Visit places associated with female literary figures of the Heian period (794-1192).
For the second part of our literary exploration of Kyoto, we would like to introduce a temple associated with Izumi-Shikibu. Seishin-in Temple has an objet d'art at its entrance. In this article, we will introduce the history of Seishin-in.
1.Shinkyogoku, the area where Seishin-in Temple is located
Seishin-in Temple is located in Shinkyogoku, in the middle of Kyoto. It stands quietly in the middle of Shinkyogoku, a district that can be described as chaotic, with drugstores and second-hand clothing stores.
The area around Shinkyogoku has quite a few temples. Further east of Shinkyogoku, there is a street called "Ura-teramachi Dori," which Kyoto people call "Ura-dera. This street is only about 500 meters long, but it is home to 14 temples. Moreover, many of the temples were built from around the middle to the end of the Heian period.
Since this is a hole-in-the-wall spot where you can feel the atmosphere of Kyoto, you may want to walk there when strolling in a rented kimono. However, the overall terrain of Kyoto is gently sloping downhill toward the south. The height difference between Kyoto Station and Kitayama Station is just about the same as Kyoto Tower. Therefore, it is easy to walk when going south, but a bit tough going north.
Is that a slow walk? But don't worry, it's not a psychic phenomenon.
2.About Izumishikibu
The first abbess of Seishinin Temple was Izumishikibu. Izumishikibu was a woman of many loves who was constantly admired by the men of the Emperor's family. She was also a brilliant woman, skilled in waka poetry and calligraphy, as well as an excellent calligrapher. Some of you probably know her name from the Hyakunin Isshu, the 100 poems. Because of her talent for waka poetry, Izumishikibu was also admired as a clever woman. Even today, many women travel to places associated with Izumishikibu, hoping to become a woman like her.
He is also famous for being quite noble. Did you know that this episode is related to the Gion Festival? In addition to the large floats called hoko, small floats called yama are also displayed at the Gion Festival, one of Kyoto's representative festivals. One of these floats is called "Hoshozan," which is the mountain associated with the love story of Izumishikibu.
Izumishikibu asked Yasumasa Fujiwara, a man who proposed to Izumishikibu, to get a branch of plum tree from the plum garden, the most secured garden in the Imperial Palace, on the condition that if he could get it, they would marry. If he could get the branch, he would marry her. Yasumasa is momentarily put off by this, but then he decides that he really wants to marry Izumishikibu, the most popular woman of the time, and steals the flower while almost being shot with an arrow by a soldier of the court.
The scene is reproduced in dolls as Hoshozan. It is an anecdote on the level of Princess Kaguyahime, who demanded a branch of the Horai no Tama, or Ono no Komachi, who demanded to come through 100 times.
3.Izumishikibu and the Origin of Seishin-in
Izumishikibu, who was predeceased by a child in his later years, spent his days making memorial services and praying for a peaceful life in paradise. This is exactly where Seishin-in Temple is located. In the photo above, the manicured wheel-like object is a Buddhist sutra. It is called "Suzunari Guruma. It is said that this wheel was actually made from an old lantern and a pole of Izumishikibu Shikibu, and turning it once means that the sutra has been read once. In addition, a statue of Izumishikibu, called Shikibu Kannon, still remains in Seishin-in Temple.
Thus, Seishin-in Temple, which is associated with Izumishikibu, is a popular stop for those who wish to improve their performing skills and talent. It is especially recommended for those who are tired of going to ......, although famous places are also good for a trip to Kyoto. While of course, it is best to visit the temple in a respectful manner, it is also a great way to enjoy the atmosphere of Kyoto in a quiet corner of the city.
How was it? In Kyoto, there is a saying that a businessman who has been in business for 100 years can finally become a snot-nosed monk. One of the reasons for this is the depth of history. No matter how many times it has burned down, Kyoto has remained, and the ruins and temples remain, though in different forms. This is why the sites of ancient literary works continue to remain. A literary tour of Kyoto is also a way to learn about Kyoto's history and culture.
