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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)

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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

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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"

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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

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2021.09.26

Japan's Oldest Maneki-neko (beckoning cat) Legend

September 29 is "9, Kuru (coming)" and "29, Fuku (fortune)" in Japan.It is called "Maneki-neko no Hi (beckoning cat day)" because of this play on words.It was established by the Japan Maneki-neko Club on September 29, 1995.Do you know that there is a temple in Kyoto that is said to have the oldest Maneki-neko (beckoning cat) legend in Japan?It is "Danno Horin-ji Temple" at the east end of Sanjo-Ohashi Bridge.It was established in 1611.The god enshrined here is "Shuya-jin-son".The original name is said to be "Basanba-enteishuya-jin".It has been worshiped as a god to protect the night such as theft, fire and nightmares.And it is a black cat that has been considered as a messenger of the "Shuya-jin-son" god.It is rare for a shrine or temple to enshrine "Shuya-jin-son" god the deity, and this is the only place where a black cat is used as a messenger of the deity.It is said that in the middle of the Edo period, Maneki-neko with the inscription of "Shuya-jin-son" god were made.A black cat raising its right hand, Danno-horin-ji Temple is said to be the birthplace of "Black Maneki-neko".The right hand of a Maneki-neko is said to bring in money, and the left hand of a Maneki-neko is said to bring in thousands of guests and business managers.In those days, it was forbidden to make 'right Maneki-neko' imitating Dan-no Horin-ji Temple.It is said that it was a Maneki-neko with such miraculous efficacy and deep faith.The statue of the hidden Buddhist image is usually unveiled on the first Saturday of December at the "Shofuku-neko (Beckoning cats) / Shuya-jin (God who protects the night) Taisai Festival".On the day, visitors are given a charm of Shuya-jin-son God and a reprinted statue of Maneki-neko from the late Edo period.*The religious service for "Shofuku-neko / Shuya-jin Sai Festival"" in 2020 has not been decided yet.In the main hall in the precincts, there are many Maneki-neko (beckoning cats) which are said to have been dedicated from all over Japan.At the kuri (temple office), there are also offerings related to the main deity, such as black Maneki-neko (beckoning cats), amulets and goshuin (temple seals).Dan-no Horin-ji Temple36 Horinjimonzen-cho, Kawabata-dori Sanjo-agaru, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto CityClose to Sanjo Keihan Station on subway or Sanjo Station Keihan Railway*Admission to the main hall is 300 yen (not available during an emergency declaration).*Kuri (temple office) may be closed due to legal affairs. Please confirm in advance.

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2021.09.24

The Comb mound and Comb Festival at Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine

The Meishi-zuka (Business Card mound) and Saifu-zuka (Wallet mound) of Kyoto Ebisu-jinja Shrine were introduced in "KYOTO CHISHIN" the other day.This time we will introduce "久志塚 (Kushi-zuka, Comb mound)" of Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine."久志 (Kushi)" is a term used to refer to "櫛 (Kushi, combs)" used to comb Japanese hair.Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine holds a "Kushi Matsuri (Comb Festival)" every year on the fourth Monday of September.It is a traditional event of Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine where various old combs are dedicated in front of Kushi-zuka mond.It began in the Showa period when Ms. Chie Minami, a local beauty parishioner, asked her about the disposal of her old combs.The 1st "Kushi Matsuri (Comb Festival)" was held in 1961 to commemorate the old combs.It was launched by Ms.Minami and many other beauticians with the support of Mr. Kanpo Yoshikawa, a folklore researcher.It is said that the 'Kyoto Beauty Culture Club' was also established in order to pass down the correct ways of dressing and hairdressing of the periods.Ms. Minami is also known for devoting her life to "Study on the transition of Japanese hair and hairdressing"The current "Kushi Matsuri (Comb Festival)" is managed by the Kushi Matsuri Executive Committee, which is led by the Kyoto Beauticians Association.Kushi-zuka (Comb mound) was built in 1962, one year after the 1st Kushi Matsuri (Comb Festival).Beside them are statues of connoisseurs of Mr. Kanpo Yoshikawa, who have contributed to the Kushi Matsuri (Comb Festival).Due to the coronavirus disaster, only Shinto rituals are performed by those involved in the 2021 one.Unfortunately, the women's "Jidai Fuzoku Gyoretsu (Historic Pageant)" has been canceled.Originally, it is the highlight of the festival that starts from Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine and parades around Gion.A procession of women dressed in costumes from the Kofun period to modern Maiko.In particular, the hairstyle made with natural hair rather than a wig attracts attention.Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine is famous for "En-kiri (insulate) jinja Shrine", but in September, don't we think of the Kushi Matsuri (Comb Festival) ?I hope we'll break with the coronavirus next year, and that the "Jidai Fuzoku Gyoretsu (Historic Pageant)" will revive.Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine70 Shimobenten-cho, Higashioji-Matsubara Agaru, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City10 minutes walk from Keihan Gion Shijo StationThe Kushi Matsuri (Comb Festival) in 2021 will be held on Monday, September 27.*However, only Shinto rituals are conducted by those involved.*The "Jidai Fuzoku Gyoretsu" is not held.Here is for Business Cards Thanksgiving at Kyoto Ebisu-jinja Shrine.

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2021.09.22

Business Cards Thanksgiving at Kyoto Ebisu-jinja Shrine

Since the Heian period, it has been believed that souls reside in things and tools that have been used for a long time.Items and tools that are thrown away in the past become "Tsukumo-gami" (gods to a variety of things) and people may get even with them.In Kyoto, there is a custom of giving thanks for things and tools used for a long time through memorial services at temples and shrines.It is also called "Go-Kuyo-san", and doll memorial services and Hari-kuyo are well-known.Do you know there is a shrine that holds a memorial service for Meishi (business cards) and wallets that are essential for working people?The Kyoto Ebisu-jinja Shrine holds a "Meishi Kansha Sai (Business Cards Thanksgiving)" every year on the fourth Sunday of September.The Kyoto-jinja Ebisu Shrine is known as "Ebessan (Ebisu-sama)".It is a festival unique to the god of business prosperity, where people thank business cards that they have a relationship with and burn them in a garden fire.Why don't you donate your business cards if you have trouble disposing of them while keeping them safe?There is also a "名刺塚 (Meishi zuka, business card mound)" in the grounds, so please try to find it.Meishi Kansha Sai (Business Cards Thanksgiving) in 2021 will be held on Sunday, September 26 at 14 o'clockIt is also unique that there is a "財布塚 (Saifu zuka, wallet mound)" next to the "名刺塚 (Meishi zuka, business card mound)"!Like business cards, wallets are difficult to get rid of when they get old.If you bring your wallet to the shrine office, they will hold a memorial service for you.The wallet mound was donated by Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of Panasonic.The name of 松下幸之助 (Konosuke Matsushita) is engraved on the Tamagaki lined up next to it, and it seems to have a blessing.Kyoto Ebisu-jinja Shrine is famous for "To-ka Ebisu" in January, but please pay attention to "Meishi Kansha Sai (Business Cards Thanksgiving)" in September!By saying goodbye to your business card or wallet, you want to bring in a new circle.Kyoto Ebisu-jinja Shrine125 Komatsu-cho, Shijo-sagaru, Yamato-oji-dori Street, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City6 minutes walk from Keihan Gion Shijo Station"Meishi Kansha Sai (Business Cards Thanksgiving)" in 2021 will be held on Sunday, September 26 at 14 o'clock