons.

其伏臥時。團圓不見足尾。宛如堀中之玄璧。其行歩時。寂寞不聞音聲。恰如雲上黑龍。

When she loafs, I can’t see her paws and tail. She seems like a black jewel in a cave. And she sneaks as though a dragon flied through the clouds.

She seems to love Gokingi (The old Chinese practice for health) . I suppose she has a beautiful coat because she is a master of Qigong.

She usually crouches down. When she stands up and stretches, she is 24″ in height.  Besides, she catches mice quicker than any other cats in the night.

先帝愛翫數日之後賜之于朕。朕撫養五年于今。毎旦給之以乳粥。

Emperor Koko (His father) took care of her for a few days and gave her to me. I’ve taken care of her for five long years, I give her Niunokayu (A food like yogurt. It was uncommon even in the Imperial court ) every morning.

豈啻取材能翹捷。誠因先帝所賜。雖微物殊有情於懐育耳。

I love her not because she is extraordinary but she is a gift from the former Emperor. I take a good care of anything, even the tiniest thing.

たけちよ

He is so tsundere he lies.

七里ヶ浜親方

Tsundere is an mixed attitude with coldness and affection.

仍曰。汝含陰陽之氣備支竅之形。心有必寧知我乎。猫乃歎息舉首仰睨吾顔。似咽心盈臆口不能言。

I asked her, “You have a body and soul. So, you understand me, don’t you?” She sighed and gaze at me without a word. (I remembered) She can’t speak.

Goat Gyoki　『山羊御記』

When I visit a shrine, a black cat come up to me to say hello sometimes. Occasionally, she rubs against me.  I guess Gozu Tenno, a deity enshrined there, sends her to me. I’m sure she is a dragon lives in a dragon hole under the main hall. She is the best cat I’ve ever seen.合掌

As indicated in the Imperial period Reiwa, we’ve loved flowers in spring and autumn leaves in fall for a long time.

Autumn leaves or autumn colors in English is called “紅葉 (pronounced as Momiji or Koyo) in Japanese. The word means “leaves turned red” these days.

However, Momiji in ancient times was described as “黄葉 (leaves turned red)” and  was pronounced as “Momichi.”

“Momishi” is a noun form of a verb “Momitsu (To turn yellow).” As plum blossom used to be considered as typical spring flower instead of Sakura, our sensitivity on seasons was different from the one we have today.

In Manyoshu, the oldest compilation of Waka poem in the 8th century, there are 92 poems about autumn leaves. And 88 out of 92 describe them as yellow leaves, i.e., yellow was a color of fall.

In those days, an poem called “秋風辞” written by Emperor Wu of Han dynasty had an effect on this idea.

The poem is found in the Wen Xuan, one of the oldest anthologies of Chinese literature, that was popular among the learned in our country. Actually, it is often said “Manyoshu was not compiled without Wen Xuan.”

The poem (excerpt) reads:

In ancient China, fall was sad season and implied something on decline. Our ancestors inherited this idea but they found something aesthetic in leaves of plants. They read many poems about them in Manyoshu though there no poem referring to autumn leaves in Wen Xuan. 　

The fierce Goryo turns the leaves red

In the 9th century, owing to Sugawara no Michizane paved the way for the word known as “紅葉”/ “Red leaves” today.  He is one of the most famous historical figures and Goryos and known as “The deity of learning” and a prominent poet of Waka and Kanshi (Chinese poem).

He wrote:

It is tough to translate this in English as to translate “Ode to a Nightingale” in Japanese and I tell you the situation.

He was on a journey and faced a mountain ornamented with autumn leaves (紅葉/ Red leaves). He decided to offer them to deity as “幣(Nusa).” Nusa is an offering to deity.

A poem of Du Mu, a Chinese poet of 9th century, had an impact on this poem. It reads:

He was a master of Kanshi and narrated the aesthetics in Japanese fall with the expression(s) of ancient China.

Autumn leaves these days

Strictly speaking, “紅葉” means the leaves turned red but it doesn’t mean a specific color usually. It stands for the leaves turned their colors in general. We admire the leaves of many kind of plants in red, yellow, green, and so on. And I guess many people prefer the red ones. The following is recommended places to visit. Enjoy them. 合掌

The best place to visit is Eikando Temple.

In Tenjuan temple, you can enjoy red and yellow leaves in Karesansui garden.

I prefer Korin-in temple. The most underrated place.

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 with Kannnon‘s wisdom.

In the 13th century, Japan adopted Zen (school) earnestly and it changed Japanese gardens. Zen wanted facilities of temple, including garden, to be a place for its practice or training and they are to be visualizations of the scriptures. Ryoumonbaku is a means to achieve the aim.

Ryoumonbaku is a name of the waterfall in Hekigenroku (『碧巌録』The Blue Cliff Record), a compilation of Zen stories in the 12th century.

In one of stories, a monk asked his master what “the enlightened” means. He replied in a poem:

This poem is based on an old story in the Book of the Later Han in the 5th century:

The Book of the Later Han doesn’t reveal what kind of fish could overcome the fall but Taiping Guangji in the 10th century tells us the ones:

シカさん

Dragon is a guardian of Buddhism and a deity of water. Fushimi Inari used to be a famous for the faith in Dragon (and serpent).

Due to these stories, carps climb up “Dragon gate waterfall” and become dragons. The master cited this as an example to understand the way to be enlightened.

“Fishes climb up the fall to became dragons but people still looking for them in the fall,” means the monk looking for what he think “the enlightened” somewhere (in the fall) though he (a carp) could be an enlightened person, i.e., we could be the enlightened persons thorough Zen training and with a help of Kannon.

たけちよ

The monk means,”You are to be a Buddha (enlightened person) . Why you try to find it in other places in stead of in yourself?”

The Ryoumonbaku is also called “Totyumon (登竜門).” The one in Zen temple usually has stones stands for three dams, a carp, and Kannon: The carp climbs up the three waterfalls to reach Kannon in order to be a dragon with her wisdom. (Kannon is a male deity but many Japanese people think he is a male one.)

The Ryumonbaku in Tenryuji temple

The Ryumonbaku in Tenryuji is a good example. In the garden belongs to Dai Hojo (大方丈), you’ll find the Ryumonbaku in the red circle.

There used to be an actual waterfall but today it is a Karesansui garden. 1, 2, and 3 in blue means the three dams.

“観音” is a Kannon-seki stone stands for Kannon and “鯉” is a Gyori-seki stone stands for a carp.

Take a close look at the lower part of the fall. There are “脇石 (Waki Ishi)”  stones and “水落石 (Mizuochi Ishi. 2 and 3).” They tell us it used to be a real waterfall there because installing a Mizuochi Ishi between Wakiishis is the traditional way of making a waterfall in Japanese garden described in Sakuteiki (『作庭記』) , the oldest text book in the 11the century for garden making.

And the upper part of the fall. “観音” is a 観音石 (Kannon Seki) and “鯉” is a 鯉魚石 (Rigyoseki/ Carp stone). The carp faces the last difficulty and on the verge of reaching the Kannon’s wisdom to be a dragon.

Ryoumanbakus in other places

The most important one is in the upper garden of Saihoji temple but it doesn’t open up the gate for us because only monks could be in the garden for their training.

I guess the one to be found easily is in Kinkakuji temple. There is a small Ryumonbaku behind Shariden (Golden pavilion) though only a few people pay attention to it. This one has only one dam. You’ll find it along the pathway.

The carp figurine of Koiyama (Atomatsuri of Gion Matsuri) is becoming a dragon.

七里ヶ浜親方

Koinobori in Tango no Sekku (A ceremony for boys) is based on this poem.