According to Japanese mythology, Amaterasu Ohomikami (天照大神) ordered Ninigi no Mikoto (瓊瓊杵尊) to rule Ashihara Nakatsu Kuni (葦原中津国), namely Japan. Ninigi no Mikoto is a grandson of Amaterasu Ohomikami and a great-grand father of emperor Jinmu, the first emperor of Japan.

When he left Takama no Hara, she gave him the Imperial Regalia of Japan: Yatano Kagami (八咫鏡), Yasaka Ni no Magatama (八尺瓊勾玉), and Kusanagi no Tsurugi (草薙剣). We call them “三種の神器(Sansyu no Shinki/ Ginki)”, or the Three Sacred Treasures. Emperors inherited them from his predecessor when he was enthroned. (There are some exceptions. I’ll show you later.)

The treasures are Goshintai individually. Goshintai is an object where Kami(s) stay. They used to be stored in the Imperial Court. As stated in Kogo Shui (古語拾遺), the historical record compiled in the 9th century, the mirror and sword were decided to be ehshrined in Ise shrine and Atsuta Jingu shrine individually In the 3rd century. At the time, Katashiro of these two treasures were made.

Katashiro is a kind of replica. They have the same spirit and sacredness as the authentic ones and plays the same role. They are treated as the authentic ones.

When Minamoto no Yoritomo ousted the Heishi from Kyoto. They escaped to the battle fields with emperor Antoku and the Katashiros. In 1185, at the downfall of the Heishi, they were sunk in Dan no Ura sea with the emperor. Samurais of Genji found boxes of the mirror and Jewel floating around the sea and Minamoto no Yoshitsune managed to retrieve them but the sword sunk in the sea.

Hoagn Biiki, the sentiment Japanese love 判官贔屓につき英語で説明

Hogan Biiki (判官贔屓) is a sentiment Japanese people love and it has been passed down from generation to generation without awareness.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2026.08.31

たけちよ

Check this out.

The places they are stored today:

Yata no Kagami 八咫鏡

One day, discourteous behaviors of Susanoh no Mikoto (素戔嗚尊) made Amaterasu made  Ohomikami furious. She hided herself into a cave called Ame no Iwato/ Ama no Iwato and put a huge rock in front of it. She is a Kami (Shinto deity) of the sun and the world lost its light.

Other Kamis in Takama no Hara tried to lure Amaterasu out of the cave: They held a party. It made her curious about the circumstances outside. She moved the rock slightly. She glanced Ame no Uzume (天鈿女命) dancing indecently and heard the laughter of other Kamis. She was curious why they enjoyed it though there was no sunlight. This incident is called Iwato Gakure (岩戸隠れ).

She asked Ame no Uzume what was going on. She replied that they have a nobler Kami there. She opened the rock again to make sure who she was.

Then, two Kamis fetched a mirror hanging on a Sakaki tree and let her see it. She saw herself in the mirror and mistook herself as the Kami Ame no Uzume referred to. She tried to move the rock wider to make certain who she was.

All of a sudden, a Kami called Ame no Tajikarao (天手力男神) held her arm and pulled her out: The sun came back.

The mirror is Yatano Kagami. It was made of iron or copper. The Katashiro of them were burned into debris in 1040. It is considered that the debris is enshrined in the Imperial Palace today.

Japanese mythology 2: Iwato Gakure, World without sun or Amaterasu Ohmikami

To under stand Japanese culture and its inheritance without the knowledge of Japanese mythology. In this post, let us see "Iwato Gkure," 合掌

kyotokankoyagi.com

2024.02.04

シカさん

Check this out.

Kusanagi no Tsurugi 草薙剣

After Iwato Gakure, Susanoh was ousted from Takama no Hara due to his behavior. When he reached Ashihara Nakatsukuni and fought against a huge serpent with 8 heads and tails called Yamata no Orochi in order to save the life of Kushinada Hime, his future wife. When he defeated the serpent, he found a sword in one of the tails.

七里ヶ浜親方

The serpent is a metaphor of a deity of water and the rivers of Izumo region that produced high-quality iron. Today, genuine Japanese sword must be made of the iron of Izumo.

He presented the sword to Amaterasu Ohmikami and she gave it to Ninigi no Mikoto as Kusanagi no Tsurugi.

Japanese mytholgy 3: Kushinada Hime ends Susanoh's Odyssey

To under stand Japanese culture and its inheritance without the knowledge of Japanese mythology. In this post, let us see how Kushinada Hime put an end to Susanoh's odysesy. 合掌

kyotokankoyagi.com

2024.02.05

お福さん

Check this out.

Yasaka Ni no Magatama 八尺瓊勾玉

Yasaka Ni no Magatama ornamented the Sakaki tree located near Ame no Iwato as Yata no Kagami did.

Generally speaking, Magatama looks like this. I suppose Yasaka ni no Magatma resemble it.

The legitimacy of the imperial line

The tree treasures are legitimacy of the imperial line and Emperors inherited them from his predecessor when he was enthroned.

There were exceptions. In 1183, Emperor Gotoba was enthroned depending only on Senji instead of the treasures because they are with Emperor Antoku. Senji has several meaning and it means a permission in this case.

In the 14th century, the Imperial Court was divided into the Northern one and Southern one and three emperors were enthroned without the treasures.

They are the exceptions in over at least 1,600 years of the history of the Imperial line.

In 2019, Emperor Naruhito acceded his throne and inherited Kusanagi no Tsurugi and Yasaka ni no Magatama in Kenji Toh Shoukei no Gi ceremony and Yata no Kagami in Kashiko Dokoro Ohmae no Gi ceremony. 合掌

Enthronement/即位

「Enthronement/即位」の記事一覧です。

kyotokankoyagi.com

たけちよ

Check this out.

As the old saying goes, “春は花、秋は月(The best thing to admire: Sakura in spring and the moon in fall ),” we love to admirer the moon in fall.

In late September, we feel fall in the heat of the air, expecting Tsukimi (月見 Moon viewing) for Chushu no Meigetsu (中秋の名月).

Chushu no Meigetsu is the full moon in August in the Japanese lunar calendar. We have Syosu (初秋), Chushu (中秋), and Banshyu (晩秋). We prefer the moon of Chushu as the loveliest one to be seen: The height of the moon is perfect and the crisp and clear air helps us to admire it.

たけちよ

I suppose “the crisp and clear air helps us to admire the moon” is one of the aesthetic sense indigenous to our country. It could be hard to understand that but it is quite natural for us.

七里ヶ浜親方

The moon appears as it is and infinite as if the doors of perception was clensed.

In old days, of course even today, rituals, ceremonies, and parties took place and people love to compose poems.

An anonymous poet wrote, “月々に月見る月は多けれど月見る月はこの月の月(The best month to admire the moon is one in August though we can see it in every months .”

The court nobles imported this custom from ancient China and commoners adopted it later. For peasants, fall is a season of cultivating and they did Tsukimi prior to Matsuris to show gratitude for Shinto and Buddhist deities in fall.

Generally speaking, we offer the crops harvested in fall to them and the moon: Dangos (rice dumpling), Susuki plants, potatoes, edamames (young soy beans), chestnuts, persimmons, and so on.

Kangetsu-e in Daikakuji temple

The most fascinating Tsukimi is Kangetsu-e (観月会) in Daikakuji temple.

Daikakuji is a Buddhist temple of Shingon school and former villa of Emperor Saga (786-842). The villa has a pond called Osawa no Ike(大沢池), the oldest artificial pond in Japan. Kangetsu-e is a ritual for Gatten (月天), a guardian of Buddhism.

In old days, emperors and court nobles enjoyed Funa Asobi (船遊) on Ryuto sen (龍頭船) and Gekisu sen (鷁首船) boat to enjoy landscapes in every season.

For instance, Kinkakuji and its pond was designated for Funa Ashobi.

Ryuto sen has a dragon and Gekisu sen has a geki as a figurehead individually. Dragon is a deity of water and geki is an imaginary bird saves us from water-related accident.　In the days of old, they enjoyed music and landscape.

Some experts say Emperor Saga created the pond to admire the Chushu no Meigetsu. Today, we can enjoy Chushu no Meigetsu in the same way.

In 2026,  9/25 was Chushu no Meigetsu. It was cloudy but when ritual commenced, the full moon appeared through the cloud. Enjoy it as the emperor did over 1,100 years ago. 合掌

Hogan Biiki (判官贔屓) is a sentiment Japanese people love and it has been passed down from generation to generation without awareness. You’ll find several instances in our cultural inheritance like literature, manga, etc.

The authentic meaning of Hogan Biiki is a compassion for Minamoto no Yoshitsume and it originated sympathy for those who in lower or disadvantaged standing.

“判官(Hogan)” is an official ranking the Imperial Court conferred on him. The word usually pronounced as “Hangan” but we say “Hogan” in the Yoshitsume’s case.

The curious life of Minamoto no Yoshitsune

Vengeance for his father

As stated in the previous post, Minamoto no Yoshitsune (源義経) is a historical figure belonged to the Genji (源氏) clan. His father was executed due to a conflict with the Heishi clan (平氏). Yoshitsune was sent to Kurama dera temple and his brother Yoritomo (頼朝) was sent to Izu (Shizuoka prefecture) avoiding the punishment.

Yoshitsune left Kurama dera and temporally stayed in Kyoto where he met Benkei. Benkei joined him and they headed for Hiraizumi (Iwate prefecture).

たけちよ

Check out the previous post, old sport.

Ushiwaka Maru meets Benkei 牛若丸と弁慶英語で説明

Ushiwaka Maru meets Benki on Gojo Ohashi bridge. Ten out of ten Japanese know this encounter.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2026.08.28

On the other hand, the Heishi clan was at the zenith of its political power. A daughter of Taira no Kiyomori, the head of the clan, marry Emperor Takakura and gave birth to a child. He launched a coup and detained the emperor and his grand son enthroned as Emperor Antoku at the age of one.

In 1180, Yoritomo, as the head of the Genji, raised an army against the Heishi clan and Yoshitsune served him as a General.

Five years later, they exterminated the Heishi clan in the battle of Dan no Ura (壇ノ浦の戦い).

In 1185, Yoritomo drove away Yoshitsune though he played the greatest role in the war. We can assume many reasons and the following is the critical ones:

Hogan

In 1184, Goshirakawa Ho-oh, the retired emperor, confirmed his official ranking 検非違使伊予守従五位下兼行左衛門少尉.

従五位 (Jyu Goi) is a rank of the officials and it is an aide to emperor.

左衛門少尉 (Sae Mon no Shojo) is the third-ranked officer of a ministry of defense of Kyoto. This rank is also called “判官 (Hangan)” but it is ronounced as “Hangan” in this case.

Yoritomo banned to have official ranking but Yoshitsune had it without his permission. For Yoritomo, it seemed to be a treason. He found Yoshitsune betrayed him.

The Imperial regalia and the battle of Dan no Ura

The Imperial ragalia

There are the three Imperial regalia:

When Ninigi no Mikoto, the ancestor of Japanese emperor, left Takama no Hara, Amaterasu Ohomikami gave them to him.

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

The Battle of Dan no Ura

壇ノ浦の戦い

In 1183, Yoritomo ousted the Heishi form Kyoto. The Heishi drifted away on hundreds of  boats to Dan no Ura shore. The last stand of the Heishi started. Emperor Antoku and the three Imperial regalia are on the boat in the photo with court ladies.

シカさん

In Kyoto, Emperor Gotoba had enthroned. There were two emperors.

At the end of the battle, the nursing mother of the 6 years old emperor realized a defeat. She took Yasakani no Magatama and Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi (and Yatano Kagami. It is not described in any historical epics but I assume she had it because the regalia is a legitimacy of the imperial throne.) and said, “Shall we go to the Jodo paradise of Amitabha (Buddhist deity). There is another capital under the waves, Your Imperial Majesty.”

Then she threw herself off from the ship, holding the emperor who did Gassho (合掌 The manner of Buddhism. Putting palms together.) in her arms.

Yasakani no Magatama was in a wooden box and a Samurais of the Genji found it floating round on the sea but they failed to spot the Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi.

Yoshitsune was in charge of the battle and Yoritomo blamed him though he was able to win the battles without him. He was a leading figure in other battles against the Heishi.

七里ヶ浜親方

Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi is enshrined in Atsuta Jingu shrine today. Ise Jingu shrine gave it to the shrine but some say the one lost in Dan no Ura was a replica.

Yoritomo gave the order to execute Yoshitsune

For several reasons, especially those ones, Yoritomo fond Yoshitsune “betrayed” him and gave the order to execute him. Yoshitsune headed for Hiraizumi relaying on the Fujiwara clan there.

In 1189, the 500 troopers of Yoritomo drove Yoshitsune’s callegues (about 15 people) into a small temple of a castle. He realized the end was near and he went into the temple with his wife and daughter. His Rotohs (those who serves someone) guarded the temple and the troopers showered thousands of arrows. Benkei was in front of the entrance and stabbed with them. He ceased to exist, standing upright. Yoshitsune slayed his wife, daughter, and himself in order to save their honor.

Hogan Biiki established

Yoshitsune made a great contribution to the triumph over the Heishi but he was maltreated. His tragic life and misfortune derive sympathy for those who in lower or disadvantaged standing from Japanese people. The word “Hogan Biiki” was established at least by the 17th century. We are so found of him there are several literatures and works of art, etc. The most excessive one is “Yoshitsune-Genghis Khan hypothesis:” Yoshitsune escaped narrowly to Mongol and founded the Mongol empire. It is a ridiculous idea but we want him a happy ending, I suppose. 合掌

Introduction

Ushiwaka Maru meets Benki on Gojo Ohashi bridge. Ten out of ten Japanese know this encounter. It is a popular theme of Noh, Kabuki, and other entertainment. For instance, Hahisbenkei Yama of Gion matsuri is based on the story.

Who is Ushiwaka Maru?

Ushiwaka Maru (牛若丸) is a historical figure in the 12th century. Ushiwaka Maru is a Yomyo,  a name given to a child and he grew up to Minamoto no Yhoshitsune (源義経).

His father was executed due to a political conflict between the Heishi (平氏) and the Genji (源氏) clan.  Yoshitsune was sent to Kurama dera temple located in Mt. Kurama.

He learned Buddhism as an apprentice monk during the day and learned martial arts from Kurama Tengu lived the mountain during the night. Tengu is an legendary creature with a red face and a long nose. It often was fused with the Mountain worship and considered as a deity living in a mountain.

Ushiwaka Maru left the temple and stayed in Kyoto en route to Hiraizumi, the de facto vice capital, to apply political asylum. One night, he met Benkei.

Who is Benkei?

Benkei (弁慶) is also a historical figure but no one can tell who he is exactly. He is known as a hulking guy loyal to Yoshitsune but this profile was invented in Gikeiki (『義経記』), the chronicle of Yoshitsune and other war-tales.

He was an apprentice monk of Enryakuji temple in Hieizan. He was ousted from the temple due to his bad attitude and behavior. He settled down to Kyoto and planned to collect 1,000 swords there. He started attacking passers-by with swords for his aim. When he obtained 999 swords, he met Ushiwaka Maru.

Where did they meet?

Where did they meet? Almost anyone answer, “On Gojo Ohashi bridge” but Gikeiki describes the encounter took place near Gojo Tenjin shrine. The encounter on Gojo Ohashi is famous because of a Rokyoku (謡曲) called Hashi Benkei. Ryokyoku is a part of Noh and used to be popular.

One night, Benkei prayed at Gojo Tenjin shrine. He requested the 1,000th sword would be a good one. Then, he came across Ushiwaka Maru He walked playing his flute. All of a sudden, Benkei attacked him with his sword. Ushiwaka maru jumped to a nearby wall and bent his sword and threw it away to Benkei. Benkei attacked him again. Ushiwaka Maru escaped the sword: He jumping off the wall, hovered in the air and jumped over the Naginata.

On the next day, Benkei wait him in front of the main gate of Kiyomizudera temple for revenge. Fortunately, he met Ushiwaka Maru again. This time, Benkei attacked him with his Naginata sword (A sword with long pole). The desperate battle lead them to the stage of Kiyomizudera. Benkei lose the battle and decided to be a Rotoh (郎党) of Ushiwaka Maru. Rotho is a person who serves the superior. After this, Benkei served him for the last minute of his life.

To be continued in the next post. 合掌

On July 28, Kyushu was struck by an earthquake. I would like to show the deepest condolences to those who affected by the disaster.

Gion Matsuri commenced in 869 in order to cope with the epidemics and the natural disasters happened in the archipelago.

On July 31, Higohgis were still in bloom,  Eki Jinjya Nagoshisai took place in serenity and the chief priest of Yasaka shrine declared that Gion Matsuri of 2026 was completed. He stated that we were not able to get rid of epidemics and natural disasters though the Matsuri was accomplished, implying that all we could do it is taking precautions.

I suppose we prepare for the worst case scenario as Samurais were able to be ready to be face to face with it, according to Zen.

Gion Matsuri is famed for Yamahoko parade or Yoiyamas of Sakimatsuri but Kanko Sai used to be the most famous ritual. Kanko Sai is a sequence of rituals still held these years and written in “還幸祭.” 還 means “come back,” 幸 means “happiness,” and 祭 means “Matsuri.”

In the old days, the deities on three Mikoshis left Otabisho individually and headed for Gion Sha, the Buddhist temple known as Yasaka shrine today. Yasaka shrine used to be a Buddhist temple in Shimbutsu Shugo, the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism. They joined together at Rekken no Tsuji corner near Gokusya. Shoguns and the court nobles loved to admire the deities there. For instance, Ashikaga Yosimitsu, the third Shogun of the Ashikaga Shogunate and the founder of Kinkakuji temple, was very fond of showing respect to them in the seat at the corner.

By the late 19th century, Gion Matsuri has been held in the Japanese lunar calendar and the deities came back to Gion sha under the full moon.

In 2021, they came back to Yasaka shrine in the fully moonlit sky. We were in the midst of the pandemic and they were on the Himorogis on the steed’s back instead of the Mikoshis.

There were only a few people waited for the deities in front of the main hall. I was so exhausted that I took photos and videos all day long. In the pale moon light, I vaguely thought about how people waited them hundreds of yeas ago.

All I can say is that several things have changed in modern days but there are things that make us all the same. Some have gone, some remain. Worth fighting for. 合掌

Now July started and we are on Gion Matsuri that shows us the old faiths are still alive. The first Gion Matsuri, or Gion Goryo-e, commenced in 869 in order to get rid of epidemics.

Before Gion Goryo-e, people thought petals of flowers bring them epidemics when they fall off in spring. This shows us the most basic and important idea to understand Gion Matsuri: The cause of epidemics existed outside of a community.

In the 8th century, the centralized government was established and annual Matsuri were organized. One of them is Hanashizume  no Matsuri (鎮花祭). In the Matsuri, priest Ekijin (疫神), the Kami, or Shinto deity, causes epidemics.

Traditionally, we find Kami behind nature and natural phenomena. And matsuri is the way to welcome them with hospitality. 祭(Matsuri) stands for a hand put a piece of meat on an altar. Ancient people thought when they do good to Kami, they also do good to them and vice versa.

The faith of Goryo

The establishment of the government gave rise to political conflicts. People started to consider the causes of epidemics are the grieving souls of the ousted court nobles and officials. The first Goryo-e on record is the one held in 863 in order to calm the souls of Sawara Shino, the brother of Emperor Kanmu, and others. The first Gion Goryo-e must have been held in order to ease their souls. I assume they were considered as Ekijins. This Goyo-e was held on the faith of Goryo.

In Goryo-e, priests, monks, and people “entertained” the deceased souls and “let them go away, ” i.e., remove the cause of epidemics.

As time went on, people found the cause of epidemics is Gozu Tennno, the most famous and Ekijin. Gozu Tennno is a deity of Buddhism and Onmyodo. Onmyodo is a philosophy that decribes the world with Yin-Yang and the five elements (wood, fire, earth, gold, and water). For instance, Eto is based on it. He is a deity from overseas and was enshrined in Gion-sha temple (known as Yasaka shrine today), located outside of Heian Kyo city.

And people find easier way to save their lives: Taking advantage of the enormous power of Gozutenno. They asked him to keep epidemics away from them. This concept is the faith of (Gozu) Tenno and Gion Matsuri is carried on this faith today.

Yasaka shrine that holds Gion Matsuri enshrines Susanoh no Mikoto instead of Gozu Tenno today but they had been enshrined there for over one thousand years. In 19th century, the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism were abolished “in terms of law” but as a matter of fact, it never fails the test of time and is still alive among us.合掌

たけちよ

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

Did you notice a crow with three legs on the uniform of Japan national foot ball team? It is Yatagarasu (八咫烏), the crow in Japanese mythology.

When Kamiyamatonoiwa Arehiko no Sumera Mikoto was on the eastern expedition, it led him to Kashihara. He enthroned himself as Emperor Jinmu(神武天皇), the first emperor of Japan in 660 B.C. He is a mythological figure but we considered it is the beginning of our country. For instance, Koki(皇紀), the imperial year, commenced on the year and 2026 marks Koki 2686.

たけちよ

Check these post out.

Kigen Sai 2026: Kashihara Jingu celebrates the birth of Japan 橿原神宮の紀元祭英語で説明

Kigensai festival (紀元祭) is a ritual to celebrate the birth of Japan. According to Nihon Shoki,『日本書記』Emperor Jinmu (神武天皇) became the 1st emperor of Japan in 660 B.C. at a place known as Kashihara Jingu shrine today. In this article, you can learn about how Japan started and Kigensai.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2021.01.30

Due to the role in the mythology, Yatagarasu as known a deity or a symbol of guidance who lead us to good fortune. Its three legs stands for Kami (Deity of Japanese mythology), Nature, and Human individually. Japan Football Association adopted it as its symbol for victory.

The mythology is still alive in our mind.

As described in this post, Amaterasu Ohmikami gave Ninigi no Mikoto the permission to rule Japan.

By Meiji restoration in the 19th century, the Imperial court and the Shogunates had co-existed for over 600 years and their legitimacy had based on the story: Every Shogun had to be a descendant of an emperor.

As a part of the restoration, Japan adopted a constitutional monarchy. In 1947, the constitution of Japan founded on popular sovereignty came into effect.

However, we still have the mythology back in our mind. We assume that it really happened. Half believe, half doubt, unconsciously. It may sound strange but we actually do.合掌

Kyoto is in the rainy season called Tsuyu (梅雨), and Ajizai (Hydrangea) are in bloom. There are several places to admire them through the archipelago. Ajisai-en (Hydrangea garden) of Sanzenin temple is one of them. It is located in rural Ohara and known as a hidden gem among Kyoto-enthusiasts.

Despite their expectations, the temple can’t open up the gate for us: The flowers are gone.

In Japan, beetles called Zomushi, a.k.a., “Ajisai Chokiri (Hydrangea-cutter)” live near Hydrangeas. They cut off the flower to lay eggs in their stem. Due to the beetles, we can’t admire the hydrangea there.

In a interview in a TV program, a monk said something very impressive.

“Trees live, insects live. I suppose Zomushi-san (We can attach -san even to insects to show respect) must survive. I rather would like to show a gratitude for hydrangeas bloomed every year (instead of blaming Zomushi-san for the incident).” (In the last sentence, he also shows respect for Ajisai. I can’t find a proper translation to describe it.)

What he said shows us two thoughts lies behind our social norms. 1) Respect for others including insects, flowers, and so on. and 2) Empathy.

For instance, we don’t talk loud in a bus. It is a public place and other passengers get irritated with loud voice. Of course there are some exceptions. If a baby is crying, we don’t get irritated because we understand it is “her duty” in common.

These thoughts deteriorated these days but still alive, I believe. 合掌

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・くじ取り式結果・宵山などのみどころ、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