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

初午とは二月の最初の午の日を指します。この日は全国の稲荷社の総本宮たる伏見稲荷大社の御祭神が伊奈利山に降臨された日とされます。全国の稲荷社で祭祀が斎行されますところ、伏見稲荷大社では初午大祭が斎行され、商売繁盛、家内安全などを祈願する人が多数参拝し、「初午詣」、「福詣り」とも称されます。

前々日の辰の日には「青山飾り」とよばれる稲荷山に生育する杉と椎の枝に御幣を付けた飾りが御本殿、摂社、並びに末社に飾り付けられ、当日には商売繁盛、家内安全などのご利益がある「しるしの杉」が授与されます。また、当日には畑菜のからし和えを食べる風習が残っています。これは畑菜は後述します伏見稲荷大社創建とかかわる秦伊侶具の名前を、からしは御祭神の眷属たるきつねさんにかけているからといわれます。

本稿ではこの伏見稲荷大社の初午大祭につき詳細に解説申し上げます。合掌

シカさん

前日の様子だよ。

初午とは

初午とは、十干十二支を用いた日の表し方です。十干十二支とは所謂干支の事です。多くの場合、現代では、年を表すときにしか顕在化しませんが、月、日も十干十二支で表記されます。

七里ヶ浜親方

干支っつーのは一般に、十干十二支のうちの十二支しか言及してねーのよ。例えば、今年は午年だべ？でも厳密には”丙午”よ。詳細は以下のリンクを参照してくれ。

干支の意味と由来と一覧：2026年は午（丙午）

2026年の干支は午（丙馬）ですが、干支は「干」は「十干（じっかん）」、「支」は「十二支（じゅうにし）」を意味し、暦をあらわす場合に用いられます。本稿ではこれらの意味と由来につき解説し、一覧します。

kyotokankoyagi.com

2024.12.31

伏見稲荷大社の初午大祭における初午とは、年が明けた2月の最初の午の日を意味します。現在はグレゴリアンカレンダーの2月ですが、明治時代までは、旧暦の如月の最初の午の日でした。2026年の初午は2月1日（丙午）となり、今年の干支と一緒です。

なぜ2月の初午にお祭りが行われるのか

伏見稲荷大社の御祭神が和銅四年（711年）の2月の初午に神奈備山（依代としての山）たる伊奈利山（稲荷山）に降臨したとされることによります。

すなわち、『釈日本紀』などが引用する『山背国風土記』逸文では伏見稲荷大社の創建が描写されます。ここでは創建の年は記載されていませんが、『二十二社註式』などでは和銅四年（711年）とされています。

七里ヶ浜親方

スゲー長くなるから、詳細は以下のリンクを参照してくれ。

伏見稲荷のお稲荷さんとは？宇迦之御魂神・荼枳尼（ダキニ）天・きつねとご利益につき解説

お稲荷さんの総本宮伏見稲荷の御祭神たる宇迦之御魂神（うかのみたまのかみ）、荼枳尼天（ダキニ天）、並びにお稲荷さんから想起される狐さんとそのご利益につき解説します。合掌

kyotokankoyagi.com

2025.07.06

”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

以下、大意だよ。

たけちよ

1は祖霊信仰、2、3は霊穀信仰を示唆し、4は後述する初午大祭の時の験の杉（後述します）を表していると解されます。

上記からこの逸話に登場する神様は少なくとも稲作の神様であったと解されます。

七里ヶ浜親方

これにはスゲー長い経緯があんのよ。手短に言うと、祖霊信仰、霊穀信仰、龍蛇信仰が発展して、記紀の神たる宇迦之御魂神と結びつけられたと解するのが相当だ。これもさっきのリンク先を参照してくれ。わりーけど。

現在の御祭神である宇迦之御魂神（うかのみたまのかみ）は五穀豊穣や食物の女神とされ、伏見稲荷大社のみならず、全国の稲荷社で祀られています。「うか」は古語で食物を意味する「ウケ」が変化したもので、稲作の御神霊を意味します。

尚、古来、初午詣に際しては、七回稲荷山に登るのが常であったようで、『枕草子』では、稲荷詣に出かけた清少納言が、通りすがりの女性が「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。」と言っているのを聞き、うらやんでいます。

七里ヶ浜親方

現代語にすると、「私は七度詣かまします。もう三発かましてきたから、あと四発くれえてえしたことねえべ。」ってえな意味だ。

尚、今日でもお山めぐりとって、稲荷山の御神跡を参拝する方法があります。早い人でも、一周すると約1時間くらいかかります。

しるしの杉

しるしの杉とは、初午大祭当日に授与される縁起物です。先述申し上げました、『山背国風土記』逸文にその謂れが垣間見えます。以下、今一度見てみましょう。

”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。

七里ヶ浜親方

赤字の部分がしるしの杉の根拠よ。自宅に持ち帰り、植えて育てば幸運、さにあらずんば、まーアレよ。言霊があるからな。察してくれ。

13世紀には、新三十六歌仙の一人葉室光俊が”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”（初午詣の人が稲荷山の杉をとっていくので杉がなくなってしまった。）と往時の様子を詠んでいます。ただし、稲荷山の杉は初午詣の時のみならず、例えば、他方、平安時代に熊野詣が盛んになると、伏見稲荷大社の御神木たる杉の木から枝の授与を受け、道中安全のお守りにもされるなど、平生から護符として用いられていたようです。

また、福化かさね（しるしの杉と神や、稲穂、絵馬が合体したお守り）や達成のかぎも授与されます。

お塚大祭

当日は御膳谷奉拝所において、「お塚大祭」という祭祀が行われます。御膳谷は稲荷三が峰の渓谷が集まり、それぞれに鎮座する神様を遥拝し、神饌を供した場所であるとされます。

伏見稲荷大社基本事項

伏見稲荷大社へのアクセス

 JR 奈良線

稲荷駅の目の前。普通のみ停車

京阪

伏見稲荷駅から徒歩約5分。朝の急行、準急、普通のみ停車

たけちよ

詳細は以下のリンクをご参照下さい。

伏見稲荷大社へのアクセス:市バスではなくJR稲荷駅か京阪伏見稲荷駅を利用

本稿では伏見稲荷大社へのアクセスを解説します。市バスではなくJR奈良線稲荷駅か京阪本線伏見稲荷駅を利用してください。市内のどこにいても、JR、若しくは京阪の駅を目指してください。

kyotokankoyagi.com

2025.12.22

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

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).

伏見稲荷大社へのアクセスは、市バスではなくJR奈良線か京阪本線を利用してください。市内のどこにいても、JR、若しくは京阪の駅を目指してください。

たけちよ

伏見稲荷大社?

伏見稲荷

「伏見稲荷」の記事一覧です。

kyotokankoyagi.com

JR 奈良線

概説

JR奈良線が最もわかりやすい方法です。これは稲荷駅が伏見稲荷大社の表参道の鳥居前に位置しているためです。奈良線には普通、みやこ路快速、D快速がありますが、普通のみ停車します。ただし、ハイシーズンは快速が停車する場合もあります。

乗車

まずはホームに行き、これをみつけてください。日本語とヘビ文字で交互に表示されます。

赤い円の中の矢印は当該列車が出発する番線を示します。青い円の”Track 10(日本語の場合は10番線と表示されます)”はこのホームではなく、隣のホームの10番線から出発することを示します。

次に、ホーム上にこれらの表示を見つけてください。〇 , △ と数字が書いてあります。先ほどの4.でご自身が乗る予定の電車が止まる場所に行き、二列に並んでお待ちください。（先ほどの写真の一番上の列車ですと、〇の1～4に止まります）

お福さん

車いすでも乗車できることは、国内の方には自明ですが、海外の方にもご覧いただいているので、右につき、英語で表記します。

On wheel chair? Don’t worry. JR prepares for a board works as ramp.

Find an employee and tell your destination. They “escort” you to a train you get on. At the station you get off, an employee waits for you with a board and they lead you to the gate.

電車が来たら、ご自身が乗ろうとされている電車かどうかご確認ください。赤い円のところに行き先と列車の種類が書いてあります。

下車

JR稲荷駅には出口は一つしかありません。

千本鳥居への行き方

駅をでると鳥居が見えるのでそのまま直進してください。

赤い円の所の手水舎で清めたあと、楼門を抜け、御本殿に向かってください。

禊と祓の違いにつき分かりやすく解説

禊と祓は一般に罪、穢を祓うものとされ、混同されるきらいがあります。本稿ではこれらの違いにつき、斎王代御禊、そして、我々が経験できる手水は夏越の祓を例に、わかりやすく解説申し上げます。合掌

kyotokankoyagi.com

2024.02.20

御本殿の左側に鳥居と階段があるので、以下の順序で進んでください。

七里ヶ浜親方

Voila! 一方通行だから気をつけてくれ。

たけちよ

BAAH!!!

京阪本線

概説

京阪は列車の種類がたくさんあるので、慣れていない方は混乱なさるかもしれません。伏見稲荷駅には普通、急行、準急、通勤準急が停車します。

乗車

まずはホームに行き、これをみつけてください。日本語とヘビ文字で交互に表示されます。

次に、ホーム上にこれらの表示を見つけてください。〇 , △ と数字が書いてあります。先ほどの4.でご自身が乗る予定の電車が止まる場所に行き、二列に並んでお待ちください。（先ほどの写真の一番上の列車ですと、〇の2～8に止まります）

お福さん

京阪も車いすで利用できます。

On wheel chair? Don’t worry. Keihan prepares for a board works as ramp.

Find an employee and tell your destination. They “escort” you to a train you get on. At the station you get off, an employ waits for you with a board and they lead you to the gate.

電車が来たら、ご自身が乗ろうとされている電車かどうかご確認ください。赤い円のところに行き先と列車の種類が書いてあります。

 下車

京阪伏見稲荷駅にはホームが2つありますが、いずれも改札は同じ方向にあります（赤い円）。改札を出たら、左側に曲がってください。

千本鳥居への行き方

そのまま、川とJR奈良線の線路を越えてください。

ちいかわもぐもく本舗のある辻を右に進んでください。正面の鳥居をまっすぐ進んでも境内に入れますが、表参道ではない上、常に混んでいるのでおすすめしません。

シカさん

かえりによるといいよ。

千本鳥居への行き方

駅をでると鳥居が見えるのでそのまま直進してください。

赤い円の所の手水舎で清めたあと、楼門を抜け、御本殿に向かってください。

禊と祓の違いにつき分かりやすく解説

禊と祓は一般に罪、穢を祓うものとされ、混同されるきらいがあります。本稿ではこれらの違いにつき、斎王代御禊、そして、我々が経験できる手水は夏越の祓を例に、わかりやすく解説申し上げます。合掌

kyotokankoyagi.com

2024.02.20

御本殿の左側に鳥居と階段があるので、以下の順序で進んでください。

七里ヶ浜親方

さっきと同じだ。ガーッですすんでくれ。

たけちよ

BAAH!!!

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.