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2021.05.11

Ryuganji Temple is "NAMUI"!

We introduced Santetsu-dori Street (Shiokoji-dori Street) on this "KYOTO-CHISHIN" the other day.There is a temple that is said to be the origin of the name of Santetsu-dori Street.It is "Ryugan-ji temple", which is said to have been founded around 1616 by the monk Santetsu (Santetsu Yasui).The son of Santetsu (Santetsu Yasui) is Harumi (Shunkai) SHIBUKAWA (Santetsu) who served as the first officer in charge of astronomy of the Edo Shogunate.It is said that the remains of Harumi (Shunkai) Shibukawa's (Santetsu's) mansion have been turned into a Pure Land sect temple.Do you know that Ryugan-ji temple is now drawing attention as a very "NAMUI" temple?* "NAMUI" is a coined word that is a combination of "Namu Amida Butsu" and the present time.The watchword is "Let's make new temple style together".Various efforts are being made based on the belief that "The temple is the base of Japanese religious culture!".Of particular note is the activity unit, which consists of various members.Bukkubu, a butsugu pop unit, is a collaboration between Buddhist sculptors and Kyoto artisans.At the Meido (coined word that is a combination of maid and underworld) Kissa (cafe) , the maid "Kutan" is coming every other month.We have to wait for the resumption of both activities, but there are some contents we can enjoy at home.This is the YouTube channel "Ryugan-ji Nam-nam TV".The chief priest and his son's "En-chan" broadcast various videos.Over the weekend, there will be a live broadcast called "Konshu-no Owari-no-Kai (This Week's End meeting)".Why don't you watch it at home and try to calm down yourself?Also, "One Day Buddhist Sculpture Class" by sculptor Yozan Miura will be held on Tuesday, November 9.Please check the official website of Ryugan-ji temple for details.The bulletin board in the temple is also a specialty, and you will be attracted to not only tweets but also colorful paintings.The Ryugan-ji Temple of the Jodo (Pure Land) sect564 Hachijo-bomon-cho, Shiokoji-dori Omiya-higashi-iru, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City5 minutes walk from Shichijo Omiya, City bus stopHere is for Thinking of Santetsu Street.

BLOGWalking

2021.05.09

Thinking of Santetsu Street

A street running east to west in the center of Kyoto.Among them, the main streets such as Marutamachi, Sanjo and Shijo are well known.Memorizing the street name song "Maru-Take-Ebisu" makes it easier to walk along the central street.However, the street south of Gojo may be different from the present one because this street name has been used for a long time.For example, "三哲 (Santetsu)" means "塩小路 (Shiokoji)" today.It's a big street with a view of Kyoto Tower on the north side of Kyoto Station, and there are many station buildings.There may be many people who know Shiokoji-dori Street but have never heard of Santetsu-dori Street.The name of the bus stop, 'Santetsu,' which had been used by JR Bus, was changed to 'Shimogyo Ward Government Office Front' in March 2020.The names of Santetsu have faded in the streets of Kyoto.Some of the songs of the street names mentioned above have different parts of Santetsu.On the map, the narrow street between Iwakami-dori Street and Omiya-dori Street on the west side of Horikawa-dori Street is marked as Santetsu-dori Street.Actually, on Santetsu-dori Street (Shiokoji-dori Street), there is a temple that is said to be the origin of the street name.I would like to introduce that temple in the next episode of "Kyoto-Chishin".

BLOGWalking

2021.04.30

Keage's azaleas are in full bloom!

This year's Golden Week will also have more time at home.I hope you can enjoy the seasonal Kyoto on this 'KYOTO CHISHIN'.The flowers of the four seasons are blooming despite the coronavirus, and Keage no Tsutsuji (azaleas) is also in full bloom.The azaleas in the Keage water purification plant bloom about a week earlier than usual.Unfortunately, it will not be open to the public during Golden Week this year.The inside of the park is also off-limits, but you can enjoy the azaleas that grow here.It is said that there are 4800 of them, and the highlight continues along Sanjo-dori from the Keage subway station to the east.The Keage Purification Plant is located at the foot of Mt. Awata.The first rapid filtration water purification plant in Japan began supplying water in 1912.As the facility was built on a slope, azaleas were planted to prevent the slope from collapsing."Keage no Tsutsuji (azaleas)" is said to have been a popular place among Kyoto citizens since the Taisho period.We can't see it up close this year, but the azaleas that color the mountain's surface will cheer us up.I am grateful to those who take care of my hair by cutting it round.The flower language of the whole azalea is 'abstinence', 'moderation' 'self-control', etc.These are just the most important things to remember about the coronavirus.Keage Purification Plant3 Awataguchi Kacho-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto CityClose to Keage subway station*"Keage no Tsutsuji" of 2021 is not open to the public. Entry into the hall is also prohibited.

BLOGWalking

2021.04.28

Ota-jinja Shrine is famous for Kakitsubata

Kyoto has declared a third state of emergency to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.I hope we can deliver seasonal Kyoto on the web.This time we will introduce Ota-jinja Shrine, an outer shrine of Kamigamo-jinja Shrine (Kamowakeikazuchi-jinja Shrine).Its origin is unknown, but it is an ancient shrine that is said to have existed before Kamigamo-jinja Shrine built in 678.The name of Ota-jinja Shrine was also listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho (Register of Deities of the Engishiki) compiled in 927."Engishiki jinmyocho" is a list of shrines across the country at that time that were designated as official shrines.It is said that the main hall and worship hall were rebuilt in 1628.Ota-jinja Shrine is located about a 10 minute walk east of Kamigamo-jinja Shrine along Shake-machi (a town where many Shinto priests live).The enshrined deity, Ame no Uzume no Mikoto, is worshipped as a god of entertainment improvement.The Sawa Pond on the east side of the temple precinct is a famous spot for Kakitsubata (rabbit-ear irises).About 25000 wild Kakitsubata grow wild in Ota no Sawa, about 2000 square meters.The flower is said to have lived here since ancient times when Kyoto was still a lake, and is designated as a national natural monument.FUJIWARA no Shunzei, a poet from the late Heian period to the early Kamakura period, also wrote a poem about the scene of "Otanosawa no Kakitsubata".Ota no Sawa was already a scenic spot for Kakitsubata in the Heian period, I see.The best time to see it is around the middle of May every year, but it seems to start blooming about 2 weeks earlier this year.Will the world be calm by the time the dark and light purple flowers color the whole area of Ota no Sawa?Ota-jinja Shrine340 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita Ward, Kyoto City10 minutes walk from Kamigamo-jinja Mae, City bus stop*A state of emergency to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus has been issued throughout Kyoto Prefecture from Sunday, April 25, 2021 to Tuesday, May 11.

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2021.04.26

The father of Japanese aircraft and "Hiko-jinja Shrine"

It may not be known that April 29, Showa no Hi (Showa Day), is a day deeply associated with airplanes.When it comes to airplanes, the "Wright Brothers" of the United States are mentioned as the inventors.It is known for successfully testing the world's first manned powered airplane on December 17, 1903.Actually, did you know that some Japanese people discovered the principles of airplanes earlier than that?He is Chuhachi Ninomiya, an aircraft researcher from Yawatahama, Ehime Prefecture.Chuhachi successfully tested a model propeller airplane on April 29, 1891.It was 12 years before the Wright brothers' first flight.He was inspired by a crow that glides without moving its wings.In addition, in 1893, he will aim to develop a large "Tamamushi-type aircraft" for manned flight.However, as soon as it was completed with the development of the engine part, he was dispatched due to the Sino-Japanese War and the operation was suspended.An application for a practical military "Tamamushi-style aircraft" on the battlefield was rejected for reasons such as during the war.After the war, he worked for a pharmaceutical company and established his own pharmaceutical company.However, when it was almost completed, news of the completion of the airplane by the Wright brothers jumped in.Chuhachi abandoned the development of the plane for fear it would appear to be an imitation of the Wright brothers.However, with the spread of airplanes in the world, Chuhachi came to be involved in airplanes from a different angle.There were many airplane accidents at that time.Chuhachi founded the Hiko-jinja Shrine in his residence in Yawata in 1915 to console the souls of the victims of airplane accidents.He also prayed for aviation safety and the development of aviation business, and this is said to be the origin of the current flying shrine.In his later years, Chuhachi himself worked as a Shinto priest of Hiko-jinja Shrine and served to pray for flight safety.It is said that Chuhachi chosen Yawata as the site for the development of the airplane because its name is similar to his hometown, Yawatahama.The current main building, worship hall and museum were rebuilt in 1989, 100 years after the discovery of the flight principle.The nose section of the Zero fighter, which was pulled up at Kishiwada fishing port in Osaka, is also exhibited.Aviation safety charms and Ema (votive tablets) with a motif of airplanes are also given and accepted by mail.The enshrined deity, Nigihayahi no Mikoto, is a god said to fly in the sky on Amenoiwafune (rocky ship).Now that we can no longer easily go on domestic and international trips, I can only hope that the day will come when I can fly again.Hiko-jinja Shrine44 Yawata Doi, Yawata-city, Kyoto5 minutes walk from Keihan Iwashimizu Hachimangu Stationhttps://www.hikoujinjya.com/*A state of emergency to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus has been issued throughout Kyoto Prefecture from Sunday, April 25, 2021 to Tuesday, May 11.

BLOGWalking

2021.04.23

Sake and Cats and Umenomiya-taisha Shrine

Matsunoo-taisha Shrine was introduced in Kyouchishin the other day.Umenomiya-taisha Shrine is located on the east side of Katsura River from Matsunoo-taisha Shrine.The enshrined deities are four in the main hall and four in the aiden.The first of these is Oyamazumi no Kami (god), Sakatoke no Kami (god).It is believed to be the mountain god who made sake for the first time in this world and offered it to the gods, and it is also said to be the ancestor honored as god of sake brewing.On Tori no hi in April, when sake brewing has finished successfully, 'Kenshu Hokoku-sai Festival (Report of offering sake)' by the persons concerned is performed.In the two-storied gates and precincts, sake barrels dedicated by people involved in sake brewing are displayed, and we can feel the depth of the faith.Konohanasakuyahime no Mikoto, a daughter of Oyamazumi-no-kami, is also one of the enshrined deities.The story of Ninigi no Mikoto having a child with Ninigi no Mikoto in one night has led to the belief in the pregnancy and safe delivery.It is said that straddling the 'straddle stone' in the precincts brings divine favor to children.Umenomiya-taisha Shrine, also called "Neko (cats) jinja Shrine" has many cats in its precincts and shrine garden.Not only humans but also cats are the treasures of the world.We have to value the social distance of cats, for example, I just watch cats quietly when I see them.As the shirine's name suggests (Umenomiya's Ume means plums), it is also famous for its plums, and the garden of Chisen style strolling garden is magnificent.Kirishima azaleas and iris are at their best now, and the flowering of Japanese iris has started.However, as the cherry blossoms continue to bloom toward early summer, it is getting harder to go to Kyoto.Until the world settles down, I would like to deliver Kyoto that can be enjoyed on the web.Umenomiya Taisha-shrine30 Umezu Fukenokawa-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City15 minutes walk from Matsuo-taisha Station on the Hankyu RailwayHere is for Matsunoo-taisha Shrine is famous for Yamabuki

BLOGWalking

2021.04.21

Matsunoo-taisha Shrine is famous for Yamabuki

Instead of the cherry blossoms, Yamabuki (golden yellow flowers) are in full bloom throughout Kyoto.The golden flowers look nice with fresh green, and you can feel the breath of the hills and fields.When I was an elementary school student, I came across Yamabuki-iro as the color of paint.Now that I have grown up, I am reminded of the beauty of the name.The most famous places in Kyoto for Yamabuki is Matsunoo-taisha Shrine.It is an old shrine with a vast sacred area at the western edge of Shijo-dori, at the foot of the Matsuo-bashi Bridge over the Katsura-gawa River.As many as 3,000 Yamabuki trees decorate the precincts, and you can smell the noble fragrance unique to the rose family as you approach the flowers.In the Shofuen and Joko gardens within the temple precincts, white Yamabuki (Japanese golden bush) grows naturally and seeds are given as' purification white Yamabuki. '.You can also look for the golden yellow "Yamabuki Hanamori" charm.Founded in the first year of Taiho (701) by the Hata clan, Matsuo Taisha is also known as the god of sake brewing.Sake brewing was the specialty of the Hata clan, and it is said that many people of the Hata clan had '酒 (sake)' in their names.When making sake, it is said that if you add spring water called "Kamenoi" to the raw water, it will not go bad.In the precincts, sake barrels that are said to have been dedicated by sake brewers from various places are piled up, and it is fun to look at each brand.In front of the sake casks dedicated to the shrine, you can also enjoy "barrel divination", in which you shoot an arrow at the target inside the casks.In the "Sake Museum" on the grounds of the shrine, you can see the history and culture of sake and the process of sake making.In addition to the main shrine which is designated as an important cultural property, the 3 gardens of Shofuen and Reigame Waterfall, there are many other attractions in the large precincts.Why don't you visit the shrine when we can go out as we like?Matsunoo-taisha Shrine3 Arashiyama Miya-cho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City3 minutes walk from Hankyu Matsuo-taisha Station

BLOGWalking

2021.04.19

Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu Shrine and Shokado

In "KYOTO-CHISHIN" the other day, I introduced the connection between Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu Shrine and the inventor, Edison.In this article, I will introduce Shojo Shokado, a priest of Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu Shrine.He was also a master of calligraphy, painting and tea ceremony, and is said to have greatly contributed to the formation of art and culture in the early Edo period.Especially in calligraphy, he is counted as one of Kanei Sanpitsu and is also known as the founder of Shokado school (Takimoto school).On the way to Omotesando of Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu Shrine, there is "Shokado Ato", the site of Shojo's thatched hut where he lived in his later years.People who think "Does Shokado have anything to do with that Shokado lunch box?" are sharp!In fact, the founder of the restaurant 'Kitcho' came up with 'Shokado Bento' based on Shojo's lacquered quarter-box.It is said that the boxes that Shojo originally used for tabako-bon (tobacco tray) were arranged into containers to be served at tea ceremonies.The Shokado Bento made with seasonal ingredients is served at the Kyoto Kitcho Shokado shop in the Yawata Municipal Shokado Garden and Museum.Why don't you think about 400 years ago while tasting Shokado Bento at a representative Japanese restaurant in Kyoto?Please note that reservations are required until May 5.In addition, many gardens and works of art related to Shojo remain in the Yawata Municipal Shokado Garden and Art Museum.The museum is holding a spring exhibition titled "Haru Ranman! Shokado is full of flowers." until Sunday, May 9.During the period, about 30 works, mainly flowers such as camellia, cherry blossoms and wisteria, are exhibited.Why don't you enjoy it with a beautiful garden where you can hear the footsteps of early summer?For details, check the official website of the Yawata Municipal Shokado Garden and Museum (Kyoto Kitcho Shokado Store).Yawata Municipal Shokado Garden and Museum of Art43 -1 Yawata Jorohana, Yawata-city, KyotoTake a bus from Keihan Iwashimizu Hachimangu Station and close to Oshiba-shokado-mae Bus stophttps://shokado-garden-art-museum.jp/Here is for Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu Shrine and the statue of Boy ScoutHere is for Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu Shrine and Edison MemorialHere is for Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu Shrine and Otokoyama Observatory