KYOTO COLUMN

BLOGWalking

2022.01.08

Tengu and Ushiwakamaru in Kurama

We introduced Kurama-dera Temple in this "KYOTO CHISHIN" article the other day.The temple is known for its "Koma Tora" (guardian tigers), and this year, the Year of the Tiger, attracts a particularly large number of visitors.Speaking of the symbol of Kurama, Tengu is also famous.It is said that Kurama Tengu lives on Mt. Kurama, and the whole mountain is worshipped.In front of Kurama Station on the Eizan Electric Railway, the statue of "Great Tengu" is four meters tall.The current statue of the Great Tengu is the second set since October 2019.The statue of the first one was retired due to its aging and broken nose caused by heavy snow.The second one inherits the strong image of the first generation, but features a gentle expression.Furthermore, in September 2021, it was changed into the costume type decoration for Great Tengu giving it a more realistic appearance.The Great Tengu and costume decorations were designed by students at Kyoto Seika University along the Eizan train line."Great Tengu" in the New Year also had snow on his nose, but he seemed to be enduring it.A mask of "Tengu" is displayed on the platform of Kurama Station, and it feels like you have come to Kurama.It is not surprising that Tengu flies in the mountains, and it is surrounded by a mysterious atmosphere.Mt. Kurama is also said to be where Ushiwakamaru (MINAMOTO no Yoshitsune) trained at the end of the Heian period.It is said that Tengu taught the secret ceremony to Ushiwakamaru at this sacred place.In the shop in front of Kurama station, there are Tengu masks and "Tengu senbei".If you buy it as a souvenir, my house may become a power spot.In addition, 'Kinome-ni' is a famous dish in front of the gate of Kurama-dera Temple.According to one theory, Ushiwakamaru used to eat it, and it was pickled in salt such as Akebi no Tsuru, Sansho no Bud and Yamabuki.It is said that the word "pickled tree bud" was changed to "Kinome-ni.".Furthermore, the Kurama-kaido Road is said to have been popular as one of the Saba-kaido Road connecting Kyoto and Wakasa.There is a theory that Konbu-ni was born by adding Konbu brought from Wakasa to Kinome-zuke.Konomeni has been supporting the diet of people living in Kurama for a long time as a preserved food.Why don't you buy Kinome-ni at each shop in front of the gate and compare them at home?Try the "Ushiwaka-mochi" and "Shinko-mochi" from "Tamondo" as souvenirs!Ushiwaka-mochi is a rice cake with tochino nuts kneaded in it and koshian "Tamondo specialty" inside.Shinko mochi is a simple sweet twist rice cake that you should try this year of the Year of the Tiger "Kurama Specialty".It is also interesting to follow the footsteps of Tengu and Ushiwakamaru that remain around Kurama station.Tamondo235 Kurama Honmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto CityA short walk from Kurama Station of Eizan Electric RailwayHere is for "A-un no Tora" at Kurama-dera Temple

BLOGWalking

2022.01.03

"A-un no Tora" at Kurama-dera Temple

Happy New Year.The year 2022 is "Mizunoe-Tora" which occurs once in 60 years.We will deliver "A New Kyoto to Learn to Live in" again this year, thank you in advance.From New Year's Eve to New Year's Day, it snowed heavily in Kyoto, and the new year was marked by silver.I think there were many people who went out for Hatsumode in the snow.I took the Eizan train and cable car to Kurama-dera Temple, which stands halfway up Mt. Kurama.This temple is known for its Koma-tora (guardian tigers) called "あうんの虎 (A-un no Tora)".The Gohonzon (principal image of Buddha) of Kurama-dera Temple are Goho Maoson (vitality), Bishamonten (Komyo), and Senju Kanzeon Bosatsu (Jiai).These three deities are enshrined as "Sonten (cosmic energy)" of the three bodies.Among them, Bishamonten is said to have appeared in the year of the "虎の年・虎の月・虎の日・虎の刻 (Tiger, the month of the Tiger, the day of the Tiger, and the hour of the Tiger)".That is why tigers, messengers of Bishamonten, are valued at Kurama-dera Temple.In Kurama-dera Temple, two Koma-tora are enshrined.First of all, just after getting off at Kurama Station on the Eizan Electric Railway, a stone Koma-tora is welcomed in front of Nio-mon Gate.And it is a bronze Komatora that you can meet in front of the main hall of Kurama-dera Temple.Both of them look valiant and glares at me, and I feel that they will attack all infectious diseases."A-un" is written as "阿吽" and is said to represent the beginning and end of a thing (the whole universe).In Mt. Kurama, people say, "Everything is in Sonten." and they pray for good luck due to their evil deeds.The amulet of "Aun no Tora," which is given only in the new year, is said to be effective as a charm against evil.The size is bigger than I thought, and it has an outstanding presence when you decorate it at the entrance."阿形 (A-gata)" with its mouth open is displayed on the right, and "吽 (Un-gata)" with its mouth closed is displayed on the left.This yellow "A-un no Tora" is also drawn on Ema (votive tablet) in the precincts.Kurama-dera Temple is located in the middle of the mountain, so the snow is much deeper than in the town.Snow brings out the beauty of temples and shrines, but you need to be careful when you visit them.Especially the feet are slippery, so please take measures such as wearing boots.From Kurama Station of Eizan Electric Railway, there is also a hiking trail that goes up the mountain path.I recommend you to visit the shrine slowly when the plants are sprouting.Kurama-dera Temple1074 Kurama Honmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto CityTransfer to a cable car at Kurama Station of Eizan Electric Railway, and 10 minutes walk from Cable-Tahoto Station (to the Kurama-dera Temple main shrine).Here is for The Great Ema of Toyokuni-jinja Shrine and "Shofuku Byakko"Here is for A temple dedicated to tigers

BLOGWalking

2021.12.31

The Great Ema of Toyokuni-jinja Shrine and "Shofuku Byakko"

Finally, from 2021 to 2022, the Oriental zodiac starts from the "丑(Ox)" to the "寅(Tiger)".The year 2022 is called "壬寅 (Mizunoe-tora)" and occurs once every 60 years.Speaking of the Oriental zodiac, we can count by the "十二支 (Ju-ni-shi)" which is familiar to Japanese.Originally, there were 60 different Oriental zodiac signs in which "十支 (Jikkan)" were added.The "十支 (Jikkan)" is "甲. 乙. 丙. 丁. 戊. 己. 庚. 辛. 壬. 癸".It is around 1 year in 60 years because 60 signs of the Oriental zodiac including 12 signs and 10 signs are advanced every 1 year.Also, if you combine the Oriental zodiac with Kyusei Kigaku, the astrological divination, it becomes the year of "五黄の寅 (Go-ou no Tora)".This cycle occurs once every 36 years, and is said to be the strongest year among the Year of the 寅 (Tiger), which is said to be particularly strong in money luck in the 十二支 (Ju-ni-shi).The year of the 寅 (Tiger), when new life and fortune begin, seems to be the best year to start a new life.Now, temples and shrines are enveloped in a welcoming spring atmosphere with the display of New Year's O-Ema (Great votive tablets).Out of all the great Ema, this time I will introduce you to the great Ema of Toyokuni-jinja Shrine, which benefits you in your promotion and fortune.Toyokuni-jinja Shrine is a shrine that enshrines Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a famous military commander in Azuchi-Momoyama period.The picture of a tiger dressed as Lord Hideyoshi with the gourd's Umajirushi on the great Ema is impressive!The character of "出世開運 (good luck for career advancement)", which is typical of Hideyoshi who achieved the unification of the whole country, is also a strong one.This great Ema was made and dedicated by students of the nearby Kyoto Women's University.You can also enjoy finding the heart mark that says "hidden character" hidden on the great Ema.In addition, a three-dimensional object of Byakko appears on the left side of the Karamon gate, which is a national treasure.This work was created and dedicated by a student of Kyoto University of Arts and Crafts.A golden gourd is tied around the neck of a white tiger and it is perfect for praying for good luck.Along with Great Ema, you can feel the strong energy of local students and the bond with the shrine.Toyokuni-jinja Shrine is said to have been named after Hideyoshi, who rose from a commoner to Tenkabito (the ruler of the country), and is believed to bring good luck in his promotion.Why don't you go there for the first shrine visit of the year of "五黄の寅 (Go-ou no Tora)"?Normally, you cannot enter through the Karamon gate, a national treasure, but it is open only during the first three days of the new year.You can go through the Karamon gate and go to the main shrine to pray.Toyokuni-jinja Shrine530 Yamato-oji Shomen Chaya-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City5 minutes walk from Hakubutsukan-Sanjusangen-do Mae, City bus stop

BLOGEvent

2021.12.30

The Public bathhouse "Choja-yu" and Marche

In the Sento (public bath) in Kyoto, events such as Rakugokai are held in the dressing room.This time, we will introduce "Choja-yu Nokisaki Marche" held at the eaves of public baths.From 15:00 every Wednesday, fresh vegetables and rice cakes line the eaves of Choja-yu.Vegetables are grown in 'Aoimori Natural Farm' in Rurikei River Valley, Kyoto, and are fertility-free, chemical-free and fertilizer-free.Neighbors come one after another for seasonal vegetables and ingredients.On the last Wednesday of December, Mochi (rice cakes), Sekihan rice, dried persimmons and shimenawa ropes were also sold.On the day the eaves marche is held, you can enjoy a bath using sagebrush and herbs from Rurikei River Valley in Choja-yu.On this day, "Herb Hot Spring" is full of the aroma of cinnamon basil from Rurikei River Valley.I look forward to every Wednesday when I can enjoy the natural blessings of Rurikei River Valley with my five senses.The "Choja-yu Ekisaki Marche" in January 2022 is held on Wednesday, the 12th, the 19th and the 26th.They are scheduled to be held from 15:00 to nightfall, so why don't you check them out?Choja-yu 'is located at the corner of Kamichojamachi-dori Street and Matsuyamachi-dori Street.Established in 1917, it is a long-established sento that celebrated 105 years of business in 2022.Bandai also sells original goods of Choja-yu, and there are charms that are rare in sento.This bath inherits the traditional style of pouring firewood and boiling well water.The warm water is mild and gentle to the skin, and you can feel it warm from the core of your body.There are water bath, medicine bath and jet bath with natural well water."上長者町通 (Kamichojamachi-dori Street)" is the origin of the name Choja-yu.It is said that wealthy merchants such as money changers lived around this area when Jurakudai was located.It is said that the name of Kamichojamachi and Shimochojamachi comes from the fact that there were many so-called "Choja (millionaire)" in the area.I feel very rich when I'm immersed in the water overflowing in the spacious public bath.I want to become a rich person in my heart for the new year.Choja-yu450 Suhamahigashi-cho, Kamichojamachi-dori Matsuya-cho Nishi-iru, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City2 minutes walk from Omiya Nakadachiuri, City bus stop"Choja-yu Nokisaki Marche" is held in the eaves of Choja-yu every Wednesday.In January 2022, the festival will be held from 15:00 to dusk on Wednesday 12th, 19th and 26th.Here is for The Public bathhouse "Ginza-Yu" and GlassesHere is for The Public bathhouse "Kyogoku-Yu" and weekend ducksHere is for The Public bathhouse "Sakura-Yu" and Carps

BLOGWalking

2021.12.29

A children's park that tells the story of Nue (鵺)

"鵺 (Nue)" is a specter that appears in "Heike Monogatari" (The Tale of the Heike) and was introduced in "KYOTO CHISHIN" the other day.In Daishogun- jinja Shrine and Shinmei-jinja Shrine, there is a legend that MINAMOTO no Yorimasa, a master of archery, killed the Nue.The place related to the Nue Legend is Nijo Park located northwest of the former Imperial Villa Nijo Castle.There is a part of the pond called "Nue-ike Pond.".It is said that this is the place where MINAMOTO no Yorimasa washed the bloody "heckler" after shooting down the Nue with Yumiya (bow and arrow).It is said that Yorimasa killed Nue twice, so it was one of them.This area was the center of politics in the Heian period, and there was also the Imperial Palace where the Emperor lived.It is said that an especially important government office was located in the area including this Nijo-koen Park at that time.Nijo-koen Park was opened as a children's amusement park in the site of the 'Great Kyoto Exhibition commemorating the enthronement of Emperor Showa.'.After that, due to the deterioration of the facility, it was redeveloped into the present park after a large-scale renovation.The Hokora (a small shrine) of 'Nue Daimyojin' and the Nue-ike Pond monument are located further north of the Nue-ike Pond.Along with Nue Daimyojin, Tamahime Daimyojin and Asahi Daimyojin are enshrined at Hokora.In the Edo period, there was also the "Nue Ishi stone," which was believed to be cursed if touched, but there seems to be no such stone now.Another highlight of Nue Daimyojin's hokora is "Kibana.".Kibana is a part of a pillar that protrudes from the main hall of a temple or shrine.This wooden nose is often carved with craftsmanship.They range from animal motifs such as lions, baku and dragons to plant motifs such as flowers and leaves.On the hokora of Nue Daimyojin, there is a sculpture that seems to be Baku in it.The baku is an imaginary animal in China, with the nose of an elephant, eyes of a rhinoceros, hair of a cow, and legs of a tiger.Indeed, there is something similar to Nue which has a face of monkey, a body of raccoon dog, limbs of tiger, and a tail of snake.When you visit Nue Daimyojin, a temple, or a shrine, why don't you pay attention to Kibana?Nue-ike Pond, Nue Daimyojin910 -40 Shuzei-cho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City (in Nijo-koen Park)3 minutes walk from Marutamachi Chiekoin, City bus stopHere is for Places where the legend of 鵺 (Nue) remainsHere is for "鵺 (Nue) Legend" of Shinmei-jinja Shrine

BLOGWalking

2021.12.28

In folk belief, long-used or kept things become inhabited by a spirit

For those who have already finished their work and those who are still working, thank you for your hard work.I would like to welcome the new year with gratitude for the work tools I have used almost every day in the past year.Careful handling of work tools is very important for comfortable work.Also, I want to dispose of unused tools with all my heart without leaving them as they are.In Kyoto, there is a custom to hold a memorial service for old tools.In "KYOTO CHISHIN", we introduced various memorial services such as a memorial service for old books, a memorial service for business cards, and a memorial service for combs.Some people may think of Tsukumo-gami (in folk belief, long-used or kept things become inhabited by a spirit) at the end of the year when the big house cleaning ceremony is held.Tsukumo-gami is a specter transformed by old tools abandoned in the Heian period in order to retaliate against humans.It has been believed that they live in groups in the mountains and spread out in towns to do harm to humans.It is also introduced in "Tsukumo-gami Emaki (picture book)" written in the Heian period.Among them, a legend called "Hyakki Yako" was born in which Tsukumogami marched in the middle of the night.Taishogun Shopping Street on Ichijo-dori Street in Kyoto is said to have become a route for Hyakki Yako.It is called "Yokai Street" and you can feel the signs of Tsukumo-gami at many shops in the shopping street.For example, "Nishiki Kagetsu-do Chaho tea store" has "Nurari-hyon".It is a specter that is said to come into a person's house without permission during busy hours in the evening, drink tea and smoke."Nurari-hyon" is said to have left without knowing it, but it has a stable presence in this shop.The one standing to the right of 'Nurarihyon' is Tsukumo-gami of a teapot.It is even named "Hyottoko Kyutaro" and you can see it coexists with humans.It is only in this age that they greet you with masks.The owner who holds the title of a Japanese tea instructor runs the "Nishiki Kagetsu-do Chaho tea store" that sells Uji tea and tea utensils.Hyakki Yako, a blend of roasted soybeans and roasted green tea, is also on sale.The handmade soft peanuts "Nurari Mame beans" are also original products related to the monster.Why don't you take a rest with your special Uji tea after work or house cleaning?It is also good to go around the shops in the shopping street and look for each Tsukumo-gami and original products.You can learn about specters such as Tsukumo-gami at "Hyakki Yako Shiryokan Library" in the shopping street.Nishiki Kagetsu-do Chaho tea store15, Ichijo-dori Gozen Higashi-iru Nishi-machi, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City (in the Taishogun Shopping Street)8 minutes walk from Randen Kitano Hakubaicho Station

BLOGWalking

2021.12.25

High school runners running through Kyoto in December

"Shiwasu (December)" ran through this year in no time.December is also called "師走 (Shiwasu)", which means "Teacher runs".And the Ekiden starts in December every year in Kyoto.The first one is the National High School Ekiden on December 26.It will connect the women's Ekiden in January, Daimon-ji Ekiden in February, and Wheelchair Ekiden in March.High school runners run through the city streets at the end of the year.As the day of the Ekiden approaches, the sight of athletes wearing jerseys running in the city of Kyoto is also a special feature.High school athletes from all over the country gather in Kyoto for the Ekiden.Among them, "Shogo-in Gotenso" in Shogo-in Monzeki Temple is popular as a player's lodging.There is a legend that you can win the ekiden by putting your feet in the foot bath of Shirakawa in this courtyard.Local people feel the end of the year when they see high school buses lined up at Shogo-in Gotenso.Shogo-in Monzeki Temple, located on the north side of Heian-jingu Shrine, is the head temple of Honzan Shugen Sect.There are "Shoin" which is an important cultural property and "Ichiya-zukuri Gogakumonjo" which is related to Emperor Kokaku.Among them, "Shogo-in Gotenso" is open to the public as an accommodation facility.When the Imperial Palace was burned down in the Great Fire of Tenmei in the Edo period, Emperor Kokaku stayed there as a temporary Imperial Palace.It is also known as an accommodation facility for ekiden athletes and students on school trips.Shogo-in Gotenso has been closed since December 2021 due to renewal work.Some of them opened in July 2022, and a restaurant is scheduled to open in October.At this time next year, it will be lively again with Ekiden athletes and students on school trips.Of course, ordinary people can also stay here, so why don't you check it when you go sightseeing in Kyoto?It is located close to sightseeing spots such as Heian jin-gu Shrine, but the quiet environment is also attractive.Shogo-in Gotenso15 Shogo-in Nakamachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City12 minutes walk from Keihan Jin-gu Marutamachi StationHere is Ekiden is popular in Kyoto, the birthplace of Ekiden!Here is for Hora-gai mikuji (Triton shell fortune) by Shogo-in Monzeki Temple

BLOGWalking

2021.12.20

"Miyama Milk Soft Cream"

Located in the center of Kyoto Prefecture, Miyama-cho, Nantan City is about an hour's drive from Kyoto City.It is an area full of nature, welcoming traditional culture such as houses of Kayabuki and Ashiu forest.It is a roadside station to stop by on the way that I am looking forward to driving to Miyama-cho.There are seasonal ingredients from Miyama that are rich in nature, and I feel like eating them.When I visit Miyama-cho, I always stop by "Michi-no-eki Miyama Fureai Hiroba".About 10 minutes by car from Miyama Kayabuki-no-sato, it is located near Aka-bashi Bridge, the east entrance to Miyama-cho.Miyama no Megumi Milk Factory is one of the most popular places in the Michi no Eki Miyama Fureai Hiroba.It is a popular shop for soft ice cream and gelato that uses lots of Miyama milk.In the workshop, products using Miyama milk are manufactured and sold consistently.Among them, "Miyama Milk Soft Cream" is a superb dish in which you can enjoy the taste of Miyama Milk as it is.Coffee flavored soft ice cream made from Miyama Milk Coffee is also recommended.There are about 10 kinds of gelato available every day, mainly from Miyama.In addition to the daily special, there is also a gelato that you can enjoy fresh Miyama in season and limited time.The milk flavor that you can enjoy the taste of "Miyama Milk" is by far the most popular!Because it contains less milk fat than soft ice cream, it has a light taste.Miyama Milk uses clean water from Miyama Town and raw milk from cows raised in nature.There is also a vending machine of "Miyama Milk" at "Michi-no-eki Miyama Fureai Hiroba".The soft ice cream, gelato and milk that you get off the heated car in winter are especially delicious.Miyama Milk is also sold at Furatto Miyama, a direct sales outlet at Michi-no-eki Miyama Fureai Hiroba.How about taking cream puffs and puddings made with Miyama Milk and Miyama's eggs?What makes you want to eat after tasting soft ice cream or gelato is hot.At the stand next to "Furatto Miyama", try "Oyaki" that wraps Miyama's ingredients.In addition to the popular "Yomogi" and the standard "Kiriboshi", there are sweets such as "Sweet Potato Apple".In addition, Miyama's unique "deer curry" Oyaki is also on sale.Miyama City serves wild deer and wild boar that have grown too much in the rich nature with wild game dishes.From November when the ban on hunting is lifted in Japan to February of the following year, it can be said that gibier dishes are the real thing.If you are a beginner, why don't you try "Oyaki" of deer curry, "Deer croquette" or "Miyama gibier minced cutlet"?Miyama no Megumi Gyunyu Kobo (Miyama Michi no Eki Store)23 Akakeshita, Miyama-cho, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture (within the Michi-no-eki Miyama Fureai Hiroba)