KYOTO COLUMN

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2021.10.21

"Nishi Hongan-ji Oto-Butai" will be on air on Sunday, October 24!

"Oto-Butai (The Sound Stage) " is an event of Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS) which started in 1989.The temple representing Japan has become the stage.This is an original music project with a stage set in a temple and the theme of which is "the encounter between the East and the West".More than 180 artists from Japan and abroad have performed at 18 famous temples.Nishi Hongan-ji temple is in the spotlight for the 34th Oto-Butai.Unfortunately, from the viewpoint of preventing the spread of COVID-19, it was recorded without an audience, but how about enjoying "Nishi Hongan-ji Onbutai" on TV?It will be broadcast on MBS and TBS nationwide network from 0:30 at night on Sunday, October 24.Nishi Hongan-ji Temple, a World Heritage SiteNishi Hongan-ji Temple is affectionately known as "Onishi-san".Officially called Ryukoku-san Hongan-ji, it is the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Hongan-ji school.The Jodo Shinshu sect was founded by Shinran Shonin (1173 - 1263) in the middle of the Kamakura period.There are many national treasures such as Goei-do Hall and Amida-do Hall that enshrine Shinran Shonin, and important cultural properties such as Kyozo and Chozusha.In 1994, it was registered as a World Heritage Site as the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto."The music director is Muramatsu TakatsuguThis time, "Nishi Hongan-ji Oto-Butai" was composed with Takatsugu Muramatsu as the music director.Takatsugu Muramatsu's wish to give courage and hope through music to the world that is suffering from the coronavirus.The artists who agreed with the idea spun a story of "Sound" where you feel life.A One-night joint performance by a group of gorgeous artistsThe members of the "Oto-Butai Special Orchestra" stand by on the solemn stage of Nishi Hongan-ji Temple.Cellist Dai Miyata and fruitist Cocomi will perform with Mr. Muramatsu.It is a one-night stand that is spun together with the book "The Word of Life" by life scientist Keiko Yanagisawa.Shoko Nakamura, a leading ballet dancer in Japan, collaborated with choreographer Yuka Oishi for the first time.The stage of Tenor Ken Nishikori, who is known for many opera performances, is also breathtaking!And Shizuka Kudo.Beautiful harmony with the members of "Biwako Hall Vocal Ensemble" was echoed.This time, Sandoz Art connects the world of each sound fantastically and dramatically.A live performance by Sandoz art group "SILT" is projected on the screen in the center of the stage.I was inspired by the music of Takatsugu Muramatsu's "Pray for the World" piano.Also on the show, actor Manami Higa will visit Nishi Hongan-ji Temple as a traveler.She reads the "Word of Life" aloud from valuable places that are not open to the public, such as Hiunkaku and Shoin, which are national treasures.Actor Masao Kusakari will narrate the show.A one-night dream stage where one of the most famous temples in Japan becomes "Phantom Theatre".Please enjoy the special "Oto-Butai" at home!Nishi Hongan-ji Oto-Butai (The Sound Stage at Nishi Hongan-ji Temple)For details such as the broadcasting date and time, please check the "KYOTO CHISHIN" page below.https://www.kyoto-chishin.com/otobutai/

BLOGEvent

2021.10.19

Autumn 2021 Exhibition 'Autumn pictures and Bridal Furnishings Exhibition'

We introduce a hidden museum where we can watch the life of wealthy merchants in Edo period.The Rakuto Ihokan in Kawabata Gojo, Kyoto was opened in 1974 based on Kashiwaya, which was founded in the Edo period.Bridal furniture, paintings, tea utensils and other items handed down in the Kashiwabara family from the Edo period are preserved.The special exhibition held in spring and autumn gives you an opportunity to see many precious relics.The Kashiwa family is said to have originated with Goemon Kashiwabara, a vassal of Kiyomasa Kato in Higo (Kumamoto Prefecture).During the Kanei era (1645) during the Edo period, the founder Sanemon lived in his current residence.It started with the trading of Kyo komamono (Kyoto made goods) and Sensu (folding fans), and gradually expanded its business and trading area.They are the "Edo Store Jikyo Shonin" which they founded until they opened cotton, lacquer ware and paper shops in Edo, Tokyo.If you think of the central part of Kyoto, most of the buildings were destroyed by fires such as the Great Fire of Genji at the end of the Edo period.Among them, it is a precious historical building in Kyoto, which escaped many fires and has been preserved in the appearance of the time.Autumn 2021 Exhibition 'Autumn pictures and Bridal Furnishings Exhibition' is being held until November 3.On display are autumn motif paintings and wedding furnishings.There are 16 hanging scrolls of 'autumn leaves' 'chrysanthemum' 'landscape' 'deer' and 'moon' mainly of 'folding screen with paintings of flowers and carts'.In addition, 13 "Ukiyo-e" pictures woodblock prints depicting the autumn scenery of Edo (Tokyo) are on display.The wedding furnishings of the time such as comb box, comb, eyebrow making box and brush, shell bucket and awase shell are must-see.The Rakuto Ihokan Museum is located on the street one street east of Kawabata-dori Street, just a few steps from Gojo-ohashi Bridge.Shuro (palm) trees stand along the wall on Kawabata-dori Street side.This palm leaves-tree is said to have been often planted in the residence of a famous family in the Edo period.We can watch the garden from the tatami room during the special opening period.Rakuto Ihokan Museum472 Nishitachibana-cho, 3-chome, Gojo-sagaru, Toiyamachi-dori, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto CityThree minutes on foot from Keihan Kiyomizu Gojo StationAutumn 2021 Exhibition 'Autumn pictures and Bridal Furnishings Exhibition'The exhibition will be held from October 1 to November 3 from 10 to 16 o'clock (final admission).*The museum is closed on Mondays (it is open on national holidays).Admission fee: Adults 300 yen, University/High school students 200 yen, Junior high/Elementary school students 100 yen*People who enters there wearing the "Kimono", admission is 100 yen.

BLOGWalking

2021.10.17

Autumn Cherry Blossoms and Shrines in Kyoto Gyoen

"Jugatsu-zakura (October cherry blossom) " is blooming.As the name suggests, it is known as a cherry blossom that blooms from around October to winter.It blooms twice in spring and autumn, and is characterized by smaller and lovely flowers compared to spring.In Kyoto Gyoen (Kyoto Imperial Garden), you can see it on the east side of the "Demizu no Ogawa Brook" and on the north side of the "Munakata-jinja Shrine".The season of autumn leaves is coming soon, and please look at autumn cherry blossoms, too.The "Demizu no Ogawa" is a 110 meter-long artificial stream that has been built as a place for parents and their children to get in touch with the water.It is a resting spot where the underground water becomes a shallow stream of about 20 centimeters and flows in the shade of trees.It is close if you enter from Shimodachiuri-gomon Gate of Karasuma-dori street.Many people think, "Where is Munakata-jinja Shrine?"Surprisingly, it may not be known that there are 3 shrines in Kyoto Gyoen (Kyoto Imperial Garden).One of them is "Munakata-jinja Shrine," which enshrines Munakata Sanjojin.Munakata Sanjojin refers to Takirihime no mikoto, Takitsuhime no mikoto, and Ichikishimahime no mikoto.Munakata Sanjojin, also known as Michinushi no Muchi, is the god of all roads.The temple's origin lies in the kanjo (ceremonial transfer of a divided tutelary deity to a new location) from Chikushi by FUJIWARA no Fuyutsugu under the order of Emperor Kanmu in 795.It is said that the current main building was rebuilt during the Ansei era in the Edo period.It was the residence of the Kazanin family until the Meiji Restoration, and it is said that Munakata-jinja Shrine was also located there.After the mansion went out of use, only the main building of the shrine remains.The precinct shrines include Kazan Inari-jinja Shrine, Kyoto Kanko-jinja Shrine, Shoshoi-sha Shrine, Hanami Inari-sha Shrine and Kotohira-gu Shrine.From 10 to December, Karin fruits grow on the grounds, and from 11 to December, autumn leaves welcome visitors.The sacred camphor tree is said to be 600 years old and is considered the oldest tree in the Kyoto Imperial Garden.Under the autumn sky, why don't you visit the shrines those standing in the Kyoto Gyoen (Kyoto Imperial Garden) and enjoying the Jugatsu-zakura cherry blossoms?Kyoto Gyoen (Kyoto Imperial Garden)3 Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigyo-ward, Kyoto-city, Kyoto3 minutes walk from Marutamachi Station (to Shimotachiuri-gomon Gate)

BLOGWalking

2021.10.15

The Public bathhouse "Kyogoku-Yu" and weekend ducks

There is a proverb that means "The fall day falls in a blink of an eye" in Japan.I feel like going home in a hurry more than summer that is bright even in the evening.At a time like this, why don't we go home after bathing in a public bathhouse?If we stretch out our arms and legs in the spacious bathtub, we feel like our fatigue will be gone.A public bathhouse in the town that is said to be open from around 15 o'clock until late at night.In this article, we will introduce you to Kyogoku-Yu, which conveys the remnants of the Showa era to the present.Kyogoku-Yu is located in Nishijin Kyogoku, which used to be a bustling entertainment district and movie theater.When the neon lights of Kyogoku-Yu turn on at dusk, the atmosphere of the amusement district of the past drifts in.It looks like an adult atmosphere, but if you pass through the Noren (Japanese entrance curtain), you can feel like a child again.A sento is a sign hung on a bandai or dressing room that says "あすもあります (Tomorrow will be open, too)".At Kyogokuyu, a "今日はあひるがおります (Today is a day of ducks)" sign is hung only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.Ducks are toy yellow ducks.On weekends, we can take a bath with a yellow duck floated in the bathtub.There are ducks in the mirror advertisement of the bathroom, so why don't you find them?The brick chimney is rare, and the owner heats the well water with firewood every day.The mild hot water warms your body from the core.At Bandai (Front), original goods such as a wooden card key holder made by the owner are also sold.Many people may grin at numbers like "2615" or "1010" on a wooden plate.Nishijin Kyogoku once had many movie theaters, Yose goya (storytellers' halls) and theaters.Kyogoku-Yu, which is still open in the area, can be said to be a valuable cultural property of Nishijin.Kyogoku-Yu (bathhouse)666 Higashinishi Tawaraya-cho, Ichijo-sagaru Tsuchiya-cho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City4 minutes from Senbon Nakadachiuri, City bus stopHere is for The Public bathhouse "Ginza-Yu" and Glasses

BLOGWalking

2021.10.09

The Public bathhouse "Ginza-Yu" and Glasses

Even though it is October, the unseasonable heat continues in the daytime.Our body is getting cold even after sweating, so I want to take a bath slowly and warm up.Why don't you go to public bathhouse once in a while and enjoy an extraordinary feeling?October 10 has been designated "Sento no Hi" (public bath day) because of a play on words.In this article, I would like to introduce you to a public bath "Ginza-Yu" , which is located near Kyoto University and is frequented by students from Kyoto University.It was renovated and reopened in February 2020 after being closed for 6 years.A grandchild have succeeded his grandparents, and the town is once again bustling with locals.A counter shaped watch stand and rest area were newly built, and it was renovated into a clean dressing room while leaving a retro feel.We can enjoy a deep bath, jet bath, cold bath, electric bath, medicated bath and sauna in the spacious bathroom.There is an advertisement of a circle of Kyoto University in the mirror in the washing place, and I can tell that it is a favorite of students of Kyoto University.And don't you think this Noren (Japanese entrance cartain) of Ginza-Yu has a design that other Sento don't have?The Glasses are largely drawn in the middle of famous places such as Kyoto Tower and Mt. Daimon-ji.This seems to be related to the fact that your grandchild worked at a glasses shop until he took over Ginza-Yu.At Ginza-Yu, glasses cleaning service is available only for those who take a bath.Reception hours and types of glasses are limited, but they can be professionally finished and sparkly.Glasses that are part of the body to the person wearing them.Ginza-Yu may be the only sento in Kyoto that makes even glasses refreshing after taking a bath.There are also towels that are designed with the same glasses as Noren, and you can feel the love for glasses.On Sunday, October 10 and 22nd, the monthly event "Namakouji-buro " was also held.It is a collaborative bath with Tozan Nijo's "Tea and Koji Tsuki Akari", and we can experience a smooth and smooth skina long night in autumn, It is also fun to spend in a lot of hot water and get lost in thought.Ginza-Yu (bathhouse)26 -7 Yoshida Konoe-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City2 minutes walk from Konoe-dori Street, City bus stop

BLOGEvent

2021.10.04

"Autumn Night Open" just for two days at Kyoto City Zoo

The declaration of a state of emergency was lifted in Kyoto, and the zoo restarted its operation on Friday, October 1."Autumn Night Open" will be held on October 9 and 10th.Just for two days, the opening time will be extended until 20 o'clock."Elephant Forest," "African Grassland," "Monkey World" and "Owl House" will be on display at night.At the night time opening, the "Yokai (Japanese Monsters) Night" will be held in collaboration with Saga University of Fine Arts and Saga Art Junior College.In addition to the "Yokai" which appears in the park, you can enjoy the "Yokai Nazo-toki (Solving) Game" and the "Panel Exhibition" of ghosts.Why don't we walk around the zoo which is lit up after sunset, feeling the signs of animals and monsters?The "Yokai Nazo-toki (Solving) Game" is being held until October 31.October 4 is "World Animal Day", and there are many animal anniversaries in this month.Kyoto City Zoo also holds events related to the day of each animal.For example, October 8 is designated as "Tsushima Yama-neko (Wild Cat) Day".The Tsushima Yama-neko is a national natural treasure that is said to be facing extinction."The Yama-neko Hakuran-kai Expo" will be held on October 16 and 17th.We can learn about Tsushima Yama-neko while having fun, such as the "Yama-neko Key word Rally."A photo exhibition of Tsushima Yama-neko will be held from October 12 to 17th.Then, October 16 is "International sloth Day".In commemoration of this, the "Sloth Photo Exhibition" will be held from October 16 to November 7.A sloth that sleeps for 15 - 18 hours a day and is said to be nocturnal.The Kyoto City Zoo also keeps a two-toed sloth named "Pachi-Pachi".You may be able to see the sloth at the night opening or the photo exhibition.Furthermore, October 24 is "International Day of Gibbons".In fact, all the gibbons are said to be facing extinction.Why don't we know the current situation of the forest where gibbons live and think about what we can do for conservation?There is also a plan to take pictures of white gibbons raised in the park and upload them on SNS.You can participate in any event only with the admission fee of Kyoto City Zoo.I want to not only love animals but also look at the various problems surrounding them.Please check the official website of Kyoto City Zoo for details of the event including the "Night Open in Autumn".Take all possible measures against infectious diseases such as wearing a mask and disinfecting your fingers.Kyoto City ZooOkazaki Hosshoji-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City (within Okazaki-koen Park)2 minutes' walk from Okazaki-koen Dobutsuen mae, City bus stophttps://www5.city.kyoto.jp/zoo/Autumn Night Open - Yokai Night at the zoo 2021 -Date: October 9th, 10th, each 9- 20 o'clock (last entry until 19:30)*No night and day changes. The park usually opens from 9 to 17 o'clock.Here is for A little-known spot with a view of the streets of Kyoto ② Enjoy the change of seasons from the retro Ferris wheel at Kyoto City Zoo

BLOGWalking

2021.09.30

Kyoto Botanical Garden "Kinoko Bunko"

I think the time to read books at home has increased because of the prolonged coronavirus.The declaration of a state of emergency will be lifted on Thursday, September 30, and facilities in Kyoto prefecture will resume their operations.The Kyoto Botanical Garden, which was closed, will open on Friday, October 1.In connection with "Autumn for Reading", we introduce the "Heian no Sato Kodomo Bunko Kinoko no Ie (A library of Mushroom House for children) " in the park.When you open the white door of the outdoor library called "Kinoko Bunko", we will find many picture books and children's books!It is a popular spot in the park where you can enjoy books surrounded by seasonal plants in a space like another world."Kinoko no Ie (A library of Mushroom House for children)" has also developed a small "Kinoko no Ie" that comes with an antiseptic solution.Don't you think it's so cute that it's like a parent and child mushroom?It seems that this autumn, the lively voices of parents and their children will return to the Kinoko Bunko.Of course, adults can also sit on the bench and browse.Fujibakama, one of the seven autumn herbs, and Mizu-Aoi are at their best season in the park.In Kyoto Prefecture, the Mizu-Aoi is on the verge of extinction, and the Fujibakama is thought to have been extinct before.Fujibakama were discovered about 20 years ago in Oharano, Nishikyo Ward, and is being raised with care in Kyoto.We may also be able to see the butterfly "Asagimadara", which is attracted by the scent of flowers.At present, 20 varieties of cosmos, a typical autumn flower, are planted in the park.From now on, it starts to bloom little by little, and the best time to see it is from the middle of October to the end of November.The Kyoto Botanical Garden boasts a large site of 240,000 square meters.It is a recommended spot if you say "I want to go out, but I don't want to be crowded".Kyoto Botanical GardenShimogamo Hangicho, Sakyo-ward, Kyoto-city, KyotoA short walk from Kitayama Station on the subwayHere is for Kyoto Gyoen National Garden "Mori no Bunko"

BLOGWalking

2021.09.29

The park which remains of the Great Buddha Hall

The remains of the Great Buddha of Kyoto, which was introduced in "KYOTO-CHISHIN" the other day.It is said that it was built in Hoko-ji Temple built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi imitating the Great Buddha of Nara.This time, I will introduce the place where the pedestal of the Great Buddha Hall was.To the east of Toyokuni-jinja Shrine and to the north of Kyoto National Museum, it is now maintained as "Great Buddha Ruins Green Zone".The current Toyokuni-jinja Shrine, Kyoto National Museum and Sanju-sangen-do hall were once part of Hoko-ji Temple.In 2000, excavation and research of the remains of the Great Buddha Hall was conducted east of the Toyokuni-jinja Shrine precincts.At that time, the exact location of the Great Buddha Hall was found, and the remains such as pedestal and pillar remains were found.The remains were buried underground again and preserved, and the location is indicated by board stones placed on the ground.The Great Buddha Hall at that time was a large scale of approximately 49 meters in height, 55 meters from east to west, and 90 meters from north to south.The "Great Buddha of Kyoto" enshrined there is said to have been about 19 meters tall.Although there is no "Great Buddha of Kyoto", I look up at the sky without thinking when I come here.Also, the large stones seen from Toyokuni-jinja Shrine to the west side of Kyoto National Museum are the stones piled up in the Great Buddha Hall.At that time, the main temple buildings such as the Great Buddha Hall of Hoko-ji Temple were surrounded by huge stone mounds.Currently, it is designated as a nationally designated historic site as "the remains of Hoko-ji Temple Great Buddha Hall and stone mounds and pagodas."It is also unique that stones of various sizes and shapes like a puzzle are embedded in the stone walls.There is also a stone monument engraved as "大佛殿石垣 天正14年豊臣秀吉築造 (Tensho 14 Toyotomi Hideyoshi Ishigaki)" on the side.Why don't you pay attention to the remains of the Great Buddha Hall when you visit temples and shrines and Kyoto National Museum?Daibutsuden ato Ryokuchi (remains of the Great Buddha Hall)531 Chaya-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City10 minutes walk from Keihan Shichijo StationHere is for Remains of the Great Buddha of KyotoHere is for The confection that reminds us of the Great Buddha of Kyoto