Walking

BLOGWalking

2020.11.28

Overlook Kyoto in late autumn with Eizan Cable and Ropeway

​Why don't we have a view of Kyoto city in late autumn from the window of the cable car or ropeway?​It connects the base of Mt. Hiei and the Cable Yase Station to the middle slope of Mt. Hiei for 1.3 km "Eizan Cable".​With a height difference of 561 meters, it is the highest in Japan, and you can enjoy a 9 minute walk in the air to Cable Hiei Station which is the last stop.​Eizan Cable is open at night on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays until Sunday, December 6.​You can enjoy the night view of Kyoto from the train window of Eizan Cable and Cable Hiei Station.​From the mountainside of Mt. Hiei to the Hieizancho Station, take the "Eizan Ropeway" for about 3 minutes and walk 486 meters in the air.​As Japan's first "aerial cable", this historic ropeway was introduced in October 1928.​It is said that at the time of its opening, it was a route connecting Kosodani and Saito of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei.​​From the final stop at Hieizan-cho Station, you can take a shuttle bus to the "Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple" World Heritage Site.When I notice, the sound of winter footsteps is coming close.​Both the Eizan Cable Line and the Eizan Ropeway will be closed for winter use from Monday, January 4 in 2021.​​​Please go to Hieizan from Yase by then.For details, please check the official website of Eizan Cable Ropeway.https://eizan.keifuku.co.jp/

BLOGWalking

2020.11.25

Row of ginkgo trees along Horikawa-dori Street that shines in the autumn sky

​Speaking of autumn in Kyoto, many people think of autumn leaves.​The rows of ginkgo trees in the clear autumn sky are also wonderful.​Ginkgo biloba is said to have strong vitality and leaves contain a lot of water.​Therefore, it has been treasured in temples and shrines for a long time as a tree to protect from fire.​Ginkgo trees are also planted on the street trees here and there, and they become a beautiful golden color in the light.​Horikawa-dori is a famous spot where ginkgo trees continue from Imadegawa-dori to Shimei-dori.​The median is equipped with a "Horikawa Seseragi Park" along the Horikawa River.​From Teranouchi-dori Street to Kamidachiuri-dori Street, there are three parks, the first, the second and the third, and the carpet of ginkgo is nice.​The fluttering of ginkgo leaves like cherry blossom blizzard is also very tasteful.​It sounds good to enjoy ginkgo hunting instead of autumn leaf hunting while being surrounded by the scent of ginkgo nuts.​The logo on the "Tankosha" building in Horikawa Shimei is 2 ginkgo biloba, red and yellow.​Tankosha is a publishing company in Kyoto that has a strong connection with the Urasenke, the head family of tea ceremony.​In the garden of "Konnichian" the Urasenke tea ceremony house, there is "Sotan Ichou" which is said to be a handmade plant by Sen Sotan.​Ginkgo is also known as a symbol of Urasenke and Tankokai.​It is only in this season that you can see Tankosha's ginkgo symbol through the ginkgo trees of Shiaki Horikawa.​To the north of "Horikawa Seseragi Park" on Shimei-dori Street there is "Shimei Seseragi Park" from Kamo-kaido Road to Shinmachi-dori Street.​You can feel the beauty of ginkgo trees in each park, such as a stream flowing between trees and leaves floating on the river.​The low flowering trees found in the median strip of Horikawa-dori Street and Shimei-dori Street are part of the Kyoto City roadside trees "Road forestation" project.​For the purpose of promoting global warming countermeasures, it is improved by the income of household garbage designated bags.​Every time I pick up a yellow garbage bag from Kyoto City, I think I can see a golden ginkgo.​"紅葉" is read as "Kouyou" "Momiji" in Japanese Kanji.​"銀杏" is read as "Ichou" "Ginnan" in Japanese Kanji.​While admiring the trees dyed in red and yellow, you will be reminded of the depth of the Japanese language.

BLOGWalking

2020.11.19

Kyoto Gyoen National Garden "Mori no Bunko"

When autumn deepens, it is also a blissful time to read in the sun.The trees in the nature-rich Kyoto Gyoen National Garden called "Forest Museum" have also turned red and yellow.Do you know there is a special reading spot in the corner of Kyoto Gyoen?"Haha to Ko no Mori (Mother and Children's Forest)" is located in the "Mori no Bunko (Forest book shelf)" on the north side of the Kyoto State Guest House.Every day, except for rainy days from April to the end of 11, bookshelves are open from morning to evening in the trees.You can't borrow books to go home, but anyone can enjoy reading freely on a wooden bench or in the shade of a trees.Although November has entered the second half of the year, the weather has been as warm as early summer.When I sit on a bench in the sunny place, I might forget time and season.Books and picture books on natural science for children are displayed in the "Mori no Bunko".There is also a wild bird drinking area "Birdbus" nearby, and you can enjoy the song of birds as background music.It is a hidden spot where you can see wild birds and insects in Kyoto Gyoen with a book on the bookshelf in your hand.The doors of the bookshelves are closed in December, but "Haha to Ko no Mori" remains open.​Kyoto Gyoen is also known for its beautiful gingko trees and autumn leaves, and the forest for mothers and children is colored with autumn colors.​It is also recommended as a resting spot to stop by after taking a walk in the large garden.Kyoto Gyoen Mori no Bunko3 Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigyo-ward, Kyoto-city, Kyoto5 minutes walk from Furitsu Idaibyoin-mae (front of Furitsu Idaibyoin), City bus stop.Open from April 1 to November 30 from about 9: 00 to 16 o'clock*​During the period, bookshelf doors are closed on rainy days.

BLOGWalking

2020.11.17

Japan's first adoption of sailor suits "Heian Jogakuin (St.Agnes')"

This fall, students on a school trip returned to Kyoto.Every time I see the lively students in the midst of their youth, I feel refreshed.In the past, sailor suits and Gakuran were the mainstream uniforms for junior and senior high school students.There are many blazers now, and the number of schools that are particular about fashionable designs and designer goods is increasing.As for me, I used to wear blazer uniforms in both junior and senior high schools, so I secretly adore sailor suits.For that reason, when I see students in sailor suits, I can't help but follow them with my eyes.Sailor suits can be said to be a symbol of female students both now and in the past.Located in Kyoto's Gosho Nishi (West) area, "Heian Jogakuin" is said to be the first school in Japan to adopt sailor uniforms.It was in 1920, so it was exactly 100 years ago.This elegant uniform features a white collar and a silk scarf around the neck of a hand-sewn dress.At that time, there were many female students who wanted to enter because "I want to wear a sailor suit!".There is a special feeling that is different from the current brand uniforms, and it is understandable that female students long for it.At Heian Jogakuin Junior High School, sailor-collar jackets are now being used to pass down the tradition.Heian Jogakuin St. Agnes Girls has its roots in "Eddie's School" which was established in 1875 in the former Kawaguchi settlement in Osaka.In 1895, it moved to the western part of Kyoto Imperial Palace, and has been called Heian Jogakuin.To the west of the school building stands "Saint Agnes Church" at the corner of Karasuma-dori Shimodachiuri, a Gothic brick building.It is designated as a tangible cultural property designated by Kyoto City and has a presence like a symbol of Gosho Nishi.It was originally built as a chapel of Heian Jogakuin St. Agnes School, and it is also open to the community now.As Christmas approaches, I'm excited about the illumination of the church!​*Due to the effect of the new coronavirus, voluntary restraint or restriction of admission to churches may be enforced.​*You are not allowed to enter the school grounds.Saint Agnes Church​Shimodachiurikado, Karasuma-dori, Kamigyo-ku Ward, Kyoto City​3 minutes walk from Subway Marutamachi Station

BLOGWalking

2020.10.31

Miyake Hachimangu with Pigeons

Cows, pigeons, foxes and so on have been messengers of gods since ancient times.This time, I would like to introduce the shrines that value pigeons.It is located at Eiden-Hachimanmae Station, Kamitakano "Miyake Hachimangu Shrine".It is said to originate from a shrine built by ONO no Imoko in the Asuka period, and it is also worshipped as a guardian god for children.A white dove that is said to have guided a deity of Hachiman from Usa Hachiman-gu Shrine to Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu Shrine in the Heian period.For that reason, it is said that at Hachimangu, pigeons have been cherished as messengers of the gods.Miyake Hachiman-gu Shrine awards Shinbato (God's Pigeons) to children when they visit a shrine.It is a clay doll made of a pair of pigeons, and there is a custom to return it when a child grows up safely.The fact that the head of the goddess pigeon is red and the body is blue means to ward off evil and it is also a good luck charm for child rearing.The ones beside the torii are not Komainu (dogs), but "Komabato (pegions)".In addition to stone lanterns and paper lanterns in the precincts, the Ema (votive horse tablets) and Omamori (amulets) of the gifts are also decorated with Shinbato.Real pigeons can freely go in and out of the precincts and spend time surrounded by pigeons.Miyake Hachimangu Shrine22 Kamitakano Miyake-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City2 minutes walk from Eiden-Hachiman-mae StationHere is for Peacocks, Tanaka-san and Tanaka Shrine.Here is for Awata Shrine where the yellow ducks are appearing

BLOGWalking

2020.10.30

Awata Shrine where the yellow ducks are appearing

In this "KYOTO-CHISHIN" the other day, I introduced you to Tanaka Shrine where peacocks live.There are ducks in the Chozu-bachi (bowl) in the precincts of Awata Shrine in Higashiyama, which I will introduce to you this time.Although it is called a duck, a real duck is not swimming.It's that yellow toy duck floating in the bath.There are many small ducks floating, and it looks like yellow flowers are blooming from a distance.Dragon in Chozu-bachi, now seem to take care of ducks.It is said that the duck Chozu-bachi was proposed by the shrine parishioner of Awata Shrine, and there is a lot of talk about it on SNS.The ducks will float until they get dirty, so if you're interested, please visit the shrine as soon as possible.The temple grounds are also a viewing spot where you can see Mt. Hiei, Mt. Atago and Kitayama.It is also known as "Awata-matsuri Festival" in October, and every year "Seawari ritual" is held on the eve of the Shinkosai.In Yowatari shinji, "Awata O-toro", which is made of big lanterns, makes a tour and is famous.In 2020, it was held on a smaller scale, and Otoro is about half the size of the past years.Otoro is currently on display on the Noh stage in the temple grounds, so why don't you enjoy the atmosphere of the Awata Festival?Awata Shrine1 Awataguchi Kaji-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City7 minutes walk east from Higashiyama Subway Station

BLOGWalking

2020.10.29

Peacocks, Tanaka-san and Tanaka Shrine

It's sudden, but do you know Tanaka-san (Mr. or Ms. Tanaka)?Or you may be Tanaka-san!In Japan, Tanaka (田中) continues to rank high in the list of names that are common nationwide.It is said that there are especially many Tanakas in western Japan including Kyoto.This time, I will introduce a shrine associated with Tanaka-san.It is 1 station away from Demachiyanagi Station of Eizan Electric Railway.Get off at Moto-Tanaka Station and walk for 3 minutes, and you will find "Tanaka-jinja Shrine" in the residential area.Although small in size, it is a shrine with a long history that is said to be the founder of the "Tanaka" across the country.This area was originally called Tanaka village and was controlled by the Tanaka family.There are many towns in the neighborhood which have "Tanaka Satonomae-cho" or "Tanaka Harunama-cho" in front of them and "Tanaka" in front of them.Of course, the address of Tanaka Shrine is "Tanaka-Nishihinokuchicho".The name of the station, "Mototanaka" is said to have been derived from the fact that it has developed around Tanaka-no-sato.There is a theory that it is the birthplace of Tanaka-san, so it can be said that it is a place where Tanaka-san feels special.I'm afraid I'm not Tanaka-san, but of course We don't have to be Tanaka-san.What attracts attention at Tanaka Shrine are 2 peacocks kept in a cage on the approach.It started when a circus in Osaka dedicated it to Tanaka Shrine to spend the rest of his life.If the timing is right, you may be able to see a graceful figure spreading its wings.Unique items such as "peacock" and "peacock" which are related to peacocks.When you visit Tanaka Shrine, please check the peacocks, too!Tanaka-jinja Shrine1 Tanaka Nishihinokuchi-cho, Sakyo-ku Ward, Kyoto City3 minutes walk from Eiden Mototanaka Station

BLOGWalking

2020.10.08

"Fujibakama Festival" enveloped in the fragrance of fujibakama

The Fujibakama in Kyoto is at its best season and has a subtle fragrance.How about going to "Fujihakama Festival" held on October 9 to 12th?Fujibakama is an endangered species and is carefully raised by the local people.It is said that there is also "Fujibakama Sansoku (three rules for Fujibakama) " of "Do not leave Kyoto" "keep out of other areas" and "produce no seeds".As a result of conservation and training, cultural buildings in Nakagyo and Kamigyo wards are displayed at this time of the year.During the period, the area of Teramachi-dori Street called "Gosho Higashi Road" and the Nijo-dori Street section became the stage for "Fujibakama Festival".The stamp rally will be held at 16 locations including Kodo (Gyogan-ji Temple), Shimo-goryo Shrine, Rakuyo Church and Niijima Kaikan.There are various shops in the precincts of Shimo-goryo-jinja Shrine, and there is a workshop where you can enjoy the seven flowers of autumn at Kodo.If you write your wish on a prayer board shaped like "Asagi-madara", it will be burned at Aizen-do in Kodo later.Asagi-madara is a butterfly with asagi color (like a light blue). It is also called "a butterfly crossing the sea".Please pay attention to the appearance of Asagimadara which is attracted by the scent of Fujibakama.Local sento are also "Fujibakama no Yu" during the festival.At Tamanoyu, you can enjoy "Fujibakama no Yu" only for three days, Friday the 9th, Saturday the 10th and Monday the 12th.Fuji Bakama contains a lot of ingredients that remove the rust of the body and promote healthy longevity.The fragrance was essential to the appearance of women in the Heian period.You may be able to enjoy the feeling of Heian aristocrats with the "Fujibakama no Yu" which recreates the bath of the time.I think I can spend a hearty time surrounded by the fragrance of fujibakama.For details of the event, please check the official website of Genji Fujibakama Kai.Here is for the official website of Genji Fujibakama Festival (Japanese site).