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 said, “Shall we go to the Jodo paradise of Amitabha (Buddhist deity). There is another capital under the waves, Your Imperial Majesty.”

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

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

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

七里ヶ浜親方

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

Yoritomo gave the order to execute Yoshitsune

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

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

Hogan Biiki established

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

Introduction

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

Who is Ushiwaka Maru?

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

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

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

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

Who is Benkei?

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

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

Where did they meet?

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

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

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

To be continued in the next post. 合掌

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The faith of Goryo

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

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

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

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

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

たけちよ

Check this out

Why is Gion Matsuri celebrated? 祇園祭の意味を英語で説明

Gion matsuri has changed in many ways but its aim reminds the same for 1150 years. In this article, you can learn the exact reason why Gion matsuri is celebrated.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.06.20

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

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

たけちよ

Check these post out.

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

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

kyotokankoyagi.com

2021.01.30

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

The mythology is still alive in our mind.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Depending on seasons, the sky changes its color, especially in twilight. Around late February, when plum blossoms in bloom, the sky grows into bright blue telling us the winter is nearly ending. We enjoy plum blossoms illuminated in Kitano Tenmangu shrine expecting the upcoming spring.

The sky disappears before Atomatsuri of Gion Matsuri starts. Sakimatsuri is the last opportunity to admire it.

During the period, I guess a couple of days, this peculiar one shows up. Enjoy the pleasant evening. 合掌

Goshuin (御朱印) consists of two words. 御 is a prefix indicate respect and 朱印 means “red stamp seal.”

Today, when we say Goshuin, it means a calligraphy or stamp as a kind of souvenir of Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple we visit.

No one knows the beginning of it exactly but it can go back to the 17th or 18th century.　　 At that time, people dedicated Nokyo to a Shinto shrine or a Buddhist temple.

Nokyo is to dedicate a sutra or scripture written down on a hand scroll or a sheet of paper. Shinto and Buddhism were so fused Shinto shrines accepted it though it has no scripture. For example, Itsukushima shrine has a large volume of Heike Nokyo (Sutras handed in by the Heike clan).

Usually, a sutra is long and it is demanding to write it down. As time went by, people  substituted a printed one or a piece of wood called Nokyo Fuda for Shakyo.

When people handed in Shakyo to a shrine or temple, it gave them Shuin as a certificate.

Today, people don’t think Goshuin as a certificate of Nokyo but treat it as a “proof” of the Goen, or the relationship, between a Shinto shire or a Buddhist temple they visit and them though some believe it is a collectible.

The meaning of Gosyuin

This is a Gosyuin of the Afro Buddha of Konkai Komyoji temple. It is a typical one and I show you what the words ans stamps mean.

たけちよ

Afro Buddha? Check them out!

Afro Buddha in Kyoto アフロ大仏英語で説明

The real name of "Afro Buddha" is "Goko Shii Amidabutsu.（五劫思惟阿弥陀仏）" It means that a Buddha meditates forever. In this artile, you can learn the reason of its hair style and its features, souvenirs and so on.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2020.01.20

THE AFRO DUCKIES in Konkai Komyoji: MISSING 金戒光明寺のアフロアヒル英語で説明

The Afro duckies are messengers of AFRO BUDDHA in Konkai Komyoji temple. They make 3-D Raigozu to save those who in despair. 金戒光明寺のアヒルさんにつき、英語で説明申し上げます。合掌

kyotokankoyagi.com

2022.03.11

Prepare for Gosyuin

Have a Gosyuin cho notebook

Gosyuin cho is a notebook for Goshuin. It is available at Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples (except small ones), book stores, and souvenir shops.

Pay a visit to the main hall

First, pay a visit to the main hall or the facility the deity of a Goshuin you want to have.

Find a Shamusho/ Jimusho or Goshiin booth

Goshiin is usually issued in Shamuho of shrine or Jimusho of temple. Both are the places we can have amulets, Omikuji, and so on. Some large shrines and temples have Goshuin booth. Wait in line in front of it.

Don’t cut in. We wait in line even in the aftermath of natural disasters.

How much does it cost us?

七里ヶ浜親方

CASH ONLYィィィ!!!

A Goshuin costs you JPY 100~. Pay in small changes as possible.

DO NOT TAKE PHOTO WITHOUGT PERMISSION while personnel writes Goshuin

Types of Goshuin

Introduction

There are many types Goshuin. I’ll show you some of them. Basic, ready-made, limited, luminous, and “art work” ones.

Basic Gosyuin

The basic ones are available all through the year and personnel write it down on your Goshuin notebook.

Ready-made Goshuin

Some temple has Kakioki (書置き) Gosyuin. It is a ready-made one and personnel add the date of visit.

Limited Gosyuin

Goshuin available in some special occasion. This one is available only when Goshichinichi Misiho takes place.

And this one is available only in December. 主夜神 (Shuyajin), the deity of Hosrinji temple is open to us in the month. The cat is a medium between the deity and us. 肉球(cat beans) stamp tells us we always remember the kawaii.

Luminous Goshuin

This Gosyuin, Nene chan (encircled in red) emits light in darkness. Luminous Goshuin is usually available at night illumination visit.

“Art work” Goshuin

There are many types of art work Goshuin. This is a papercut one.

Gion Matsuri Gosyuin

All the Yamahokos of Gion Matsuri have the Goshuin of their own. They are available only during Yoiyamas. Chek out these.

Gion matsuri Schedule 2026: Mikoshi, Yamahoko parade Yoiyama 祇園祭日程2026英語版

The schedule of Gion matsuri 2026 was announced. Mikoshi, Yamahoko parade, and Yoiyama available. Gion matsuri has lots of rituals held in July. In this article, you can see exact schedule they are held.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.05.27

Gion Matsuri 2026 : Sakimatsuri Yoiyama 祇園祭前祭宵山英語で説明

In Gion Matsuri 2026, Yoiyama take place prior to Yamahoko parade. In this article, you can learn the way to enjoy it.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2022.07.13

Gion matsuri 2026: Atomatsuri Yoiyama 祇園祭後祭宵山英語で説明

The precise information of Atomatsuri of Gion matsuri 2026; Byobumatsuri, Kaisyo Kazari of each Yamaboko floats. Gion bayashi, Gohuin stamps and others are available.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.07.21

Have a special Gosyuin note book at Kaisho of Yamahoko, book stores, and souvenir shops.

Every page indicates which stamp should be stamped.

In the Matsuri, there are many ready-made Goshuins. Takayama provides us with a beautiful one every year.

And Kuronushi Yama, too.

Of course we can have Gosyuin of Yasaka shrine. The one is of 2019. Gion matsuri marked the 1150th anniversary and “奉拝” is written in gold.

Gion Matsuri is formally known as Gion Goryo-e.  And Goryo-e Goshuin is available in July.

シカさん

Check this out.

Why is Gion Matsuri celebrated? 祇園祭の意味を英語で説明

Gion matsuri has changed in many ways but its aim reminds the same for 1150 years. In this article, you can learn the exact reason why Gion matsuri is celebrated.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.06.20

Gion Matsuri is a festival for getting rid of epidemics. In the pandemic period, these ones were available.

A video draw attention these days. In the video, a well-bred, highly-educated and cultured guy made graffiti scars on a bamboo in Mt. Inari of Fuhismi Inari Taisha shrine.  Worst scenario, scarred bamboo will rot and we have no choice but to cut it down.

He is not the first one brave enough to show us we wouldn’t deserved to be alive if we could be ever gentle. Actually, similar cases reported many times in the shrine, Arashiyama, and other places.

We detest them not only they take the bamboos’ life away but they also violate what we inherited from our ancestors.

As is often the case, the origin of Fushimi Inari started as the faith of Kannnabi (神奈備). Our ancestors found Kami (Shinto deity) behind nature or natural phenomena and Kannabi is a place or thing where Kami stays. Mt. Inari gave people soil, water, and other several things for agriculture. They found a Kami who brought them prosperity in the mountain and held various rituals there.

In the 6th century, Buddhism brought them religious facility and Kami enshrined in Shrine. Fushimi Inari has enshrined Uka no Mitama no Kami (宇迦之御魂神), the deity of food and agriculture in the main hall for over 1,000 years and Mt. Inari still is a sacred place where Uka no Mitama and other Kamis stay and Shin Butsu Shugo (神仏習合), the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism is still alive and the bamboo is a part of it.

The sacredness of nature helped Japanese people to adopt a Buddhist teaching called Shitsu Busho (悉有仏性). In this teaching, every single living one is equal and could be a Buddha, i.e., enlightened one or awakened one. All the living ones, including rivers, flowers, animals, and so on. This is a foundation behind our way of thinking and norms and we despise those who make them ceased to exist. 合掌

These years, people praise and focus on Aomomiji. Aomomiji is “Autumn leaves in green.” In spring, their green leaves come out and they turn red.

I assume the season of Aomomiji starts in April and ends August. I said “assume” because the word was invented for tourists about a decade ago and the definition of it varies from person to person. At least, as a Japanese goat, I had never heard of the word.

On the other hand, there is a word we have been familiar with: Shin Ryoku.

Shin Ryoku(新緑) means “new green(leaves).” The leaves of deciduous trees start growing around early April. They are in light green and keep the color by mid-May.

This period is in the early summer of the Japanese lunar calendar and Shin Ryoku is one of Kigos. Kigo (季語) is a world that tells us a season in Japanese poetry.

In Shin Ryoku seeson, we find every single life comes alive anew. I’m sure no Japanese people deny this feeling and that is one of the reasons we love Sakura that implies the up-coming Shinryoku season.

There is another word describes the seasn: Midori Sassu (緑さす).

Midori Sasu means this. The sun beam through the leaves make them refreshing in bright green. It casts warm Komorebi on the ground.

Places to visit

Shisendo temple is one of the most underrated places. We can admire Shinryoku in tranquility.

Rurikoin is the best place to visit. I prefer spring though it is famous for autumn leaves.

In some places, night illumination is available.

I hope you can enjoy Shin Ryoku and Midori Sasu virtually. 合掌