“We don’t have spring and fall these years,” we hear such conversations these years. Due to global warming, we lost these seasons about last 10 years but we have them this year fortunately.

In Japan, we have several ways to know the season we are in. Before 1872, the lunar calendar was used in Japan for centuries. In addition to it, the solar calendar was also used for agriculture.

In the solar calendar, a year is divided into 24 seasons called Niju Shi Sekki (二十四節気). Each Nijyu Shi Sekki has 3 seasons called Shichiju Ni Koh(七十二候).

Now we are in Soko (霜降) of Niju Shi Sekki and Momiji Tsuta Kibamu (楓蔦黄), the seaon, Koyo (紅葉) begins.

This is Koyo. It is known as “Autumn Leaves” but we call them “Koyo” instead.

In Kosame Tokidoki Furu (霎時施), the pervious Shichiju Ni Koh, the trees stop their photosynthesis and their leaves start changing colors usually in Kyoto.

Kosame Tokidoki Furu means that Shigure (時雨) falls someimes. Shigure means a rain that knows the time it falls. It is a gentle rain falls in a short period of time in spring and fall. When it falls, we feel a kind of warmth and relieved with no particular reason.

The day I shot the video, I took a shelter under the Sanmon gate.

Rain offers us a glimpse of the life in the hectic days. People, especially tourists, want to see autumn leave in Migoro, the best time to admire something, in many cases flora. I appreciate the idea. I want see them in the best time.

The life goes on minute by minute and the time and Migoro is one of the moments we have. Sooner or later, the rain goes away, the Migoro of the autumn leaves of the year goes away….

IDEST, nothing remains the same. That’s the way Japanese people feel when they admire Sakura, Autumn Leaves, etc. 合掌

Kotodama (言霊) is Miatama (Spirit) is the mystical power of words.

言 is an abbreviated “word” and 霊 is spirit or soul. It is often said that there are  thousands of Kami (deities) in Japan. The basic ones are found behind nature and natural phenomena and we see them behind numerous things including words.

In this belief, our way of thinking and behavior depends on Mitama in each word we speak whether they are good or evil. For good thing, use good words, vice versa.

Once Eduardo Mallea says,”Each man’s destiny is personal only insofar as it may resemble what is already in his memory.” The sentence could help you to understand this conviction.

The instances　実例

Mythology and Norito 神話と祝詞

I’m sure words made a foundation of every culture and our ancestors emphasized the mystic power they have.

For instance, the Ukei of Amaterasu and Susanoh in Japanese mythology shows us the supernatural power we believe in. Ukei (誓約) is a kind of oracle. In the case of this story, the issue is the truthfulness of their words.

In addition to it, Norito (祝詞) plays an important role. Norito are words we use when we communicate with Kami, especially in rituals. Even today, priests read out Norito in ritual and we also read it in our mind in front of Kami.

This is Norito in Aoi Matsuri. The sentences are different from the language we speak but we can understand what they mean owing to the Kanjis. (It is a note I took in an exhibition in a hurry. So, not in beautiful letters.)

Manyoshu 万葉集

The renowned example is a poem in Manyoshu, the oldest collection of Waka poem compiled in the 8th century. This compilation is one of the most important sources of our culture. For instance, the Japanese imperial period Reiwa was named after a poem in it.

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

The following is a poem composed by one of a prominent poets Kakinomono no Hiromaro (柿本人麻呂).

神代欲理 云伝久良久 虚見通 倭国者 皇神能 伊都久志吉国 言霊能 佐吉播布国等　加多利継 伊比都賀比計理 今世能 人母許等期等 目前尓 見在知在

It means:

As the legend goes, several Kami influence our country and words lead us to contentment. People understand and accept the idea without doubt.

Practical use 使つてみませう

We enjoy the fruits of Kotodama in daily conversation. I suppose the easiest example is “I love you” but I suppose that it is demanding to show you in other languages. Therefore, I’ll show you it taking advantage of a name of a shop in Kyoto.

In Shinkyogoku street, there is a souvenir shop called “Iwai.” In Kanji it is written as “井和井.” I have no idea about the reason of the name. May be there used to be a well (井 can indicate a well) or it is a surname of a founder.

The significant thing about the name is a sound. “井和井” is pronounced as “Iwai.” Iwai can be written as “祝い” which means “celebration.” The sound conjures up the word whether consciously or not. And “和” means harmony.

These affects my mind to make me come alive every time we pass by the shop with the help of the fragrance of the burned incense sticks near the entrance. (We burn incense sticks when we are in front of Butsudan, a place to be face to face with the deceased ancestors in household.)

Conversely, we keep in mind that we must avoid using “Imikotoba” that brings us something bad or evil. I don’t show you the examples of this because they bring you and me something not good.

七里ヶ浜親方

Say “Something not good” in stead of “something bad,” Okay?

We are taught to prevent using Imikotoba in some occasions. For instance, we cannot say “leave” in a marriage ceremony because it implies “break up.” With the word, people think you are a person with no decency.

I’m sure your language is different from Japanese but if you find this post interesting, use words conjure up something good. I hope you, your family, friends, and the ones you love are happy. 合掌

THE GIST OF THIS ARTICLE

• Page 1 Who is Oinari-san?, The Deity Enshrined in Fushimi Inari Today, Veneration for Ancestors, Kannnabi, Faith of Dragon and Serpent, Innari no Ohkami: Mixture of Veneration and Faith of Rice Cultivating, Uka no Mitiama and Fox
• Page 2 Oinari-san and Dakini Ten, Dakini Ten, Oinari-san became popular, Goriyaku of Oinari-san, Bibliography

The following is the contents of this article.

Who is Oinari-san? Uka no Mitama no Kami, Dakini Ten, and Fox 宇迦之御魂神、荼枳尼天、狐さんとは？

Overview

Fushimi Inari Taisha is well-known for its Torii Gates globally but it is a place enshrines “Oinari-san (お稲荷さん)” demestically. Oinari-san is also known as “Inari no Kami,” one of the most popular deities in Japan.

Oinari-san is an ambiguous word due to the complicated religious situation we have: Shinbutsu-Shgo. In this circumstance, Shinto and Buddhist deities had been fused for over 1,600 years. They were separated in the 17th century “in terms of law” but the fusion is still alive.

Who is Oinari-san? There could be various answers and the following is popular ones:

The superordinate

The Deity Enshrined in Fushimi Inari Today 現在の伏見稲荷大社の稲荷大神五柱

The Five Dities 五座相殿

As stated before, Oinari-san is an superordinate. First, I’ll show you Oinari-san enshrined in Fushimi Inari today, then I’ll describe her evolution chronologically.

Fushimi Inari declares that it enshrines “Inari (no) Ohkami(稲荷大神)” consists of five deities: Uka no Mitama no Kami (宇迦之御魂神), Satahiko no Ohkami (佐田彦大神), Ohmiya no Me no Ohkami (大宮能売大神), Tanaka no Ohkami (田中大神), and Shi no Ohkami (四大神). The first three deities has been enshrined since the 8th century and the others were added in 1438.

Uka no Mitama no Kami 宇迦之御魂神

The deity of food and agriculture. Uka implies “Uke,” an ancient Japanese word means food. She is an “Omitama (Spirit) of rice cultivation. She is the most important deity of Fushimi Inari has enshrined since the 8th century. Most of all Inari shrines her. In Shinbustu Shugo, she was regarded as Kannnon. She is a female deity but some pictures belongs to Toji temple depicts her as an old man.

The sources of Japanese mythology tell us who she is.

Sata Hiko no Ohkami 佐田彦大神

In Japanese mythology, Amaterasu Ohmikami send Ninigi no Mikoto, the ancestor of the emperor, to Ashihara Nakatsu Kuni, or the archipelago known as Japan today. Sata Hiko is a deity who lead Ninigi to Japan. “Sata” is an abbreviated “Sata” that means “Sacred rice paddy.”

Ohmiya no Me no Kami 大宮能比売神

She is a guardian of place. She is a priestess who prepares a food of deities in one view.

Tanaka no Ohkami 田中大神

A deity of rice paddy.

Shi no Ohkami 四大神

A deity of four seasons.

Around 4th to 8th century: Veneration for Ancestors, Kannnabi, Faith of Dragon and Serpent 伏見稲荷の創建以前　祖霊信仰と神奈備・龍蛇信仰

The veneration for ancestors and the faith of Kannnabi 祖霊信仰と神奈備

Before Shinto was organised, there were two primitive belief: The veneration for ancestors (祖霊信仰) and the faith of Kannnabi(神奈備). I’m sure we can find the former in every single society but the latter is indigenous to Japan.

Kannnabi is a belief in places where Kami stays.

Kami is a kind of deity that our ancestors found nature or natural phenomena. For instance, mountains, woods, river, and so on.

There is a Mt. Inari behind the main hall of Fushimi Inari. It worked, and of course works, as a Kannnabi. Before the adoption of Buddhism in the 6th century, they held rituals in Kannnabi instead of shrine and Fushimi Inari is no exception.

There are several Kofun (ancient burial place) found in Mt. Inari and the excavated artifacts tells us that rituals took place at least in the 4th century.

たけちよ

Mountains are typical Kannnabi. For example, Mikage Matsuri show us what it is. Preparing for Aoi Matsuri, priests welcome brand-new born Kami and bring him to Shimoamo shrine.

Our ancestors believed the souls of their deceased antecedents stay in mountain and they visit them occasionally. And Mountains provide us with water that is essential for agriculture.

Due to these concepts, Mt Inari became the Kannnabi for the Kamo clan long time ago.

The faith of Dagon and Serpent 龍蛇信仰

In Japan, there is a link between water and serpent. And we often equate serpent with dragon. Due to these facts, we gave birth to Ryu Da Shinko (the faith of dragon and serpent).

七里ヶ浜親方

In Japan, dragons are deity or guardian of water or rain.

This belief was born before the foundation of Fushimi Inari but is still alive. One of Ofuda (A piece of paper works as a talisman) of Fushimi Inari depicts both of them and Shipo shrine in the premises enshrines them.

シカさん

In the emblem of Fushimi Inari, we can see stylized serpents.

Innari no Ohkami: Mixture of Veneration and Faith of Rice Cultivating 稲荷大神：秦氏と祖霊信仰・穀霊信仰

After the Kamo clan, the Hata clan lived around Mt. Inari and they adopted the belief in the mountain. Yamashiro no Kuni Fudoki (『山背国風土記』),  the reports of ancient Japanese provincial cultures, narrates the establishment of Fushimi Inari:

”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

Summary.

七里ヶ浜親方

Rice cake is made of rice and the swan had a baby, i.e., a rice was planted. In Japanese, we could call ripe of rice “Ine ga Naru.” And Ine ga Naru can be said “Ine Naru.” Ine Naru could be “Inari.”

This sounds ridiculous and seems to be a wordplay, even for us, but we don’t dismiss it. We believe words have Kotodama (言霊) soul (I’ll write a post about it.)

Yamashiro no Kuni Fudoki was compiled in the 7th century but the belief of Fushimi Inari started long time ago. In the cases of old Shinto shrines, we cannot be sure the origin or the history sometimes.

たけちよ

#1 means the veneration for ancestors、#2 and #3 means the faith on rice cultivating called “Koku Rei Shinko (穀霊信仰) , and #4 means Shirushi no Sugi (The twigs in the photo) available in Hatsu Uma Taisai (video).

Yamashiro no Kuni Fudoki doesn’t reveal when Fushimi Inari was established. Nijyu Ni Sha Chushiki (『二十二社註式』), the historical record of Shinto shrines tells us it was founded in 711.

As the Fudoki describes, Fushimi inari enshrined an anonymous Kami of rice cultivating in the beginning and she became considered as Uka no Mitama no Kami, a deity in Japanese mythology.

Uka no Mitiama and Fox 宇迦之御魂神とキツネさん

The relationship between Uka no Mitama and Fox

Before 7the century, aristocrats believed that white and black foxes brought them good luck but this concept ceased to exist soon.

Around the 8th century, a brand-new belief in Foxes was imported from ancient China and became popular among the aristocrats: White foxes were symbol of good fortune. And other ideas about foxes were also imported and fused with domestic folklores.

The foxes of Fushimi Inari are white ones and Shinshi (神使) who tell us the will of deity on behalf of her.

Uka no Mitama is also known as Miketsu Kami (Kami of food for deity). It is said Miketsu resembles Miketsune (Three foxes) and the facet implies the relationship between them but I suspect it is an excuse. There must be another story.

The common reasons for the relationship:

In addition to it, Nihonkoku Genpo Zenaku Ryoiki (『日本国現報善悪霊異記』), the compilation of Buddhist stories in the 9th century, implies the relationship was familliar.

I suppose the behavior of foxes (#1 and 2 in the first tips) and the implication of The faith of Dagon and Serpent (#2 in the second tips) played a critical role for the relationship. Generally speaking, the foxes in Inari shrines detest dogs. I suppose #1 in the second tips is one of the reasons.

この記事の構成

• 1ページ　概説、神話、神仏習合、御霊信仰、平安京、龍穴と四神相応、ご縁・縁結び、枯山水庭園、年間の混雑状況、京都三大祭、桜と梅、紅葉の見頃
• 2ページ　社寺の区別の仕方、参拝方法、お守り、おみくじ、市バスの乗り方、英語表記について
• 3ページ　世界遺産、上賀茂神社、下鴨神社、東寺、清水寺、仁和寺、平等院、西芳寺、天龍寺、金閣寺、銀閣寺、龍安寺、本願寺、二条城、京都御所、伏見稲荷大社、北野天満宮、平安神宮、嵐山

このページのもくじはこの下にあります。

概説

本稿では、修学旅行生など、はじめて京都を訪れる人向けに、人気の社寺や前提知識などを簡潔に紹介いたします。より詳細な解説はリンク先の各論をご覧下さい。合掌

神話

征夷大将軍は天皇の子孫でなければならなかったことから、実質的に考察すると、我が国では主権（ここでは統治権のこと）の正統性が神話に1947年まで基づいていたと解される。

以下簡潔に記す。

Japanese mythology

5 basic stories to understand Japan

kyotokankoyagi.com

七里ヶ浜親方

すまねえ、自明だと思って日本語版はつくってねえ。

神仏習合/混淆

神仏習合/混淆とは、我が国固有の神祇信仰と6世紀に伝来した仏教が混淆した独自の宗教体系を指す。ただし、混淆の端緒が確認できるのは8世紀ころから。両者の関係は対等ではなく、どちらかというと仏教の方が優位。社寺は神宮司（神社に付随する仏教寺院）若しくは鎮守社（仏教寺院に付随する神社）を具備していた。例を挙げると、清水寺の境内には鎮守社たる地主神社がある。ただし、両者は近接している必要はなく、東寺と伏見稲荷大社の様に離れた場所にある場合もある。

右の混淆は明治維新に際し、統一的国家意思の形成のため、両者は立憲主義に悖るが”法律上”分離される。これに伴い廃仏毀釈が起こり、仏教寺院の仏像などの破壊が起こる。清水寺参拝時に車いすで轟門に至るルートではこの難を逃れた石仏を目にすることができる。尚、混淆は事実上は今日でも存在する。例を挙げると、祇園祭の趣旨たる疫病退散は八坂神社の御祭神たる素戔嗚尊からは一義的に見出すことはできない。（祇園祭は祇園御霊会が端緒であるため。詳細は以下のリンクを参照されたい）

祇園祭の歴史と意味をわかりやすく解説

祇園祭の歴史につき概観します。原形たる祇園御霊会と祭の意義、並びに平安時代から令和までの八坂神社と祇園祭の主要な変遷を完全網羅。

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.06.12

尚、神や仏はgodやdieuとは異なる概念であるので留意されたい。

御霊信仰

古来、自然や自然現象に神を擬制し、自然災害や飢饉などが生じると、それらは神の祟りであると考えた。8世紀頃になると、中央集権化した統治機構が整備され、その過程で政争が発生すると、これらの中で不慮の最期を遂げた人の御霊の祟りが災害や疫病等を惹起すると考えられるようになる。こうした祟りを鎮めるため、人々は御霊会を開催し、畏怖を以て祀るようになる。これを御霊信仰という。

日本三大御霊として、菅原道真公、平将門公、崇徳天皇が挙げられる。

京都では菅原道真公を祀る北野天満宮、並びに崇徳天皇を祀る安井金毘羅宮が著名である。

御霊信仰がいつから始まったのかわかりやすく解説

御霊とは亡くなった人の霊魂を指し、かつては災害や疫病の原因であると考えられました。この御霊を祀り、その保護を受けることを御霊信仰といいます。本稿では右につきいつから、どのように発展したかなど、わかりやすく解説します。合掌。

kyotokankoyagi.com

2024.02.28

平安京

794年から少なくとも1868年までは日本の都として機能した都城。北側の中心に大内裏を配し、朱雀大路（現在の千本通）を中心に東側が左京、西側が右京とされる。整然と碁盤目に区切られた都市が想起されるが、現実は異なったようである。右京は湿地帯であったため早々に衰退し、農地などに転用される。

現在の市内にある社寺などの建造物は江戸時代のものが多く、平安時代から残っているのは東寺の高床式の宝蔵（1000年頃）や醍醐寺の五重塔など少数である。また、平安時代から同じ場所にあるのは東寺（伽藍の配置は異なる）と神泉苑（当時は禁苑）である。京都御所は当時の大内裏とは違う場所にある。

龍穴と四神相応

龍穴

七里ヶ浜親方

ぎやああああああ!!!!!

龍穴とは風水に於いて気が集まる場所を指す。

気というのは水のようなもので、流れるものであり、この流れを気脈と呼ぶ。この気脈が流れおちてしばらく留まる場所を明堂という。この気という力が顕在化したものが世界を構成する天とか地であるとされる。

これを前提とし、万物を陰と陽の二元論で把握する陰陽説、並びに木火土金水という五つの作用により森羅万象を解説するのが風水である。

平安京では天からの気が周囲の山を経て流れ込んできて、中心の相対的にみて窪んでいる明堂に平安京が造営された。すなわち平安京そのものが龍穴になっている。他に龍穴があるとされる場所は八坂神社、貴船神社などがある。

八坂神社の龍穴詣り2026と龍穴伝説

本稿では八坂神社の龍穴詣り2026と龍穴伝説につきご紹介します。

kyotokankoyagi.com

2024.08.11

四神相応

四神とは先述の風水において、東西南北に理想的な地形が配されていることをさす。

四神とは、天の赤道上に古代中国の星座たる二十八宿を配し、それらを東西南北の四つの方角で分けたものを天を守護する聖獣に擬制したものである。

各方位と神獣の関係は以下の通り

これらの聖獣は上記にあるように、鴨川などの現実の地形に対応しているとされるが、少なくとも、遷都時にはそのような関係はない。

干支

干支の「干」は「十干（じっかん）」、「支」は「十二支（じゅうにし）」を意味し、暦を表す場合に用いられる。乙巳の変の「乙巳」や庚午年籍の「庚午」はそれらが起こったり制定された年（十干十二支）を指している。現代では一般的に年を表す場合に十二支が用いられます。十干と十二支の組み合わせは120通りあると考えらえるが、実際にはすべての十干と十二支が組み合わせるわけではないので、60通りしかない。これらの組み合わせが一巡することを還暦という。詳細は以下のリンクを参照されたい。

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

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

ご縁・縁結び

ご縁・縁結びという場合、一般的には事物の紐帯を示すが、本来は仏教の因縁生起という考えに由来している。”因”とは物事が生起する直接的な原因、”縁”とは間接的な条件、生起とはそれらにより生ずる結果を指す。一般的にこの最後の結果の部分に特化し「縁起がいい」とか「ご縁」と言及されることが多い。

縁結びのご利益に与りたい向きは八坂神社、地主神社（現在工事中）、隋求堂、岡崎神社、貴船神社に参拝するとよい。

京都八坂神社で恋愛成就！恋愛運に悩むすべての人に捧げる参拝の仕方；願掛けうさぎで縁結び

こんにちは。八坂神社と言えば、祇園さん、若しくは八坂さんの愛称で親しまれる、京都でも最も有名な神社の一つですね。実はこの八坂さんには縁結びの強力なご利益があるのです。今回は、その由縁、参拝作法、ご利益に与る方法を伝授します。皆様には徹底的に幸せになって頂きます。

kyotokankoyagi.com

2016.08.29

地主神社の縁結びのご利益、恋占いの石のひみつ、並びにお守り大全：2026年9月現在拝観停止

本投稿では京都にある地主神社の縁結びのご利益を根拠を踏まえ解説します。恋占いの石やその他末社のご利益や参拝方法、お守りやおみくじなど、ご利益に与るための方法もについても併せてご紹介します。尚、工事のため2026年9月現在、拝観が中止されています。

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.09.10

清水寺・随求堂の胎内めぐり：縁結びと安産のご利益

本稿では、清水寺塔頭寺院たる慈心院随求堂の胎内めぐりにつき、縁結びや子宝のご利益、お守りの発祥などにつき、余すところなく紹介申し上げます。合掌

kyotokankoyagi.com

2023.10.27

岡崎神社初詣2026：うさぎさんと子授け・安産と恋愛成就のご利益

本稿では、令和8年/2026年の初詣のご案内として、うさぎさんと安産と恋愛成就のご利益に与ることのできる隠れた名所たる岡崎神社の初詣とご利益につき解説申し上げます。合掌

kyotokankoyagi.com

2022.12.29

京都貴船神社の恋愛成就、復縁、縁結びのご利益とみどころ

本投稿では、京都最大のパワースポット、貴船神社の縁結び、恋愛運、運気回復などのご利益に与る方法や水占みくじ、お守り、絵馬などにつき解説しています。幸せになりたい方はぜひお越しください。

kyotokankoyagi.com

2017.09.21

枯山水庭園

日本の庭園は池泉、すなわち海や山や川を模しているものであるが、応仁の乱以降、土地確保の困難性、資金の不足、並びに禅宗の伝来などが相俟って、水を用いずに砂と岩で池泉を表現する小規模な庭園たる枯山水が作られるようになる。

枯山水とは何か？意味と歴史を詳細かつ簡単に説明

本稿では所謂「枯山水」庭園の歴史を概観し、室町時代中期を境に前期と後期に分け、その意味と態様の変遷につき簡潔に紹介申し上げます。合掌

kyotokankoyagi.com

2023.02.05

京都枯山水庭園ランキング：名所から穴場までおすすめベスト１０

京都の枯山水庭園のおすすめベスト10をご紹介します。正伝寺、龍安寺、光明院、大仙院、瑞峰院、南禅寺、東福寺、建仁寺、妙蓮寺ならびに天授庵の見所などをご紹介した後、簡単に枯山水庭園の歴史を概観します。

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.01.24

年間の混雑状況

概要

京都市内は海外からの観光客数が大幅に増加しているため、常に混雑している。右の状況に於いて、桜、紅葉などのシーズンに国内外の観光客数が上乗せされる。

尚、閑散、混雑期でも特定のイベントの期日には修羅場になる。

詳細は以下のリンクを参照されたい。

京都観光：年間の混雑状況、梅、桜、青もみじ、紅葉の見頃、並びに月ごとのイベント

この記事の構成 このページ　概説、混雑状況、梅・桜・青紅葉・紅葉の見頃 2ページ目　月ごとのイベント：1～6月 3ページ目　月ごとのイベント：7～12月このページのもくじはこの下にあります。概説本稿では、京都の年間の混雑状況、桜、青もみじ、...

kyotokankoyagi.com

2022.11.05

京都三大祭

葵祭

5月15日に斎行される上賀茂神社と下鴨神社の例祭である。かつては賀茂祭ともよばれた。祭に関係する人が双葉葵をかけたことから、江戸時代頃から葵祭と呼ばれるようになる。欽明天皇の御世（6世紀）に国内が風水害と凶作に見舞われたところ、賀茂大神の祟りであることが判明し、これを鎮め、五穀豊穣を祈念するために始まった。応仁・文明の乱以降は何回か中断している。かつては未婚の内親王が奉仕する斎院という制度があったが、現在は斎王代が奉仕する。

葵祭2027のみどころ：斎王代と行列ルート、日程、有料観覧席を徹底解説

2027年/令和9年の葵祭の総合ガイドです。社頭の儀、路頭の儀、斎王代御禊の儀は開催です。葵祭の歴史、斎王代、行列などの日程、行列のルート、有料観覧席、移動手段、アクセスなどをご紹介します。

kyotokankoyagi.com

2017.11.22

葵祭には以下の前儀があり、とりわけ重要なものは御蔭祭である。

祇園祭

7月1日から31日までの一か月間に渡り斎行される、八坂神社の例祭。東京の神田祭、大阪の天神祭と並び日本三大祭の一つ。869年の疫病の流行、天災の原因が祇園社（現在の八坂神社のこと）の御祭神たる牛頭天王の祟りであると判明したために神泉苑で斎行された御霊会が嚆矢とされる。応仁・文明の乱で中断したものの、現在まで続いている。山鉾巡行、前祭宵山が高名であるが、祭の本義に則り最も重要なのは神輿渡御である。

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

時代祭

平安京が遷都された10月22日に斎行される。平安奠都1100年を記念してはじめられた。幕末までの時代風俗行列があり、平安神宮と京都御所の間を往復する。

時代祭2025：日程、歴史、有料観覧席、時代行列のコース、各時代行列のみどころ

本投稿では京都三大祭のひとつ、時代祭2026の日程、歴史、有料観覧席、時代行列のコース、交通規制、各時代行列のみどころ、鞍馬の火祭を確実に見るプランなどを皆様にご紹介いたします。

kyotokankoyagi.com

2017.09.11

桜と梅、紅葉の見頃

桜と梅の見頃

一月の梅に始まり、4月の北野桜まで、間断なく開花する。見頃が続くのは数日である。

京都の桜開花状況・見頃最新情報2026年4月19日：関山など遅咲きの桜見頃

京都の桜開花状況を概観し、見頃を予想します。2026年4月19日現在、関山など遅咲きの桜が見頃です。本稿では京都の桜の開花状況を3月末の河津桜から4月末の御室桜、北野桜まで、2026年の開花を予想します。

kyotokankoyagi.com

2020.02.27

京都の河津桜2026: おすすめベストランキング3・東寺ライトアップ

2026年、京都で河津桜を鑑賞できるおすすめの場所、東寺、雲龍院、一条戻橋、三条大橋をご紹介します。開花、見頃はいずれの場所でもほぼ同時期です。例年、開花は2月半ば前後、満開は3月半ば前後が目安です。

kyotokankoyagi.com

2020.01.31

Top 3 Kawazu Zakura spot in Kyoto 2020

Kawazu Zakura is the earliest-blooming Sakura in Kyoto.This article shows you the places to admire it; Toji temple, Unryuin temple, and Ichijo Modoribashi and Sanjo Ohashi bridge. The best time is mid-March usually.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2020.02.07

京都の夜桜ライトアップ2026：おすすめベスト24

2026年の京都で夜桜のライトアップ、おすすめスポット24か所をご紹介します。一部の寺院では新型コロナウイルス感染症影響で中止となります。また、今後の状況如何では急遽中止になることも想定されますのでご留意ください。

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.02.01

Cherry blossom night illumination in Kyoto 2025 : 22 sites of Sakura

The moat recommended 20 sites to admire night illumination of cherry blossom or Yozakura in Kyoto 2025.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.01.29

仁和寺の御室桜2026の最新開花状況4/11現在【満開】：ライトアップと見頃情報、品種と由来、おすすめコース

御室桜は京都市内では一番最後に咲くと言われ、例年４月半ばに咲くところ、2026年は4月11日現在満開です。ライトアップの有無は不明です。御室有明と呼ばれる有明の一種で仁和寺とその周辺に咲く桜です。北野天満宮の北野桜と一緒に見るコースをご紹介します。

kyotokankoyagi.com

2017.03.28

Omuro Zakura in Ninnaji temple and its forecast 2026: Full bloom 4/11 御室桜英語で説明

Generally speaking, Omuro Zakura of Ninnaji is the last-blooming Sakura in Kyoto. It is in full-bloom in mid-April usually. You can learn about the Sakura and the way to enjoy it in this article.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2020.03.12

北野天満宮の北野桜の最新開花状況2026年現在行方不明：みどころなど

北野天満宮にしか咲かない、北野桜の2026年最新開花情報、見頃予想、過去の開花の経緯、北野天満宮のみどころ、長五郎餅などを余すところなく解説します。2024年元日以降、行方不明になっています。

kyotokankoyagi.com

2017.04.13

Kitanozakura 2026: The last blooming Sakura in Kyoto MISSING 北野桜英語で説明

Kitanozakura is the last-blooming Sakura in Kyoto. It is only found in Kitano Tenmangu shrine. Usually, it starts to bloom around April 15 and is in full bloom in around 20th.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2020.03.18

What is Mizukagami, a.k.a., reflection 水鏡につき英語で説明

Mizukagami is a reflection on water, especially pond. In this post, I'll show you what it is and the idea hiding behind it. 合掌

kyotokankoyagi.com

2023.11.12

紅葉の見頃

概ね11月10日前後に天授庵、山間部が見頃に入る。市内中心部の多くの場所は11月20日頃である。

京都の紅葉の見頃情報2026/令和8年/11/8：天授庵見頃近づく

2026年/令和8年の京都の紅葉の見頃予想しつつ、最新の情報をご紹介します。11月8日現在、天授庵の枯山水庭園で見頃が近づいています。地域ごとの差異や特徴を加味しながら、昨年までの様子を概観し、本年の様子も順次ご紹介してまいります。

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.09.01

七里ヶ浜親方

桜も紅葉も見頃は年によってずれるからな。中の人が一番いい時に行ってるのは住んでるからで、明確に予見してるからじゃねーっつーのに留意してくれ。

Kyoto autumn leaves forecast 2026 and breaking report 11/8 : Tenjuan will be in Migoro in a week 天授庵見頃近づく

Kyoto autumn leaves forecast and breaking report of 2026. So far, couples of days earlier than usual.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.09.04

2026年京都の紅葉名所ランキングベスト10

2026/令和8年の京都の紅葉対策として、名所から選りすぐり10位までご紹介します。各々のライトアップなどのみどころ、アクセス情報など鑑賞のポイントなどをまとめてあります。

kyotokankoyagi.com

2018.09.22

Top 10 popular Autumn leaves spots in Kyoto 2026 京都紅葉名所英語で解説

As a forecast of the autumn leaves in Kyoto 2026, Kyoto Goat choose top 10 popular sites of 57 shrines and temples.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2018.09.24

2026年京都の紅葉穴場ランキングベスト10プラス５

2026/令和8年の京都の紅葉対策として、穴場から選りすぐり15位までご紹介します。各々のライトアップなどのみどころ、アクセス情報など鑑賞のポイントなどをまとめてあります。

kyotokankoyagi.com

2018.09.22

Top 10 underrated Autumn Leaves spot in Kyoto 2026: 京都紅葉穴場英語で解説

As a forcast of the autumn leaves in Kyoto 2026, Kyoto Goat choose top 10 underrated sites of 57 shrines and temples.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2018.09.28

京都の紅葉2026ライトアップベスト10＋16

2026/令和8年の京都の紅葉ライトアップにつき、おすすめの場所ベスト10とその他16か所、合計26か所を名所から穴場まで、ランキング形式でご紹介します。

kyotokankoyagi.com

2018.10.10

32 night illumination spots of Autumn leaves in Kyoto 2026

The top 32 sites to enjoy autumn leaves illumination in Kyoto. In 2026. You can learn what to see in each site, opening hours, entrance fee, and the ways to get there.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2018.11.08

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 on 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