In this post, I’ll show you the way to enjoy Sakura in Kyoto: When and where to see, kinds of Sakura the reason we love them, and top 5 places. 合掌

When can we enjoy Sakura?

Schedule

There are many kinds of Sakura. Actually, flowers called Sakura blooms all through the year except summer. In this post. I’ll show you the ones we find in spring.

Kawzu Zakura　河津桜

Kawazu Zakura is the earliest bloom Sakura in Kyoto.

Somei Yoshino　染井吉野

Somei Yoshino is so-called Sakura. When we say Sakura, we means Somei Yoshino, .

Shidare Zakura　枝垂桜

Shidare Zakura is also known as “Weeping Sakura/ Cherry blossom.” We called it “Shidare” especially in casual way, There are many kinds of Shidare and they start blooming from mid-March to mid-April. We can enjoy them all through Sakura season.

Yama Zakura　山桜

Yama Zakura is Sakura with red leaves. You’ll find it with Mt. Fuji on the tail of 1,000 yen bill.

シカさん

Not the one with two cranes. If you have the Mt. Fuji one, check out 3 Sakura on upper light. You’ll find 二、ホ、and ン (二ホン＝Japan) in each flower.

 

Oshima Zakura　大島桜

Oshima Zakura is one of the most popular Sakura with sweet fragrance.

Omuro Zakura　御室桜

Omuro Zakura is known as “The latest bloom Sakura in Kyoto.” It is indigenous to Omuro Ninnaji temple and we can find it Ninnnaji, Haradanien garden.

Kitano Zakura　北野桜

Kitano Zakura was true “The latest bloom Sakura in Kyoto” but we cannot enjoy them any longer. The last time we saw her is 2023.

Other late bloom Sakura　他の桜

Some Sakura bloom after mid-April.

Yokihi  (Yang Guifei)

Gyoiko.

たけちよ

Thye are popular ones and there are other late bloomers.

Why do we love Sakura?

As described in this post, we detest anything anemic, especially a state of mind. We always an opportunity to come alive anew. For this aim, we carry out many things. For example, one of the reason we put Matsuri in practice. In this kind of Matsuri, we welcome reborn Kami to revitalize our life.

In winter, our body and soul is weak. And when spring comes, we convict that our lives came back to us again and they start again. This conviction is hidden our idea and attitude for spring. Sakura blooms in the end of winter and the begging of spring. I, as a Japanese goat, suppose the season Sakura blooms goes with and affect what we feel about our idea for spring. Actually, the fiscal year of Japan starts on April 1st. Schools and companies start their new year on the day. We have many beautiful spring memories with parents, relatives, friends, and collogues. Some have gone, some remain. Every year, Sakura reminds us of these memories.

Sakura lasts only for a week. We find Sakura is Hakanai (fragile) and it conjures up Shogyo Mujo. Shogyo Mujo is an idea of Buddhism. In a nut shell, it means everything changes without stopping and nothing is invariable and leads to Zen. When Sakura falls off, we remember, without consciousness, everything is variable and understand all we can do is to live the moment.

That’s the reason we love Sakure, I’m sure.

Top 5 places to enjoy Sakura　お花見ベスト5

The following is the top 5 paces to enjoy Sakura in Kyoto. I’m sure you already see many guide books or website. In this post, I, as a Kyotoite, will show you the best places to admire Sakura. In Haradanien Garden and Maruyama park, you can enjoy popular Ohanami (Sakura viewing) experience with drinks and food.

#1 Haradanien Garden　原谷苑

Overview　概要

Now we are well prepared for Haradanien. Enjoy the video, BAAH!

Haradanien is a private garden only open to public in spring and autumn. It is not a famous place to enjoy cherry blossom, especially Shidare Zakura. In addition to it, we can enjoy almost all spring flowers in Kyoto.

七里ヶ浜親方

One of the most popular destination among so-called Kyoto-enthusiasts. DO NOT MISS IT.

たけちよ

It used to be a dump site. I can’t believe it!!!

Schedule of 2026

The schedule of 2026 is not yet announced. The following is the that of 2025.

Shuttle bus シャトルバス日程

シカさん

Shuttle bus is available. Check the post out!

Haradanien garden 2026: Cherry blossom supreme in Kyoto 原谷苑の桜英語で説明

The guide of Haradanien 2026. It is one of the most beautiful places to admire Sakura and the most popular destination among Kyoto-enthusiasts.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.02.28

Bentoh (Lunch box) and Wagashi　お弁当と和菓子

Even without reservation, we can have lunch, Wagashi, soft drinks, and some alcohol  there.

お福さん

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: ICHIGO DAIFUKU.

たけちよ

Enjoy the Superb OHanami experience, BAAAH!!!

About Haradanien garden

#2 Kiyomizudera Temple　清水寺

Overview　概要

Kiyomizudera temple is the most famous destination in Kyoto. It shows us one of the most amazing cherry blossoms.

KIYOMIZUDERA temple guide: Deities, stage, renovation, mainhall, must-sees 清水寺につき英語で説明

The absolute guide of Kiyomizudera temple. Deities, stage, renovation, main hall and othre must-sees, all the things available.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2018.08.14

By the 19th century, people carried out Tobiochi Gankeke from the iconic stage. They threw themselves off of the stave in order to make their wishes come true. There used to be many Sakura Trees under the stage and they saved their lives.

The stage of Kiyomizudera temple: Its construction and Tobiochi Gankake 清水寺の舞台英語で説明

The main hall and the stage of Kiyomizudera are over a valley, constructed in Kakezukuri (懸造) method.People used to jump off the stage to make their wishes come true.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2023.01.22

Jishu shrine, the Chinsyu Sha (Check out the post on Shinbutsu Shugo) of Kiyojmizudera temple is also a popular place for Sakura.

Jishu jinja shrine in Kyoto, love rocks, and Goen

Goen is a tie/bond between something of someone. Jishu jinja shrine in Kyoto gives us extraordinary Goen for loeve seekers. We foresee our love goes with "Love rocks" and have lots of good fortunes form sub-shrines.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.09.17

お福さん

Jishu shrine is closed by the end of 2024 due to renovation.

Night Illumination　ライトアップ

Night illumination is also available but this year Somei Yoshihno bloom later than expected. I’m afraid they are not in full bloom by 3/31.

たけちよ

Enjoy them in the video instead.

How to get to Kiyomizudera temple?　清水寺へのアクセス

Train: Keihan Gion shijo/Gojozaka station or Hankyu Kawaramachi station.

Kyoto city bus: Sijo Kawaramachi/Gion bus stop. Gojyozaka and Kiyomizu michi bus stop is not available because they are so crowded.

Kyoto station to Kiyomizudera by bus: To avoid busy route

Kiyomizudera temple is the most popular destination for tourist in Kyoto. From Kyoto station, the route 206 bus is always crowded. In this post, I'll show you the other ways to avoid that busy route. 

kyotokankoyagi.com

2023.01.17

About Kiyomizudera temple　清水寺基本情報

#3 Ryoanji Temple

Overview　概要

Ryoanji is famous for “The Rock Garden.” We can admire beautiful Shidare Zakura behind the wall of the Karesansui garden supreme. In addition to it, the temple has a large stroll garden with Somei Yoshino.

七里ヶ浜親方

The Rock Garden is sometimes called Zen garden but it sounds so strange. We call it Karesansui. Check the post out!

たけちよ

I’m a Japanese goat and I’ve never said “Zen garden” in my life.

Zen garden or Karesansui? 枯山水庭園英語で説明

"Zen garden" sounds strange for us. It is a Karesansui (garden). In this post, we learn what Karesansui is overviewing a short history of it.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2023.06.12

七里ヶ浜親方

I prefer this moment.

たけちよ

The Shidare Zakura blooms later than Somei Yoshino, about couples of days.

シカさん

Behind the wall.

Stroll garden　回遊式庭園

The stroll garden has many Somei Yoshino.

About Royoanji Temple　龍安寺基本情報

How to get to Ryoanji Temple? 龍安寺へのアクセス

About a couple of minutes walk from Ryoanji Mae bus stop.

#4 Maruayma park　円山公園

Overview　概要

Maruyama park is a popular public park in Kyoto. It is located near Yasaka shrine or Kodaiji temple. It has many cherry blossom tress. The most famous one is a huge weeping cherry blossom tree. Besides, there are many Somei Yoshino trees in the park.

The park is located adjacent to Yasaka shrine, one of the oldest Shinto shrine/ Buddhist temple, and near Kiyomizudera temple, Kodaji temple, and other places.

たけちよ

Yasaka shrine used to be a Buddhist Temple called Kanjiin/ Gion sha under Shinbutsu Shugo, the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism. Check the post out.

Sinbutsu Shugo :Shinto and Buddhism co-existence or fusion 神仏習合英語で説明

Shinbutsu Shogo (神仏習合) is a Shinto and Buddhism co-existence or fusion in Japan. It has over 1,600 years of history.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2021.09.02

Night Illumination　ライトアップ

The schedule of 2026 is not yet announced. The following is the that of 2025.

We can admire the Shidare illuminated with Night Hanami experience. There are many food stands in the park.

How to get to Maruyama park?　円山公園へのアクセス

Train: Keihan Gion shijo　station or Hankyu Kawaramachi station.

Kyoto city bus: Sijo Kawaramachi/Gion bus stop.

About Maruyama park　円山公園基本情報

#5 Heian Jingu shrine　平安神宮

Overview　概要

Heian Jingu shrine is a 5/8 replica of Chodoin complex of facilities in the ancient Imperial court.

As described in The Makioka Sisters, we can admire extraordinary beautiful weeping cherry blossoms in Shinen garden. At night, “Shidare Sakura concert” takes place there.

Sakura Otoyo concert　桜音夜コンサート

The schedule of 2026 is not yet announced. The following is the that of 2025.

At night in early April, Shidare Sakura concerts (or recitals) takes place for 3 nights. Shinen garden is illuminated and concert or recital is held around a pond. Each day has 2 concerts/recitals. Once you enter the garden, you can enjoy both of them.

The Shinen garden consists of four gardens and the total area is about 4000 square yard. Most of the cherry blossom trees there are weeping cherry blossom trees. They bloom in the most exquisite way. Night illumination in Heian Jingu shrine is one of the most recommended site to visit.

How to get to Heian Jingu shrine?　平安神宮へのアクセス

Kyoto city bus: Okazaki koen/Bijutsukan Heian Jingu mae bus stop.

About Heian Jingu shrine　平安神宮基本情報

There are many Shinto shrines, Matsuri, ceremonies and rituals. We can’t under stand them without the knowledge of Kami, or Shinto Deity. In this post, I’ll show you what it is. 合掌

Shinrei Behind nature and natural phenomena

Our ancestors highly respected nature and natural phenomena because it provided necessities with them. On the other hand, they also feared them because they sometimes devastated them with their enormous power.

And they found Shinrei (神霊) , or the existence of Kami, or Shito Deities, behind them.

Shinrei is something like spirit. They believed it stays in Yorishiro, an object Shinrei descends to.

Typical Yorishio usually is a huge rock. In many cases, it is located in Kinsokuchi, the forbidden place. And priests with permission hold ceremonies there.

In addition to it, a mountain itself is sometimes considered as Kami. This kind of mountain is called Kamunabi/ Kannabi (神奈備).

The Kanji indicates what Kami is

Now let us examine the Kanji for Kami. I’m sure it will be a great help to understand the way ancient people feel.

Kanji means “Letter of the Han (dynasty)” and was imported from China to Japan around the 1st century. Ancient people took advantage of a sound (pronunciation) or a meaning of a Kanji in order to adopt it to their language.

Kami is written as “神” which divided into two parts. “ネ” and “申.” “ネ” is abbreviated “示.” “示” stands for a table for offerings and “申” stands for thunder.

This indicates ancient people found thunder a typical natural phenomenon to be respected and feared.

Kamigamo shrine shows us a good example. It enshrines Kamowake Ikazuchi no Ohkami (賀茂別雷大神). Ikazuchi(雷) is a thunder.

Take a look at the rock. It is tightened with rope with gold zigzag shaped pieces. They are Shide (紙垂) and stand for thunder. Shide indicates sacredness.

Two Shide are symmetrical, they became Gohei (御幣), a kind of Yorishiro where Kami stays.

In Gion Matsuri, the Kami of Yasaka shrine visit Otabisho in Mikoshi. In 2022 and 2022,  they visited there on the Himorogi (神籬) the horse had on his back.

たけちよ

Yorishiro is an object where Kami stays. Himorogi is a type of Yorishiro and Gohei is a type of Himorogi.

Shinto Shrine under Influence of Buddhism

In old days, people don’t have any shrine and held ceremonies and ritual in the middle of nature. In the 6th century, Buddhism was imported from China. Under the influence of Buddhist temple, people started to build a shrine for them.

In the early days, shrine is a place to worship Iwakura or mountains but it gradually had Goshintai inside of it.

Goshintai (御神体) is a Yorishiro in a main hall of Shinto shrine. It is so sacred we can’t see it usually.

Kuaze Komagata Chigo of Gion Matsuri is an exception. He has the Goshintai of Ayato Kuninaka shrine on his chest. He is treated as Kami with it.

Nigimitama and Aramitama 和魂と荒魂の和合

There are four kinds of Mitama(御霊), the spirit of Kami: Nigimitama, Aramitama, Sakimitama, and Kushimitama.

In Matsuri in Japan, Nigimitama and Aramitama of a Kami are often put together in order to make her/him reincarnated. For example, in Gion Matsuri, the Nigimitama of Susanoh no Mikoto meets the Aramitama of him (Kuze Komagata Chigo) and the reincarnation is completed.

シカさん

Mikage Matsuri plays the same role in Aoi Matsuri.

Next post

Japanese mythology and emperor.

たけちよ

I’m sure you’ll like it, BAAH!!!

Mitama is a sprit of the deceased. Ancient people thought it caused natural disasters and epidemics. In this post, I’ll show you how people managed them in order to accomplish to the peace. 合掌

Nature, Kami, and Tatari　自然の背後の神とその祟り

As stated in this post, our ancestors admired Kami behind nature. When people suffered from natural disasters, famines, epidemics and so on, they thought the cause of them are Tatari (祟り) of Kami.

たけちよ

Tatari is misfortunes or bad incidents brought by Kami in anger and irritation. They are angry with many reasons. To calm them down, people held Matsuri.

For example, Aoi Matsuri was originally held due to the natural disasters. They found Kaomo no Ohkami was irritated due to mal-practiced rituals and ceremonies.

The faith of Goryo 御霊信仰

御霊 (Goryo) is also pronounced as Mitama. 御 is a prefix indicates respect and 霊 is a sprit. Ancient people thought that once we died, our spirit left our body. They believed the spirit of the deceased stay near her descendants to save them from misfortune forever.

たけちよ

This is the most important and fundamental thing to understand the faith of Goryo. When we die, our sprit leaves our body and we become a guardian of our descendants. This idea also is a foundation of Gozan Okuribi.

Around the 8th century, a centralized government was established and many political conflicts happened in the developing society. People started to think that the cause of the natural disasters are Tatari (祟り) of the Goryo (Mitama) of the victims of these conflicts.

シカさん

This time, Tatari is brought by the person passed away in the conflict with great resentment.

七里ヶ浜親方

People thought their Tatari brought disasters as…a kind of vendetta.

To get rid of Tatari, the cause of disasters, people tried to calm Goryo (Mitama) down half in fear, half in respect. This is the fatih of Goryo.

たけちよ

Half in fear, half in respect. This attitude is called Ifu (畏怖). In a nutshell, people thought they are the same as Kami.

Goryo-e 御霊会

Goryo-e is Buddhist ritual held in order to calm Goryo(Mitama) down and get rid of it. People entertained Mitama with the Sutras and performances and sent it to a far-out place.

たけちよ

This time the aim is to get rid of Mitama. As I tell you later, people started to enshrine it as Kami.

In early days, it seemed some private Goryo-e took place. The first official and recorded one is Shinsen-en Goryo-e in 863 stated in Nihon Sandai Jitsuroku(『日本三大実録』), the history book in the 10th century. The archipelago suffered from the epidemic and the imperial court find the cause of the Tatari of the politically ousted six persons. The most famous one is Sawara Shinoh. He is a brother of emperor Kanmu and ousted from the Imperial Court on the suspicion of the involvement of the assassination of an court noble. He was starved on the way to the penal place.

The Goryo-e of 863 is extraordinary important:

1. Shnbutsu Shugo, the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism, was matured because there is idea of Tatari belong to Shinto, not Buddhism. And they tried to get rid of it by Goryo-e, the Buddhist ceremony.
2. The ritual privately took place became the one carried by the Imperial court. Nihon Sandai Jitsuroku describes that the Golden Light Sutra was dedicated. The sutra was the one for the safety of a country. For example, it was dedicated in the ceremony commemorate the construction of The Great Buddha of Nara which was constructed in order to get rid of the epidemics and natural disasters from the country.
3. It gave birth to The faith of Gion. In the faith, people thought Gozu Tenno caused epidemics and natural disasters. This time, Ekijin, the Kami who causes epidemics, came from outside of the community was added to the cause of Tatari. In the Goryo-e in 869 was held to calm down his Tatari. This faith is still alive because Gion Matsuri take places on it every year.

七里ヶ浜親方

Let me explain about #3. In ancient times. people thought when petals of flower fall off in early spring, they bring epidemics to the community and they came from the outside of it. As a prevention, they held ceremonies at the border. As time passed, they found the cause was Ekjin, instead of the petals.

Sugarawa no Michizane, the most feared Goryo　菅原道真公

The most famous Goryo is the one of Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真) enshrined in Tikano Tenmangu shrine. He is one of the most prominent court nobles. His clan was ranked low in the aristocracy but emperor Uda gave him one of the most important post in the Imperial court due to his highly-evaluated achievement. Fujiwara no Tokihira who belonged to the most prosperous clan at the time lied to the emperor for the purpose of  ousting him of the Imperial court. Michizane was sent to Dazaifu in Fukuoka prefecture and starved there.

Some years later, weird things happened:

• Since his death, Japan suffered from natural disasters and epidemics every year.
• Tokihira passed away all of a sudden. When he was dying, Buddhist ritual took place to heal him (The popular way to get rid of illness at that time). The phantom of Michizane appeared from Tokihira’s ear and tried to stop the ritual.
• Tokihira’s sister was a spouse of Emperor Daigo. Their son passed away young all of a sudden.
• Seiryoden was struck and burned out by the lightening. Seiryoden was a place where emperor lives in the Imperial Court. Due to the fire, many court nobles and aristocrats died. Emperor Digo shocked to death.

People rumored the cause of these incident was the Tatari of Michizane. The Imperial Court decided to enshrine the Mitama of Michizane in Kitano Tenmangu shrine as Kami.

There is an idea behind that. The Mitama of Michizane makes them suffer with the enormous power. The Imperial Court took advantage of it to save our country.

たけちよ

As I told you previously, First, people got rid of Mitama. Next, they enshrined them.

Summery

Mitama is a sprit of the deceased. Ancient people thought it caused natural disasters and epidemics. First, they held Goryo-e in order to get rid of it. As time passed by, they started to enshrine it to save them from these disasters taking advantage of its enormous power. 合掌

May all the people be in peace. 合掌

Introduction

Kigensai festival (紀元祭) is a ritual to celebrate the foundation of Japan. According to Nihon Shoki,『日本書記』 (The Chronicles of Japan), the oldest official history book compiled based on Japanese mythology in the 8th century, Emperor Jinmu (神武天皇) gave birth to Chrysanthemum throne and became the 1st emperor of Japan in 660 B.C. ad Kashihara no Miya palace, a place known as Kashihara Jingu shrine today. 2026 marked Koki (Japanese Imperial year )2,686(皇紀二千六百八十六年).

In this article, I introduce his odyssey narrated in the chronicles , Kashihara Jingu shrine, and its Kigen Sai festival to you.

『日本書記』の記述

Nihon Shoki describes: 辛酉年春正月庚辰朔 天皇即帝位於橿原宮是歳爲天皇元年

The sentence tells us that emperor Jimmu acceded to the Imperial throne at Kashihara no Miya palace in the spring of a year of Kanotori.

七里ヶ浜親方

Kanotori is one of ancient ways of express years. It’s not unique like 2021 D.C. We had lots of Kanotori years. For example, 600 B.C. is also a year of Kanotori.

And the book also narrates his reign lasted 76 years.

It is the way of Nihon Shoki. It shows us the years of accession of every emperor or empress and their reigns. Thanks to this way of description, we can know the year of emperor Jinmu’s accession.

七里ヶ浜親方

The last emperor(actually she was an empress) in Nihon Shoki is emperess Jitoh. We can know the year of her accession owing to other history books. We can also find the year of accession and the reign of her predecessor. Taking these process, we can go back, on a predecessor to predecessor basis, to find the year of accession of emperor Jiumu in the end.

シカさん

 His accession took place in 660 B.C.

お福さん

Interested in Nihon Shoki?  Check the archive of National Diet Library digital collection.

In Meiji era (1872), Meiji government decided that the accession of emperor Jinmu is the foundation of Japan. 660 B.C. is the first year.

シカさん

Imperial period, like Reiwa, started on the same year.

お福さん

Reiwa 3 (2021) is 皇紀二千六百八十一年(Koki 2681). To know Koki, add 660 to a year of the Gregorian calendar.

The odyssey of Emperor Jinmu神武天皇即位までの経緯

North by North East 生誕から東征まで

His odyssey is so long. In this chapter, I’ll tell you some of important stories.

According to the first chapter of Nihon Shoki, his name is Kamiyamatonoiwa Arehiko no Sumera Mikoto(神日本磐余彦天皇).

げきすせん

It is believed that a highly educated court noble gave the name “Emperor Jimnu” to Kamiyamatonoiwa Arehiko no Sumera Mikoto  in the 8th century.

ドラゴン船

Jinmu is an Imina of Kamiyamatonoiwa Arehiko no Sumera Mikoto. In ancient times, it was rude to call emperors by their real names. People called them by Imina instead.

He is a great grandson of Ninigi no Mikoto (瓊瓊杵尊). Ninigi no Mikoto was born in Takamagahara/Takaamahara, the place where Deities of Japanese mythology live,  located up above the world. Its ruler is Amaterasu Ohmikami (天照大神), the Deity of the sun, and Ninigi is a grandson of Amaterasu.

Ninigi descend to Ashihara Nakatsukuni (葦原中国), or ancient Japan, to rule it.

When Emperor Jinmu was 45 years-old, he departed Hyuga, his birth place, for Yamato no Kuni (Known as Nara today) with the intention to build a capital and to rule Ashihana Nakatsukuni.

Yata Garasu 八咫烏

He left Hyuga with his brothers and his army for Usa (Oita). Then he headed for Yamato no Kuni by way of Setonai Kai sea. They reached Kumano (Wakayama) and got lost. When they were at a loss for their way to take, Amaterasu Ohmikami sent Yatagarasu (八咫烏) for them. Yatagarasu is a big crow with three legs. It leaded them to the way to Yoshino (and Yamato no Kuni).

Kinshi 金鵄

When they reaced Yamato no Kuni, they fought with a ruler of a region of it. They struggle with them in the toughest battle field they have ever experienced. In addition to it, the sky got dark and it started to hail.  Then, all of a sudden, Kinshi (金鵄), the golden black kite, appeared out of nowhere to rested at the bow which emperor Jinmu had and emit the rays of light. They were terrifying enough to make the enemies surrendered. After they won the fight, they managed to make surrender Yamto no Kuni itself. Emperor Jinmu constructed a palace called Kashiyara no Miya (橿原宮) at the foot of Mt. Unebi and he acceded there. The foundation of Japan was completed.

At the enthronement ceremony, there are banners like those. Before WWII, some of them has embroidered Yatagarasu and Kinshi. Today they are omitted due to the separation of country and religion.

お福さん

These photos of Yatagarasu and Kinshi are file holders they are printed on.

What is Kashihara Jingu? 橿原神宮概説

Kashihara Jingu shrine was constructed on the palace Kashihara no Miya used to be located in 1890 on people’s demand. Emperor Meiji donated buildings of Kashiko Dokoro (A shrine where Amaterasu Ohmikami was enshrined. ) and Shinkaden (A building where rituals to be held.)

The grave of Empero Jinmu are located near there.

Kigen sai of Kashihara Jingu shrine 橿原神宮紀元祭の様子

Introduction 概説

Kigen sai of Kashihara Jingu shrine starts at 11:00 a.m. It takes about one and a half hours.

This is Naihaiden where emperor Jinmu is enshrined. We can attend the rituals under the white roofs with a reservation in advance.

たけちよ

Check the websitr of Kashiyara Jingu shrine(in Japnese only)。

Tyokushi arrives 勅使参列

At 11:00, the priests arrives at Naihaiden.

After them, Chokushi (勅使) also arrives at Naihaiden. Chokushi is a messenger of emperor. Kashihara Jingu is one of Chokusai Sha. Chokusai Sha has a previlage to welcome Chokushi. For example, Kamigamo and Shimogamo shrines are Chokusai sha.

And Aoi Matsuri festival is held by both of them and it welcomes Chokushi.

シカさん

Emperor sends Chokushi to some places which are not Chokusai sha. For example, His Imperial Majesty sends him to Goshichinichi Mishiho ritual of Toji temple because the ritual used to be held in the Imperial Court.

After Chokushi, the box covered with green cloth also enters Naihaiden.

緑色の布がかかった箱は唐櫃（からびつ）とよばれる、調度品などを入れる箱です。

The box is called Karabitsu(唐櫃). It contains the Yanai Bako (柳筥) box in the photo. In side Yanai Bako, there are scrolls of cloth called Goshiki no Ashiginu(五色絁). They are the gifts from emperor Naruhito.

National anthem 国家斉唱

When the ritual is prepared, we sing National anthem, Kimigayo (Emperor’s regin)

Kagura dedication 神楽奉納

The priestess dedicates Kagura performance to emperor Jinmu.

Martial arts dedication 神賑行事

Japanese martial arts are also dedicated.

The grave of emperor Jinmu 神武天皇陵参拝

The grave of emperor Jinmu is located near Kashihara Jingu shrine. It takes around 30 minutes walk.

Access to Kashihara Jingu shrine 橿原神宮へのアクセス

About 10 minutes walk from Kintetsu Kashjhara Jingu Mae station.

Parking lots for about 800 cars.

Parking fee:

大型車 2,000円/日（ Over 2.645m in height）
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About Kashihara Jingu shrine 橿原神宮基本情報

To understand Japanese culture and its inheritance without the knowledge of Japanese mythology. I’ll write a series of 5 posts on the important myths. In this post let us see the birth of Japan. 合掌

Kojiki and Nihon Shoki

Japanese mythology is described in The Kojiki (『古事記』An Account of Ancient Matters) and The Nihon Shoki (『日本書紀』The Chronicles of Japan). Under the development of the national consciousness, both of them were compiled in order to announce the legitimacy of the Imperial Court. They are ones of the most important source of Japanese mythology and theology.

These books are compiled to legitimize the rule of the Imperial court. Some story imply what actually happened, especially the process of expanding its territory and rule.

The universe of our mythology is like this.

• The place we live in is Ashihara Nakatsu Kuni where Kunitsu Kami (Kami belong to Ashiranra Nakatsukuni) and us are in.
• Up above it, there is Takama no Hara where Amatsu Kami (Kami belong to Takama no Hara.
• And under Ashihara Nakatsu Kuni, there are Yomi no Kuni and Ne no Katasu Kuni.
• There is Ameno Ukihashi bridge between Takamano Hara and Ashihara Nakatsu Kuni connected Yomi no Kuni and Ne no Katasu Kuni by a place called Yomotsu Hirasaka.

The birth of Japan

In the beginning, the center of the universe was floating around. It was divided into Ten, the place located up above the world, and Chi, the ground. They are linked with a bridge called Ame no Ukihashi (天の浮橋).

The Kami in Takama no Hara (高天の原), a.k.a., Ten asked Izanaki (伊邪那岐) and Izanami (伊邪那美) to prepare Chi. They stuck a spear called Ameno Nuboko into the ocean. When they pull out the spear, the dewdrops made Onogoro Jima island. The island grew up to Ashihara Nakatsu Kuni (葦原中国), the archipelago we live in.

シカさん

Takama no Hara and Ashihara Nakatsu Kuni are not separated. There is Ame no Ukihashi bridge between them.

たけちよ

The island in front of Kinkakuji stands for Ashihra Nakatsu Kuni, i.e., Japan.

On the island, they married and had a child Kami named Hiruko. They put him on a boat and let the ocean brought him away because his body was “soft.”

七里ヶ浜親方

Don’t worry. A fisherman saved his life. Some years later, Hiruko came back to us as Ebisuten, the Buddhist deity. We call him Ebessan in Kansai dialect.

Gion Ebessan/Ebisu Fesitival 2026 at Yasaka shrine in Kyoto: 祇園えべっさん英語で説明

In 2026, Gion Ebessan/Ebisu festival takes place at Yasaka shrine. With lots of photos and video, you can learn about the festival like Ebessan boat and Seven Deities/Gods of fortune, etc.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.01.07

Izanaki and Izanami had many children (Of course they are Kami). When Izanami gave birth to Kami of fire, she passed away with the fire of her child.

He missed her wife so much and he visited Yomi no Kuni, the place of the deceased. He found her and asked her to come back to the place she once belonged to. She replied that she would see Kami of Yomi no Kuni to make sure whether she could come back there. Closing the door, she said to Izanaki not to open the door.

He couldn’t afford to wait and open the door to find her corpse covered with many maggots. She was ashamed of it and chase after him. He escaped narrowly and put a huge rock in front of the entrance of Yomi no Kuni.

He bathed in a stream to get rid of Kegare he saw in Yomi no Kuni.

シカさん

Kegare means an anemic state of mind. The dead body could be the maximum anemic state of mind. His bathing is the beginning of Misogi. When we visit Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples, we can experience an abbreviated one. Check out the link below.

What is Misogi and Harae? 禊と祓を英語で説明

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

kyotokankoyagi.com

2023.12.31

First, he washed his left eye and Amaterasu Ohmikami (天照大御神), the Kami of the sun, was born. Next, he washed his right eye and Tsukuyomi no Mikoto (月読命), the Kami of night, was born. In the end, he washed his nose and Take Haya Susanoh no Mikoto (建速須佐之男命) was born. He asked them to rule Takama no Hara, the country of the moon, and the ocean respectively.

Next post

たけちよ

Let us see the conflicts between Amaterasu and Take Haya Susanoh and Iwato Gakure, BAAH!!!

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

To under stand Japanese culture and its inheritance without the knowledge of Japanese mythology. I’ll write a series of 5 posts on the important myths. In this post, let us see “Iwato Gkure.” 合掌

Susanoh acts violently

As stated in the previous post, Izanaki asked Take Haya Susanoh no Mikoto (建速須佐之男命) to rule the ocean but he didn’t live up to the duty and cried over his deceased mother. Izanaki was so furious that he deprived Susanoh of the status of Kami and ousted him.

Susanoh decided to tell what happened to him to Amaterasu Ohmikami and leave Takama no Hara to see his mother.

When he went to Takama no Hara, it was shaken as though an earthquake occurred. Amaterasu misunderstood him and thought he would take Takama no Hara away from her by force.

To clear up the misunderstanding, they agreed to do Ukei. Ukei is a kind of oralce. They gave birth to Kami from the other’s belongings.

After the Ukei, Susanoh claimed he was an winner because three female Kami were born from his sword. Then he behaves violent all of a sudden.

七里ヶ浜親方

The following is important ones what he did. They are important because it tells what Tsumi is. Tsumi is usually translated as crime. Tsumi he made is:

シカさん

Rice cultivating is the most important for us. As told in Japanese mythology 5 (not yet written), the ancestor of emperor succeeded the rice cultivating Amaterasu did. In addition to it, his deeds have something to do with Misogi.

What is Misogi and Harae? 禊と祓を英語で説明

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

kyotokankoyagi.com

2023.12.31

Amaterasu hides away

The origin of the Imperial Regalia

Due to his behavior, Amaterasu was scared to hide away into a huge cave called Ama no Iwato. She is Kami of the sun.The whole world was in complete darkness and “the evil spirits” were floating around in Takama no Hara. This incident is called “Iwato Gakure.”

All the Kami gathered to cope with the situation: Taking Amaterasu out of the cave. The following is the important ones they prepared.

シカさん

Magatama. They made a kind of wreath with them.

たけちよ

The mirror and Magatama are ones of San Syu no Jingi. San Syu no Jingi (Three Sacred Treasures) are the imperial Regalia consist of Yatano Kagami (八咫鏡), Yasaka Ni no Magatama (八尺瓊勾玉), and Kusanagi no Tsurugi (草薙剣).  The ones they prepared were the origins of Yakatano Kagami mirror and Yasaka Ni no Magatama. Kusanagi no Tusrugi was found in the belly of huge serpent by Susanoh. I’ll tell you the stroy in the next post.

七里ヶ浜親方

Like this.

They made Sakaki plant ornamented with the mirror and the wreath of the Magatama. It is Gohei. Gohei is a Yorishiro as described in this post and it originally used in this story.

Ame no Uzume lured Amaterasu out

Then, Ame no Uzume turned a bucked around and danced on it. She was almost in naked and other kami roared with laugh. Amaterasu wondered what happened. “What happened?”, she asked. Ame no Uzume replied, “There is a Kami greater than you. We are in pleasure.” Then other Kami showed the mirror to Amaterasu. She  found her face in the mirror. She came out of the cave slightly to make sure what was going on.

All of a sudden, a Kami called Tajikaraoh took her by the hand and pull her out of the cave. Then a Kami called Futodama put a Shimenaw rope over the entrance of the cave and said, “Do not enter the cave again.” The sun rose again.

Shimenawa is a rope with Shide. Shide (紙垂) is a gold zigzag shaped piece in the photo. It stands for thunder. Shide indicates sacredness as described in this post.

たけちよ

The dance of Ame no Uzume implies Mitama Furi. Mitama Furi is a way to come sprit alive. When we make a sprit come alive, we shake it. For example, sprit(s) of Kami is in Mikoshi in Matsuri and we shake the Mikoshi in order to come alive the sprit inside.

シカさん

Ame no Uzume danced on the bucked. It’s a metaphor of the cave Amaterasu was in. When she danced on it, Amaterasu was “shaken” inside. What Susanoh did worn her out and Ame no Uzume made her come alive. It is believed that Iwato Gakure implies a solar eclipse. The sun was weak and they believed they had to make come alive to see it again.

Next Post

たけちよ

Susanoh was ousted from Takama no Hara and he fights against a huge serpent to save his future wife. Don’t miss it. One of the most exciting story in Japanese mythology, BAAAH!!!

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

To under stand Japanese culture and its inheritance without the knowledge of Japanese mythology. I’ll write a series of 5 posts on the important myths. In this post, let us see how Kushinada Hime put an end to Susanoh’s odysesy. 合掌

Ousted from Takama no Hara

As described in the previous post, Amaterasu hid away into the cave and the world in a complete darkness. Other Kami managed to take her out of the cave and the sun rose again.

After the incident, Susanoh was ousted from Takama no Hara due to his behavior, or Tsumi he committed : Violating the social norm and the sacredness of Takama no Hara.

Other Kami asked him to hand in things to make up for what he did. They cut his nails and beard off.

シカさん

Ancient people thought they put their Tsumi into a part of their body they can remove. And they using it as a tool of getting rid of their Tsumi.

七里ヶ浜親方

This is the origin of Harae. Check out the link below.

What is Misogi and Harae? 禊と祓を英語で説明

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

kyotokankoyagi.com

2023.12.31

He saw Kushinada Hime, his future wife

Ousted from Takama no Hara, he head for Ashihara Nakatsukuni, or the place known as Japan. Hre reached Izumo (Shiname Pref.) and strolled aorund. Then he found chopsticks floating in a river. He thought there was someone near there and walked along the river to find an old couple and their daughter sobering.

They are Kami lived in Ashihara Nakatsu Kuni.

たけちよ

Kami live in Takama no Hara is Amatsu Kami (天津神) and the ones live in is Kunitsu Kami (国津神).

Susanoh aksed the reason why they are crying.

The father explained, “We used to have eight daughters. A huge serpent called Yamata no Oroshi (八岐大蛇) lives near hear. Last seven years, we offered our daughters one by one as a sacrifice. This Kushinada Hime (櫛名田比売) is the only daughter left to us. And this year, we have to offer her to the serpent.”

シカさん

Yamata no Orochi is as huge as mountains, has 8 heads and 8 tails.

Susanoh asked him, “I understood. I’ll eliminate it. Then, would you allow me to marry your daughter if I could defeat the serpent?”

The father accepted his offer.

Susanoh transformed Kushinad Hime into a comb and stuck it to his hair and asked the couple, “Make strong Sake. And build a wall with eight entrances around your house. Put large bowls at the entrances and fill up the bowls with the Sake you made.”

Some time later, Yamata no Orochi appeared and started drinking the Sake and fell asleep. Susanoh cut its heads off and stubbed its tails to exterminate it.

七里ヶ浜親方

In the video, the one with a sword is Susanoh and the one in a white outfit is Kushinada Hime.  You can enjoy this Iwami Kagura performance at Gion Matsuri or Awata Matsuri.

Then, he found a sword in one of the tails. And he dedicated it to Amaterasu in Takama no Hara.

たけちよ

The sword he found is Kusanagi no Tachi (草那藝之大刀)/ Ameno Murakumo no Tsurugi (天叢雲剣). He dedicated the sword to Amaterasu and it became one of the three regalia stated in the previous post.

He composed the first Waka

Now Yamata no Orochi had one away and Susanoh married Kushinada Hime. They settled down in their new palace. He saw many clouds in the sky and composed the first Waka (和歌 Japanese poem) in Japan:

夜久毛多都　伊豆毛夜幣賀岐　都麻碁微爾　夜幣賀岐都久流　曾能夜幣賀岐袁

シカさん

Pronounciation: Yakumo Tatsu, Izumo Yaegaki, Tsumagomi ni, Yaegaki Tsukuru, Sono Yaegakiwo

たけちよ

It’s very hard to translate this even in modern Japanese. He sings the clouds looks like a walls build around the palace in order to save his wife from any bad luck.

お福さん

Waka is improtant for us. For example, Reiwa, the imperial era, was named after a Waka in the eighth century.

Next post

たけちよ

Okuni Nushi, a Susanoh’s descendant, gives up Ashihara Nakatsu Kuni to Takama no Hara. Don’t miss it. One of the most exciting story in Japanese mythology, BAAAH!!!

To under stand Japanese culture and its inheritance without the knowledge of Japanese mythology. I’ll write a series of 5 posts on the important myths. In this post, let us see how Okuninushi gave up Izumo to Amaterasu. 合掌

Okuninushi met a bunny

It’s been a long time since Susanoh and Kushinada Hime married (Check out the previous post). Okuninushi is one of his descendant. He had many brothers. They didn’t rule their country because they wanted to marry Yakami Hime. One day, they headed for Inaba (Tottori Pref.) to see her.

On the way to their destination, they found a rabbit without his skin and coat on a beach. They advised him, “Bath in the sea and lie down at the top of a high mountain. And you’d be healed.”

It didn’t work and his skin was damaged. The pain made him cry.

Then Okuninushi passed by. He wasn’t with his brother because he had a big bag with hit brother’s belongings in. They forced him to carry it taking advantage of his generosity.

He asked the rabbit, “Why are you crying? What happened?”

He replied, “I live in Oki island (located near the beach). I wanted to come here and cheated the sharks.  I made them line up from the island to this beach. I stepped on their heads one by one. When I stepped on the last one, I said I cheated them. Hearing that, it bit me and peel my skin and coat off. ” And he told him what his brothers did.

Okuninushi advised, “Wash yourself in the mouth of the river. You’ll find many Gama around there. Spread their pollen over the ground and roll around on them. You’ll regain your skin and coat.

お福さん

Gama is a plant the bunny has in his hands.

It worked well. He looked as used to be. He said to Okuninushi, “You’ll marry Yakami Hime. Your brother don’t.”

Okuninushi gave up Ashihara Kanatsu Kuni to Amaterasu

After the marriage, his brother killed him 2 times but he was reborn each time with the help other Kami. They didn’t stop pursue him and Kami of tree sent him to Ne no Taksu Kuni, the land of deceased, where Susanoh ruled.

Susanoh met Okuninushi, he found he was the best Kami in Ashihara Nakatsu Kuni. He forced many difficulities to him and he overcame all of them. Finally, he admitted he was deserved to rule Izumo, a.k.a., Ashihara Nakatsu Kuni.

Now that Takama no Hara was ruled by Amaterasu and Ne no Katasu Kuni was ruled her brother. Both of them are Amatsukami, the Kami of Takamanohara (Amatsukami).

On the other hand, Ashihara Nakatsu Kuni was ruled by Ohkuninushi, the Kami of Ashihara Nakatsu Kuni (Kunitsu Kami).

Amaterasu wanted Ashihara Nakatsu Kuni ruled by Amatsukami in order to rule the whole universe. She sent delegate to Ohkuninushi four times in vain.

In the end, she sent Take Mikazuchi (Kami of thunder and sword). They asked Okuninushi to give up his Ashihara Nakatsu Kuni to Amaterasu. He replied that he wanted to flow his sons’ decision. One of them accepted the proposal but the other, Take Minakata didn’t. All of a sudden, Take Mikazuchi took him by the hand and threw him away. The son was scared and ran away. Take Mikazuchi pursuit him to the lake Suwa and tried to kill him. Finally, he surrendered and promised he would never leave Suwa.

七里ヶ浜親方

Take Minakata is enshrined in Suwa Taisha shrine in Nagano.

At last, Okuninushi gave up Izumo to Amaterasu but he asked for a condition: He wanted an edifice.

シカさん

The edifice is Izumo Taisha in Shimane.

Next Post

たけちよ

Now that the whole universe is under the control of Amaterasu. She send a ruler of Ashihara Nakatsu Kuni. He is an ancestor of emperor.

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

To under stand Japanese culture and its inheritance without the knowledge of Japanese mythology. I’ll write a series of 5 posts on the important myths. In this post, let us see how the ancestor of Japanese emperor arrived at Japan and the first emperor acceded the throne. 合掌

Tenson Korin: The ancestor of Japanese Emperor reached Japan

Amaterasu sent Ninigi to Ashihara Nakatsukuni

As stated in the previous post, Okuninushi gave up Ashihara Nakatsu Kuni to Amaterasu’s delegate and the universe is under the rule of her.? She sent Hono Ninigi no Mikoto (番能瓊瓊杵尊), her grand son, to Ashihara Nakatsukuni as its ruler.

たけちよ

Hono Ninigi no Mikoto, of course Amaterasu, are the ancestors of emperor of Japan.

When he left Takama no Hara, she gave him the Imperial Regalia: Yatano Kagami (八咫鏡), Yasaka Ni no Magatama (八尺瓊勾玉), and Kusanagi no Tsurugi (草薙剣).

Yatano Kagami, Yasaka Ni no Magatama are used to take her out of Ame no Iwato cave (See mythology 2) and Kusanagi no Tsurugi was dedicated to her by Susanoh (See mytholgy 3).

In 2019, Emperor Naruhito acceded the throne, he inherited them from his father, Akihito.

Ninigi brought rive cultivating to Ashihara Nakatsukuni

Ninigi took over the important work of Amaterasu did: Rice cultivating. Actually, Hono Ninigi means “Fertility of (ear of) Rice.” Her intention is to make a prosperous country with rice, our diet.

シカさん

It mean lot to us. Amaterasu’s rice cultivating is described as a precious deed. And the ancestor of Japanese emperor took it over. In addition to it, we make the same crop. Rice cultivation makes a triad and we are not separated from Amaterasu and emperor.

Kamu Yamato Iwarebiko acceded as the first emperor

Ninigi descended to Himuka in Ashihara Nakatsu Kuni to settle down. Kamu Yamato Iwarebiko, his great grand son, headed for the East capturing many regions. Finally, he acceded as the first emperor at Kashihara no Miya palace on February 11, 660 B.C.

七里ヶ浜親方

Kashihara Jingu shrine is located in the place where the palace used to be. The day is National Foundation day and many people celebrated the foundation of our country.

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

Summery

In the series of five post, I described the myths in Japanese mythology. As stated in the 1st post, our mythology was compiled to legitimize the rule of the Imperial court. Some story imply what actually happened. For example, the story of Okuni Nushi suggests how the Imperial court captured Izumo or other region.

I chose the important story as basic knowledge to enjoy Japan, especially Kyoto. I hope you enjoyed them. Thanks for reading. 合掌

Shinbutsu Shogo (神仏習合) is a phenomenon where Shinto and Buddhism co-exist. 神(Shinto Deity) and 仏 (Buddhist Deity) 習合 (are fused)

Shinto is a “religion” indigenous to Japan. In the 6th century, Buddhism was introduced and adopted officially. Shinto didn’t rejected it because it accepted many deities and considered Buddhist deities as some of them.

At first, our ancestors called Shinto Deity (Kami) Kunituskami (国つ神) and called that of Buddhism Banshin/Adashikunitsukami (蕃神). Banshin/Adashikunitsukami means “Deity from overseas.”

Since then, both of them has been fused for over 1,600 years outside of the Imperial court though they were separated by Sinbutsu Hanzen Rei act in 1868. Even Today, we can find their fusion in many occasions.

Shin Shin Ridatsu 神身離脱

Around the 8th century, Buddhist monks invented Shin Shin Ridatsu to introduce Buddhism taking advantage of Shinto. In this theory, Kami are in suffer as humans are and want to be enlightened. Due to this, Buddhist temples were constructed near Shinto shrines. These temples are called Jinguji (神宮寺). For example, Shimogamo shrine has a Jiguji in Tadasu no Mori.

Gohoh Zenshin Setsu 護法善神説

On the other hand, Shinto pointed out that Kami indigenous to Japan are guardians of Buddhism. This theory is called Gohoh Zenshin Setsu. Due to this, Shinto shrines were constructed near Buddhist temple. These shrines are called Chin Syu Sha (鎮守社). For example, Jishu shrine is a Chin Shyu Sha of Kiyomizudera temple.

シカさん

Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Chin Shyu Sha of Toji though they are located near each other.

七里ヶ浜親方

These ideas were not strict ones. For instance, Shimogamo Jinja had a Jinguji but it was temporally closed during the Aoi Matsuri period because the temple considered the matsuri was the indigenous to our country and didn’t want to carry it out under the influence of Buddhism.

Honji Suijyaku Setsu 本地垂迹説

Shinbutsu Shogo gave birth to many theories and the most important one is Honji Suijyaku Setsu (本地垂迹説). In this theory, Buddhist Deity appears to people as Shinto Deity to save them.

お福さん

As if Buddhist Deity hides behind Shinto Deity. And many people think both of them are the same one. Finally, both of them are integrated.

This is the most simple way of Honji Suijyaku Setsu (本地垂迹説) but the theory is more complicated than we think.

The most famous example is a relationship among Susano no Mikoto, Gozu Tenno, and Yakushinyorai (Bhaisajyaguru).

Susano no Mikoto

Gozu Tenno

Susano no Mikoto (a Shinto Deity) and Gozu Tenno(a Buddhist Deity only found in Japan today) is considered as the same Deity, i.e., he is half a Shinto Deity and half a Buddhist one, because both of them experience their odyssey in a myths and a sutra.

And their Honji is Yakushinyorai, the Medicine Deity. Gozu Tenno is a Deity who save us from epidemic. It is easy that Yakushinyorai can be the Honji of Gozuteno  because they play the same kind roles.

Many people cannot remember this relationship but it still is alive.

I’m sure you know, or at least heard about Gion Matsuri. The aim of it is to get rid of epidemic depending on the Susano-Gozu Tenno-Yakushinyorai relationship.

Gion Matsuri is a matsuri of Yasaka shirne. It is a Shinto shrine but used to be a Buddhist temple called Gion-sya, or Kanjinin temple where Gozu Tenno and Yakushinyorai was enshrined. The denizens of the downtown of Kyoto welcomed Gozu Tenno to save them  from epidemics.

With Sinbutsu Hanzen Rei act in 1868, Gion-sya became Shinto shrine but the aim of Gion Matsuri has not changed: it now enshrines Susano no Mikoto.

七里ヶ浜親方

These days, most of us are not aware of the Susano-Gozu Tenno-Yakushinyorai relationship. We only think “Yasaka-san save us from epidemics.” We don’t tell Shito Deity from Buddhist one usually.

Sinbutsu Hanzen Rei act 神仏分離令

Meiji restoration wanted Japan enormous changes and Shinbutsu Hanzen Rei act is one of them. To make Shinto a de facto state religion and the restoration complete, Meiji government decided to separate Shinto and Buddhism. It asked them the way to take: To be a Shito shrine or a Buddhist temple.

All the shrines and temples made their decisions and the separation was accomplished externally but it is not easy to change the minds of people. And some tradition still carry on as Gion Matsuri.