Walking

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2021.07.06

Dairen-ji Temple for Lotus, Running Monk, and Praying Safe Childbirth

You know, the Gion Festival, a festival of Yasaka-jinja Shrine.It's a month of Gion Festival, a festival at Yasaka-jinja Shrine, but it's been quiet this year as well.Why don't you think about the temple that used to be at the location of Yasaka-jinja Shrine?Until the Ordinance Distinguishing Shinto and Buddhism of the Meiji Restoration, it is said that there was a temple called 'Gion-sha Kanjinin' at the current location of Yasaka-jinja Shrine.The name "Gion" in Kyoto is said to come from this Gion-sha Shrine.This time, I would like to introduce a temple that had a deep connection with Gion-sha Shrine in the Edo period.It is also known as the "Temple of Prayer for Safe Childbirth" at "Dairen-ji Temple" in Higashiyama Nijo.Due to Haibutsu-kishaku (a movement to abolish Buddhism) in the Meiji period, Gion-sha Shrine was abolished.At that time, it is said that all Buddha statues and Buddhist altar fittings that were in Kankei-ji Temple of Gion-sha were moved to Dairen-ji Temple.Bhaisajyaguru, an important cultural property that was the principal image of Gion-sha Shrine, is a hidden Buddhist statue and cannot be seen.The 11 Kannon Pilgrimage, The No. 8 fudasho (temple where amulets are collected) of the Rakuyo 33 is said to be open to visitors throughout the year.Amitabha Tathagata, the principal image of Dairen-ji Temple, is called 'An-san' (Safe Childbirth) and is said to bring divine favor for safe childbirth.In the Edo period, Emperor Gokomyo ordered Dairen-ji Temple to pray for the safe delivery of Naishi no suke (a court lady of the first rank) Hideko NIWATA.It is said that it became the place of imperial prayer for Emperor Gokomyo because the first princess Takako was born safely.In the Meiji and Taisho periods, the temple became a topic of conversation as a temple of 'Hashiri Bo-san' (Running Monk) who ran around inside and outside of the capital Kyoto.At that time, it was a monk of Dairen-ji Temple who ran to deliver charms to pregnant women who had difficulty in walking.It is said that 'Hashiri Bo-san (Running Monk)' ran through his life as a messenger of Dairen-ji Temple and Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Tathagata) .At present, a "amulet of good health of legs and waist" of "Hashiri Bo-san" (Running Monk) is awarded at the temple office.In Kyoto, the birthplace of the Ekiden (Road Relay Race), it is said to be highly worshipped by citizen runners and athletes.It is also good to deliver like 'Hashiri Bo-san (Running Monk)' it to family and friends who feel uneasy about their legs and waists.Dairen-ji Temple is said to be built at Gojo Wakamiya (around present-day Gojo Nishinotoin) in 1600.In 1945, it was relocated to its current location, Higashiyama Nijo, due to forced evacuation during the war.As the name suggests, it is also known as the "Temple of the Lotus" and the blooming season lasts from late June to mid-August.There are more than 40 flower lotus pots on the grounds, and you can enjoy colorful flowers from early to late blooming.Every year, lotus flowers said to be at its best after the rainy season, and the flowers bloom rapidly during the fine season.In July, the end of rainy season, the peak season begins around 7 AM to 10 o'clock on a day when the summer heat continues.The end of rainy season in Kyoto in an average year is around the time after Yamahoko Junko (Parade of decorated floats) in the Gion Matsuri Festival.I think how about this year?When we think about lotus flowers that bloom beautifully under the sun, we may be able to ​put up with the heat.The blooming situation is uploaded on Dairen-ji Temple's official website and YouTube channel.If we have a hard time going out, how about enjoying the flowers of lotus while we are at home?Dairen-ji Temple 457 Higashiyamanijo-nishi-iru 1-sujime-sagaru, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City each 5 minutes from Higashiyama Nijo or Higashiyama Nio-mon City bus stopDairen-ji Temple's official websiteDairen-ji Temple's YouTube channelHere is for Goshuin stamps for praying Elimination of Epidemics Collaboration

BLOGWalking

2021.06.30

Goshuin stamps for praying Elimination of Epidemics Collaboration

The Gion Matsuri Festival starts on July 1 and lasts for a month.During the Gion Festival, special Goshuin stamps will be awarded for the Moto-Gion Nagi-jinja Shrine and the Hachidai-jinja Shrine.The two shrines will start distributing a limited number of their "Goshuin stamps for praying Elimination of Epidemics Collaboration" on Thursday, July 1.Both shrines are known to enshrine Susanoo no Mikoto (pre-Meiji Restoration Emperor Gozu) as their main deity.Susanoo no Mikoto is drawn on the goshuin of Nagi-jinja Shrine, and Emperor Gyuto is drawn on the goshuin of Hachidai-jinja Shrine.If these two goshuin are lined up, 'Yamata no Orochi' appears.It is written in double page size, so the width will be 42 centimeters.There will be no Yamaboko Junko or Mikoshi togyo in this year's Gion Matsuri Festival, but the true meaning of the Gion Matsuri Festival is to "ward off the plague."And Susanoo no Mikoto (Gozu Tenno before the Meiji Restoration) is a god who rules the Ekijin.Why don't you get to know the real meaning of Gion Matsuri Festival through these Goshuin stamps?"Goshuin stamps for praying Elimination of Epidemics Collaboration" is scheduled to be distributed from Thursday, July 1 to Tuesday, August 31.*They will be finished as soon as the scheduled number is reached.*The Goshuin stamp of Nagi-jinja Shrine is given only at Nagi-jinja Shrine, and the goshuin of Hachidai-jinja Shrine is given only at Hachidai-jinja Shrine.*From Sunday, August 1, correspondence by mail (Yohai Goshuin stamps) is also accepted.For more information, visit the official website of Nagi-jinja Shrine or Hachidai-jinja Shrine.The Gion Matsuri Festival is a well-known festival of Yasaka-jinja Shrine and boasts a 1100 year tradition.Nagi-jinja Shrine in Mibu is also called "Moto Gion-jinja Shrine" because it is the ancient site of Yasaka-jinja Shrine.869 is the year when the plague spread throughout Kyoto.At that time, they made a kanjo (ceremonial transfer of a divided tutelary deity to a new location) of the divine spirit of Susanoo no Mikoto from Hiromine, Harima Province (Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture).The origin of Nagi-jinja Shrine is believed to be when a Mikoshi (portable shrine) was placed in a forest of nagi trees and enshrined during a pacifist festival.Later, the divine spirit of Susanoo no Mikoto (Gozu Tenno) was moved to Yasaka (Yasaka-jinja Shrine).It is said that the local people sent the Mikoshi to Yasaka while holding an elegant umbrella, waving a pike and playing music.This is said to be the beginning of the "Gion-e" (present-day Gion Matsuri Festival).In 1918, Hayabusa-jinja Shrine was relocated to the site of Nagi-jinja Shrine.Hayabusa-jinja Shrine is a shrine with a long history whose name is recorded in the 'Engishiki Jinmyocho' (Register of Deities of the Engishiki) compiled in 927.For this reason, the main halls of Nagi-jinja Shrine and Hayabusa-jinja Shrine are built side by side in the precincts.The Hachidai-jinja Shrine in Ichijo-ji Temple is an ancient shrine that originated from the kanjo (ceremonial transfer of a divided tutelary deity to a new location) of the Hachidai-Tenno in 1294.Like Yasaka-jinja Shrine and Nagi-jinja shrines, Susanoo no Mikoto (Gozu Tenno before the Meiji Restoration) is enshrined here.Because of this, it is also called 'Kita-tenno (the northern Gion-sha Shrine)'.The Hachidai-jinja Shrine is also known for its connection to Musashi Miyamoto.Before a duel with the Yoshioka clan at the 'Ichijoji Sagarimatsu' in the precincts of the shrine, Musashi worshipped them.On the grounds of the temple stands an old pine tree from the time of the duel and a statue of Musashi.In addition to this collaboration Goshuin stamp, there are various Goshuin stamps such as ones with Musashi one.Moto Gion Nagi-jinja Shrine18 -2 Mibu Naginomiya-cho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto CityA short distance from Mibuji-michi City bus stophttps://motogion-nagijinja.or.jp/Hachidai-jinja Shrine1 Ichijoji Matsubara-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City10 minutes walk from Ichijoji Station on the Eizan Electric Railwayhttps://www.hatidai-jinja.com/

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2021.06.26

Kikyo (Chinese bellflower) is at the site of Murasaki Shikibu's residence

Murasaki Shikibu is one of the leading writers in the history of Japanese literature.The Tale of Genji, which is said to have been written by Murasaki Shikibu in the Heian period, is a long tale consisting of 54 chapters.Kyoto is dotted with places related to Murasaki Shikibu and The Tale of Genji.I will introduce you the remains of Murasaki Shikibu's mansion, which is said to have written most of "The Tale of Genji", today."Rozan-ji temple" stands to the east of the Kyoto Imperial Palace where Hikaru Genji, the main character of "The Tale of Genji," was born.At that time, the entire precinct was Murasaki Shikibu's residence, and Rozan-ji Temple is said to have relocated to the site in later years.​Rozan-ji Temple was founded in the south of Mt. Funaokayama during the Tengyo era (938 - 947) and revived in 1245 at the southern foot of Mt. Funaokayama. ​It was later relocated to its current location, Teramachi Hirokoji, in the first year of the Tensho era (1573), following an urban renovation by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.​At present, Kikyo (Chinese bellflower) is in full bloom in the "Genji Garden" in the precincts.It blooms from June to September every year, but this year it seems to be reaching its peak earlier than usual.​The purple flowers in the garden of white sand and moss are perfect for Murasaki Shikibu's noble image. ​We can see Kikyo until September.There is also a "fude-zuka (monument for pens)" on the grounds of the shrine.And also Murasaki Shikibu was worked as a poet, so her "Poem Monument" was built.Murasaki Shikibu was the only Japanese selected as one of the world's five greatest people and was registered at the UNESCO Headquarters in France.That is why Rozan-ji Temple is also called "the birthplace of world literature".The monument also features poems by Daini no Sanmi, a poet and daughter of Murasaki Shikibu.As a poet, she was as good as her mother, Murasaki Shikibu.When I stand here, I feel I could have heard the sounds of writing a story or singing a song from somewhere.Rozan-ji Temple397 Kitanobe-cho, Hirokoji agaru, Teramachi-dori Street, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City5 minutes walk from Furitsu Idai-byoin-mae City bus stop

BLOGWalking

2021.06.19

"Hangesho" and "Hato Mochi" in Miyake Hachiman-gu Shrine

"Hangesho" is a plant of Dokudami (a kind of medical herbs) family, with green leaves become half white in summer.The 11th day from the summer solstice is called "Hangesho" and during this period half of green leaves turn white.It is also said that "Hangesho" got its name because it looks like it puts on half (Han) makeup (Kesho).In 2021, June 21 fell on the summer solstice, so, "Hangesho" day is July 2.This year, earlier than usual, it seems that "Hangesho" begins to turn white in various places without waiting for the summer solstice.Famous "Hangesho" places in Kyoto is Ryosoku-in Temple (a sub-temple of Kennin-ji Temple), Tenryu-ji Temple, Daikaku-ji Temple and Toji-in Temple.Among them, Miyake Hachiman-gu Shrine may be a little-known spot for "Hangesho".Right now, "Hangesho" in the precincts are dyed in pure white and greet the visitors.Miyake Hachiman-gu Shrine is where the "Koma-bato" is enshrined because a pigeon is a messenger of Hachiman.We can enjoy Miyake Hachiman-gu's specialty "Hato Mochi (Sweet rice dumpling in the shape of a pigeon)" at the tea house on the grounds.The Miyake Hachiman Tea House, which was closed, was renovated and reopened as a "Chamise (teahouse) Poppo" this spring."Hato Mochi" can now be enjoyed again in the well-ventilated teahouse surrounded by greenery and "Hangesho"."Hato Mochi" is a confectionery that was made by "Honke Sokyudo," a Kyoto Confectionery Department in Shugakuin and consists of three types: Nikki, Maccha and White.We can enjoy a set with Japanese herb tea in the store, and you can also take out one.And also coffee, tea and light meals such as canapes and hot egg sandwiches are provided, so how about coming there after visiting Miyake Hachiman-gu Shrine?"Chamise Poppo" is located on the approach to the shrine in front of Ichi no Torii (the first Torii) of Miyake Hachiman-gu Shrine and is open only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.The terrace seat looking around the Ichi no Torii seem to be comfortable, too."Hangesho", which is at the best time to see, and smiling sisters will welcome you."Chamise (teahouse) Poppo"22 Miyake-cho, Kamitakano, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City (in Miyake Hachiman-gu Shrine)6 minutes walk from Eizan Electric Railway Miyakehachiman StationHere is for What is common point "Hangesho" and Octopus?Here is for Miyake Hachiman-gu Shrine with Pigeons

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2021.06.09

"Ro-den no Hi (Streetcar Day)" in Japan

June 10 is "Ro-den no Hi (Streetcar Day)" in Japan.It was established in 1995 from the play on the word "6 (Ro) 10 (Den)."June 11, 1912 is the day Kyoto City Trams opened.It is said that Kyoto was the first streetcar in Japan that was the predecessor of Kyoto City Trams.In 1895, Kyoto Electric Railway (Kyoden) started operating as Japan's first official means of transportation.It is said that hydroelectric power generated by Lake Biwa Canal was used for electric power, and a road on which trams ran had already been developed.The first line of the Keiden was the Fushimi Line, running from Higashinotoin Shiokoji to Fushimi Shimoaburakake.After that, it will be opened from Shichijo to Kiyamachi-dori and Okazaki, and the line was expanded.1895 is the year when the '4th National Industrial Exhibition' was held in Okazaki along with the construction of Heian-jingu Shrine.It is said that streetcars were useful as vehicles to carry visitors to the National Industrial Exhibition.On June 11, 1912, the number of routes increased due to the widening of roads, and Kyoto City Trams started its operation.In 1918, the streetcar was integrated into the Kyoto City Trams, and the entire line was run by the city.After that, the Kyoto City Trams ran all over the city.It became a popular destination for many citizens until its abolition in 1978 due to the spread of automobiles.In March 2021, as many as 877 volumes of Kyoto City Trams materials were designated as tangible cultural properties of Kyoto City.Why don't you think about the town of Kyoto more than 40 years ago, whether you've ridden them or not?Heian-jingu Shrine built in 1895 at the time of the 4th National Industrial Exhibition.For this reason, the oldest extant train has been dedicated to the Minami Shinen Garden of Heian-jingu Shrine.The No. 2 tram was designated an Important Cultural Property in 2020.It was the first streetcar to be designated as such.*We need to pay a Shin-en admission fee to see "The No. 2 tram".In Umekoji-koen Park, the "Shiden Hiroba Square" rest area, which uses trains of Kyoto City Trams, is popular.On weekends, we can ride the "Chin Chin Densha (Trains)", which reproduces the trains of the time.*We need to pay fare for "Chin Chin Densha (Trains)".Umekoji-koen Park56 -3 Kankiji-cho, Shimogyo-ward, KyotoA short walk from JR Umekoji Kyoto-nishi StationHere is for This year marks 40 years since the Kyoto Municipal Subway opened!

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2021.05.31

"Honno-ji Incident" and "Remains of Honno-ji Temple"

June 2 is the day the "本能寺の変 (Honno-ji Incident)" occurred.In the early morning of June 2, 1582, Mitsuhide AKECHI attacked Nobunaga ODA of Honno-ji Temple.It is said that Honno-ji Temple, where Nobunaga set fire to kill himself at that time, was not located at its present location, Teramachi-dori street, Oike.It is said that it was around Shijo Horikawa at that time.And, it is said that it boasted a vast temple area like a castle, which is also called "fortress".The current Honnoji Temple was moved to Oike on Teramachi-dori Street by Hideyoshi TOYOTOMI after the Honnoji Incident.At Takoyakushi on Aburanokoji-dori Street, a stone monument "本能寺跡" stands to mark the site of Honno-ji Temple.In the corner of Takoyakushi-dori Ogawa, there is a stone monument that says "此附近 本能寺址 (Near Honno-ji Temple Ruins)".The town names "Honno-ji-cho" and "Moto honno-ji-cho" that remain around here also tell the history.After it was moved to Oike, Teramachi-dori, where it is now, Daimyo (feudal lords) had their residences in the site.Honno-ji Temple has often been struck by fire in its long history.If you look closely, you will see that 'ヒ' in the part of 本能寺 is replaced with the '去'This is said to be the custom of Honno-ji Temple, which avoids the "火 (fire)" associated with the word "ヒ".Since it was a large temple area, the name "Honno-ji" remains widely around here.The Shimogyo Daini Bangumi Elementary School opened in November 1869.It was renamed "Honno Elementary School" in 1872 and closed in 1993 due to the integration with neighboring elementary schools.Now, the site is used as a complex for the Kyoto Municipal Horikawa High School's Honno building and Kyoto City Honno Nursing Home for the Aged.There is a stone monument of "本能校跡 (Honno Campus Ruins)" on the same site as "本能寺跡 (The remain of Honno-ji)".Of course, this area is called "本能学区 (Honno School District)".After '本能寺の変 (Honno-ji Incident)', 'Hokke sect Daihonzan Honno-ji Temple' was rebuilt in Oike, Teramachi-dori Street by Lord Hideyoshi.Under normal circumstances, on June 2, a memorial service to remember Nobunaga is held.Due to the coronavirus disaster, ordinary visitors are not allowed to attend this year, and only the monks at the temple perform strictly.And in June, the Honnoji Bazaar by the Honnoji Women's Association has been held, too.It is regrettable that this event will not be held this year.The exhibition "Honno-ji Temple and Hokke Culture" which is being held until Sunday, July 4 at the treasure hall of Daihoden in the precinct is also quiesced now.When the exhibition resumes, why don't you visit together with a stone monument "本能寺跡 (Remains of Honno-ji Temple)"?本能寺跡 (Remains of Honno-ji Temple)Takoyakushi-dori Abura-koji Higashi-iru, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City10 minutes walk from Hankyu Karasuma Station本能校跡 (Honno Campus Ruins)The east side of Takoyakushi-sagaru, Aburanokoji-dori Street, Nakagyo-ku Ward, Kyoto City10 minutes walk from Hankyu Karasuma StationHokke Sect Daihonzan (head temple) Honno-ji Temple522 Shimo-Honnojimae-cho, Teramachi-dori Oike-sagaru, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto CityA short distance from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Subway StationHere is for Japan's first school district elementary school, the "Bangumi elementary school"

BLOGWalking

2021.05.28

This year marks 40 years since the Kyoto Municipal Subway opened!

May 29 is "Subway Day" in Kyoto, Japan.On May 29, 1981, Kyoto Municipal Subway was opened from Kyoto Station to Kitaoji Station on the Karasuma Line.This year, 2021 marks 40 years since the first subway line in Kyoto.On June 11, 1988, the Karasuma Line was extended from Kyoto Station to Takeda Station.In August of the same year, mutual direct operation with the Kintetsu Kyoto Line started.In October 1990, the Karasuma Line was extended from Kitaoji Station to Kitayama Station.In 1997, Kokusaikaikan Station was extended from Kitayama Station on the Karasuma Line to the present.Furthermore, after the Karasuma Line was completed, Nijo Station commenced operation in 1997 from Daigo Station on the Tozai Line.The extension from Nijo Station to Uzumasa-tenjingawa in 2008 is surprisingly recent.The train cars at the time of the opening of the Karasuma Line are scheduled to be replaced with new ones over the next five years.I heard that the materials and techniques of the traditional industries of Kyoto will be used for the exterior and interior of the new trains.I'm looking forward to seeing them in 2022.In 2011, character to cheer for Kyoto City bus and subway was created and became a hot topic.The main characters are named '太秦萌 (Uzumasa Moe)', '松賀咲 (Matsuga Saki)' and so on.Each of them is named after the station of Kyoto Municipal Subway and they are supposed to live in the neighborhood of the station.Currently, a 40 year anniversary exhibition is being held at the Oike Gallery outside the ticket gate of Karasuma Oike Station.Valuable materials such as one-day tickets, stamps and maps issued in Showa era are also displayed.Also, goods sales events related to "Subway Day" will be held through mail order, as in last year.Available from 10 o'clock on Saturday, May 29, to 17 o'clock on Sunday, June 13.In addition to the original goods of the cheering characters, 40 anniversary commemorative goods are also scheduled to appear this year.Please check "Kyoto Municipal Transportation Bureau Cooperation Association EC site" for details (Japanese site).I hope the day when we can go out by subway or city bus without worrying will come back soon!Here is for "Kyoto Municipal Transportation Bureau Cooperation Association EC site".*The products of the "Subway Day" memorial goods sales event will be released on the website from the morning of Saturday, May 29.

BLOGWalking

2021.05.26

Waka Poems that I'd like to compose on the day of "Hyakunin Isshu"

May 27 is "Hyakunin Isshu no Hi (Day of one hundred Waka Poems by one hundred poets)".There must have been many people who memorized Hyakunin Isshu (One Hundred Waka Poems by One Hundred Poets) and played Karuta (cards) when they were students.It's nice that Waka written from Asuka period to Kamakura period is still handed down.Hyakunin Isshu is a collection of poems by 100 poets, selected 1 poem for each poet.It is said to have been compiled by poet FUJIWARA no Teika around May 27, 1235 in the Kamakura period.On the day when the Hyakunin Isshu (One Hundred Waka Poems by One Hundred Poets) was compiled, FUJIWARA no Teika, at the request of a friend, decorated folding screens in his villa with colored papers from 100 poets.The villa was Ogura Sanso in Saga, Kyoto, which is said to be the origin of the name "Ogura Hyakunin Isshu".Ogura Villa no longer exists, but stone monuments engraved with 100 waka poems were scattered in 5 areas of Saga Arashiyama.When the world settles down, why don't you find your favorite song in the birthplace of Hyakunin Isshu?Some poems are set in Kyoto, including Ogurayama in Saga.A poem that seems to have been composed about the scenery of Kamigamo-jinja Shrine (Kamowakeikazuchi-jinja Shrine) is one of them."風そよぐ　ならの小川の夕暮れは　みそぎぞ夏の　しるしなりける (The wind swings the leaves of the oak tree, and although the twilight of the Nara-no-Ogawa brook is as cool as autumn, it is still summer because a purification ceremony was being performed)".The author was Junii (Junior Second Rank) Ietaka (FUJIWARA no Ietaka), a poet in the early Kamakura period.Part of the Mitarashi River that flows through the grounds of Kamigamo Shrine is called the "Nara-no-Ogawa brook".At that time, there was an oak tree by this brook, and its leaves were shaking in the wind."Misogi" is the "六月祓 (Minazuki Harae)" that is, "Nagoshi no Harae," a Shinto ritual to remove evils of half a year.Kamigamo-jinja Shrine also holds "Nagoshi no Oharae-shiki" on June 30.This is a poem that you will want to compose in the coming season, but according to the old calendar, it starts from July 1 in autumn.It is said that he wrote about a scene where he performed a Shinto ritual in summer while there was a sign of autumn.There is also a large stone monument engraved with this waka poem near Nara-no-Ogawa brook.There is no oak tree now, but this season the green maple tree swings in the wind and I want to compose Reiwa's poem.It is good time for immersing ourselvs in the world of waka poetry.It is good time for playing cards with our family, too!Now that we spend more time at home, it seems fun to be familiar with Hyakunin Isshu.Kamigamo-jinja Shrine (Kamowakeikazuchi-jinja Shrine339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita Ward, Kyoto City3 minutes walk from Kamigamo-Misono-bashi at Kyoto City bus stop