KYOTO COLUMN

BLOGLiterary Calendar

2021.01.15

"Mikayu Shinji" and "Okayu Matsuri" based on historical events in the Heian period

Red Azuki beans are said to have power to drive away evil spirits.It has been eaten in Kyoto since the Heian period.For example, June 30, the "Nagoshi no harae" day.On this day, we eat a Japanese sweet called "Minazuki" which is made by scattering Azuki beans on a triangular Uiro.There is also a custom to eat Azuki-gayu on January 15 of Koshogatsu.It is based on the tradition that eating Azuki beans can remove evil spirits.Kamigamo Shrine (Kamowakeikazuchi-jinja Shrine) hosts the "Mikayu (rice porridge) Shinji Rituals".A Kayu tsue (stick) made from "Shikimi" tree is placed before the altar along with Azuki-gayu (Azuki bean rice porridge).People pray for the prevention of disasters throughout the year.Shimogamo Shrine (Kamomioya-jinja Shrine) also holds "Okayu (rice porridge) Sai Festival".Azuki-gayu (Azuki bean porridge and soybean porridge) are offered to the altar along with vegetables and fruits.They pray for a rich harvest and the security of the nation's people.At Shimogamo Shrine, Azuki-gayu is given to visitors after festivals every year.In 2021, the ceremony is held only for festivals, and Azuki-gayu is not given.I would like to cook Azuki beans at home, hoping that the world will be calm in spring.Speaking of Azuki beans, there is "Kyukeidokoro (teahouse) Saruya" in the precincts of Shimogamo Shrine.A teahouse of "Azuki-dokoro Hosendo" with its main store north of Shimogamo Shrine.Sweets and light meals which are said to have been devised with the chief priest of Shimogamo Shrine are provided.On the way back from visiting the shrine in the cold season, I will want to taste the flavorful "Ryoen (matchmaking) Zenzai" made of Tanba Dainagon Azuki beans.This is Zenzai that is inspired by the subordinate shrine "Aioi-no Yashiro Shrine in the precincts.It is said that there is a blessing in matchmaking.I feel my body and heart warm when I eat Ryoen Zenzai.Kamigamo-jinja Shrine (Kamowakeikazuchi-jinja Shrine)339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita Ward, Kyoto City3 minutes walk from Kamigamo Misonobashi City Bus stopShimogamo-jinja Shrine (Kamomioya-jinja Shrine)59 Shimogamo Izumigawa-cho, Sakyo-ku Ward, Kyoto City3 minutes walk from Shimogamo-jinja Mae City bus stop, or 6 minutes walk from Tadasunomori City bus stopKyukeidokoro (teahouse) Saruya59 Shimogamo Izumigawa-cho , Sakyo Ward , Kyoto City (Precincts of Shimogamo-jinja Shrine)2 minutes walk from Tadasunomori City bus stop

BLOGWalking

2021.01.13

The birthplace of IGO "Hon-inbo"

January 5 is "囲碁の日", means "Day of IGO game".January 15 is designated as the "いい碁の日 (Good day for GO game)".There is a Koma-fuda (wooden signboard) with 囲碁「本因坊」発祥の地 (birthplace of IGO (GO) "Hon-inbo") at Ebisugawa, Teramachi-dori in Kyoto City.It tells the origin of it and there is a stone GO board under the wooden board."Hon-inbo"is known as one of the titles of IGO.In the Azuchi-Momoyama period, a temple called "Jakko-ji Temple" stood on this site.The 2nd chief priest of Jakko-ji Temple, Nikkai who lived in the sub-temple of Hon-inbo, was a master of IGO.It is said he taught IGO to Nobunaga ODA and Hideyoshi TOYOTOMI Ieyasu TOKUGAWA.It is said that Nobunaga gave him the title of "MASTER" and Hideyoshi gave him the title of "碁 (GO)".In the Edo period, Ieyasu called Nikkaijin to Edo and appointed them to "Godokoro (place)" of the bakufu.Nikkai changed his name to Hon-inbo Sansa and became the founder of Godo Hon-inbo.Later, Iemoto system was abolished and Honboin, a sub-temple of Jakko-ji Temple, also disappeared.The name of Hon-inbo has been passed down to the present through the Igo "Battle of Hon-inbo" game, which inherits the name of Hon-inbo.When the wooden board and the GO board were set up in 2009, the Uchihajime-Shiki (beginning ceremony) which consisted of nine steps of Imamura and nine steps of Takiguchi was held.Even now, if you bring Go on this Go board, anyone can actually play Go.Speaking of Goban (go boards grid), The streets of center area of Kyoto is said "Goban No Me (grid)" .It may be a scene unique to Kyoto that you can play GO games on the grid in the Goban No Me (grid).Jakko-ji Temple is called "Igo Hon-inbo Temple".It was relocated 2 times before being restored in 1708 at its current location, Higashiyama Niomon.There is a graveyard of the past Hon-inbo, and the GO-board and GO-stone used by Hon-inbo Sansa are preserved as temple treasure.The birthplace of IGO "Hon-inbo"Ebisugawa-agaru, Teramachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku Ward, Kyoto City5 minutes walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station on the Kyoto City SubwayJakko-ji TempleHigashioji-nishiiru, Niomon-dori Street, Sakyo-ku Ward, Kyoto City2 minutes walk from the City bus stop, Higashiyama Niomon

BLOGWalking

2021.01.11

​New Torii of Kamigamo-jinja Shrine

I think there are many people who go out for Hatsumode after the New Year, this year.It is known as "Kamigamo-jinja Shrine" "Kamo-wakeikazuchi-jinja Shrine".Along with Shimogamo-jinja Shrine (Kamomioya-jinja Shrine), it is known as Kyoto's oldest shrine and a World Heritage Site.On December 27, 2020, a new "Torii" was built in front of Kamigamo-jinja Shrine's Ichi no Torii.It is a vermilion large torii that is about 8 meters high and about 6 meters wide.This makes it easier to find the location of the shrine from Misonobashi in front of Kamigamo Shrine.Kamigamo Shrine is currently under construction to widen the area from Miyamae Square in front of Ichi no Torii to Misonobashi bridge.I'm looking forward to the scenery after the construction.A new year precinct where you can feel a more pure and sacred atmosphere than usual.The dedicated calligraphy "Ox" and bamboo work "Ox" mikuji knot also welcome visitors.The New Year's decorations called "Kissho Takarabune" hung from the central gate are good luck charms under which you can receive good luck.I hope the treasure ship will bring you a peaceful world.At the shrine office, the original "Mask to pray for the end of the plague" of Kamigamo-jinja Shrine is distributed.Mature size three-dimensional mask with two-leaf hollyhock crest.I think I can overcome the mask life with a feeling of holiness with the mask that was prayed in advance.Kamigamo-jinja Shrine (Kamowakeikazuchi-jinja Shrine)339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita Ward, Kyoto City3 minutes walk from Kamigamo Misonobashi City Bus stop

BLOGWalking

2021.01.06

Nishiki Tenman-gu Shrine

Happy New Year.We look forward to your continued support for "KYOTO CHISHIN" this year.It's the year of the Ox, so I think many people especially visited Tenjin-san shrine.I went to "Nishiki Tenman-gu Shrine" which stands in the Shinkyogoku shopping street on the easten end of Nishiki Ichiba Market.It is called "Nishiki no Tenjin-san".It is also known as both ends of the torii pierce the walls of the building.I paid a visit after three days to avoid being dense.There is also worth seeing that unique devices are set in the precincts.First, "Karakuri Omikuji" which is performed by Shishimai.When you put money in, a figure of Shishi brings a fortune slip.And other box, when the button is pressed, the sound of wooden clappers is heard, and "Kamishibai (picture-story show) robot" begins.It introduces the history of Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine from the birth of the enshrined deity SUGAWARA no Michizane with illustrations and sounds.There is also a way to visit the shrine comfortably due to the Corona disaster."非接触祓鈴 (Noncontact Purifier bell device)" is placed in front of the offering box, and a bell rings when you hold your hand.You can pray without touching Suzuo (Shrine bell).In addition, the chozuya (purification fountain) is designed so that water can be received by hands through a bamboo tube without using a ladle.I would like to appreciate it for the many devices that have been taken into consideration in this age.It seems that "Nade Ushi (Stroking Ox)" in the precincts can also receive blessings by touching it in the mind.Nishiki Tenman-gu Shrine537 Nakano-cho, Shijo Agaru, Shinkyogoku-dori, Nakagyo-ku Ward, Kyoto City3 minutes walk from Hankyu Kyoto Kawaramachi Station

BLOGEvent

2020.12.31

At the Insho-Domoto Museum of Fine Arts, "Longing trip to Europe"

This winter, when it's difficult to travel, why don't you enjoy the feeling of traveling in Europe at an art museum?A special exhibition called "Longing trip to Europe" is being held at the Kyoto Prefectural Insho-Domoto Museum of Fine Arts.Insho DOMOTO, a painter who flourished in Kyoto from the Meiji period to the Showa period and was also known as a leading figure in the Japanese art world.The theme of this exhibition is his trip to Europe in 1952.It is a journey to a place that he longed for long ago, where he was finally granted after his sixtieth birthday.At that time, they went from Kyoto to Tokyo Station by limited express train and from Haneda Airport to Rome, Italy by propeller plane.It took about 4 times as long as the current flight, which took about 50 hours.Starting in Italy, he traveled to France, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland, where he stayed for about 6 months.He touched on not only the trend of Western classical art, but also the trend of modern art, and it became a trip that he was convinced of the way to go.'Metro' and "Mado" will be on display during the exhibition.In addition, he drew local sketches and oil paintings during his stay, and many of his works are related to his trip to Europe.You may be able to experience the atmosphere of a foreign country through his works and make a time trip to old Europe.The session runs through Sunday, March 28, 2021. *There are closed days including New Year holidays.During the period, "Kyoto Exhibition of Contemporary Artists" is also held at the same time, so please enjoy it together!For details, please check the official website of Kyoto Prefectural Insho-Domoto Museum of Fine Arts.I hope the new coronavirus has calmed down by March.The Kyoto Prefectural Insho-Domoto Museum of Fine Arts26 -3 Hirano Kamiyanagi-cho, Kita Ward, Kyoto CityVery close to Ritsumeikan-daigakumae City bus stopHere is for official English website.

BLOGWalking

2020.12.29

Shimogamo-jinja Shrine with old and new ema (large votive tablet)

Just the other day, I thought it was the new year, but now I hear the bell of New Year's Eve.Preparations for passing the baton from the animal of the Oriental zodiac signs, mouse to ox have begun.There are shrines and temples with Ema (a votive picture tablet) of the Ox on the grounds that are quickly welcoming new year.Also, in some temples and shrines, Ema (a votive picture tablet) of old and new Eto are displayed side by side.For example, I paid a visit to the shrine on New Year's Day in 2020 "Shimogamo-jinja Shrine (Kamomioya-jinja Shrine)".At present, at the end of the year, both the ox and the cub welcome visitors to the Maiden Oema (large votive picture tablet).The large Ema (a votive picture tablet) at Shimogamo-jinja Shrine is characterized by the realistic portrayal of the Oriental zodiac signs.It's fun that each shrine has different taste of Ema (a votive picture tablet)!Preparations for the New Year started in the precincts of Shimogamo Shrine, and it was surrounded by the atmosphere unique to Toshinose.During the New Year of Corona disaster, it is recommended to visit the shrine in a dispersed manner.I think there are some people who finished worshipping in December ahead of schedule.Shimogamo-jinja Shrine accepts Hatsumode (New year's worship) until Friday, January 15.Some temples and shrines make Hatsumode (New year's worship) during January or until Setsubun in February, so please avoid visiting in secret.It's a restless world, but I hope 2021 will be a good year for all of you.

BLOGEvent

2020.12.27

"Kotoshi no Kanji (Kanji of the Year)" is exhibited at the Kanji Museum.

On December 12 "Kanji no Hi (The day of Kanji)", it was published in Kiyomizu-dera Temple with the writing of Seihan MORI, the chief priest "Kotoshi no Kanji (Kanji of the Year)".It is hosted by the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation, and it has become one of the features of December."Kanji Museum (Japan Kanji Museum and Library)" in Gion is holding "Kotoshi no Kanji ten (Kanji Exhibition of the Year)".The first Chinese characters from 1995 to 2019 are introduced in the chronological table.Each year, the top three Kanji applicants line up, and you can look back on the events and social conditions of the year.Selected from 25 huge letters of "Kanji of the Year" written in the past, 8 of them are displayed in frames.I heard that the design of the frame is different according to Chinese characters, so please pay attention to that too.A brush and ink-making similar to the ones used for writing big letters are also displayed.Also notable is the huge volume of the 2020 "Kotoshi no Kanji (Kanji of the Year)", which was just completed."密 (Mitsu)" was displayed in the main hall of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the stage for calligraphy until Wednesday, December 23.From Thursday, December 24, the exhibition will start on the 2nd floor of the museum, and visitors will be able to see how it looks before being framed."Kotoshi no Kanji ten (Kanji Exhibition of the Year)" is until Sunday, January 31, 2021.On the 2nd floor, a special exhibition 'Learning Kanji in a Deep Nayami Style: From Meiji Period to Prewar Period' is being held until Tuesday, January 5.It is a valuable opportunity to display textbooks and practice books from the Meiji period to the prewar period when the modern school system started.Why not experience the fun and depth of Kanji in Japan's first museum specializing in Kanji?The Kanji Museum is a short walk to the west on the south side of Shijo-dori Street from Yasaka-jinja Shrine.It will be open until Wednesday, December 30 this year.Kanji Museum (Japan Kanji Museum and Library)551 Gion-machi Minamigawa , Higashiyama Ward , Kyoto City (The vacant ground of Kyoto City Moto-Yasaka Junior High School)5 minutes walk east from exit 6 of Keihan Gion Shijo Stationhttps://www.kanjimuseum.kyoto/

BLOGLiterary Calendar

2020.12.25

"Kuya Odori Yuyaku Nenbutsu" at Rokuharamitsu-ji Temple

It was founded in 951 by Kuya Shonin "Rokuharamitsu-ji Temple".I introduce "Kuya Yuyaku-nenbutsu", a traditional event of December.It is said that the origin of Odori Nenbutsu is the Buddhist invocation performed by Kuya Shonin to pray for the elimination of the infectious disease that was prevalent in Kyoto at that time.In the Kamakura period, there was suppression of Nenbutsu by the shogunate, and it was practiced strictly as a secret ceremony.Even after the crackdown was lifted, he was not seen by the public as a "hidden invocation".It was finally opened to the public in 1975, and it was designated as an important intangible folk cultural property of the country.The fushimawashi (intonation) in which the chief priest chants Nenbutsu while dancing beating a gong has not changed since the time of Kuya Shonin.I admire the successive chief priests who have kept the Hoto (the teachings of Buddhism) for 800 years since Kamakura period.The style of Nenbutsu is unique in that it is not "Namuamidabutsu" but "Moo-daa-naa-maitoo" that is chanted in chorus.This Nenbutsu is also famous for its Fushimawashi (intonation), in which the head priest chants Nenbutsu while dancing, beating a gong.Another characteristic of Nenbutsu is that it does not have a fixed end so that people can stop and withdraw at any time.Even now, it is held quietly in the evening, and I can feel the remnants of the time when people could not recite nenbutsu openly.Now is the time for the Corona disaster to repent one year's sins and pray for the eradication of epidemics and happiness in the new year."Kuya Odori Yuyaku Nenbutsu" is held every day from December 13 to 31st at 16 o'clock in the main hall.However, it is not open to the public on the 31st, so visitors must leave by the 30th.Don't forget to take all possible measures against infectious diseases, and the main hall gets cold so don't forget to take cold protection measures.Rokuharamitsu-ji TempleYamato-oji-agaru, Gojo-dori Street, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City7 minutes walk from Keihan Kiyomizu-gojo Stationhttps://www.rokuhara.or.jp/