Have you ever heard of Seimei Shrine in Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City?
This shrine is dedicated to Abe no Seimei, who is said to have been an astronomer, and attracts many worshippers who come to pray for good luck in warding off bad luck.
Those who like figure skating and those who enjoy watching Japanese movies have also heard of it at least once.
So what kind of place is Seimei Shrine?
In this issue, we will introduce the history, charms, and highlights of the Seimei Shrine in Kyoto, where various mysterious experiences are told.
■What is Seimei Shrine, Kyoto?
Seimei Shrine is located in Seimei-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto.
This shrine is dedicated to Abe no Seimei, a renowned yin-yang master of the Heian period.
Abe no Seimei died in 1005, and the Seimei Shrine was created by Emperor Ichijo in his honor.
It was built in 1007 on the site where Abe no Seimei is said to have settled in the ruins of his mansion at the foot of Ichijo-marimbashi Bridge.
From there, the shrine buildings and other structures were ravaged by wars such as the Onin War, but were reestablished after the end of the Edo period.
■Why is Seimei Shrine in Kyoto famous?
Originally famous for its blessings to ward off bad luck, there are other reasons why Seimei Shrine in Kyoto is so famous.
○Because it appears in Japanese movies, etc.
Seimei Shrine, dedicated to Abe no Seimei, an Onmyoji, became especially famous because of the movie "Onmyoji," in which he was played by Mansai Nomura.
In the beginning of the Heisei era, the number of worshippers increased dramatically due to the popularity of many movies and novels featuring Abe no Seimei.
XX Yuzuru Hanyu also worshipped there, so...
Yuzuru Hanyu, a past Olympic gold medalist, also visits the shrine.
The program "SEIMEI" also spread the Seimei Shrine not only in Japan but also throughout the world.
○Abe no Seimei Millennium Festival and other festivals.
The year 2005 marked the 1,000th anniversary of the death of Kiyomei Abe, the deity of the shrine.
The Abe no Seimei Millennium Festival was held in grand style.
○○ For your blessings.
Seimei Shrine offers a variety of blessings, including protection against illness, injury, evil spirits, and bad luck.
Also, if you go to Seimei Shrine, you will see many stars, which are the pentagrams that Seimei is said to have used in his arts.
It is one of the prayer charms used in the Yin-Yang path created by Abe no Seimei.
These can be found throughout the temple grounds, so please be on the lookout for them.
■History of Seimei Shrine, Kyoto
Seimei Shrine, Kyoto, was founded in 1007.
As mentioned above, it is said to have been founded by Emperor Ichijo in honor of Abe no Seimei's achievements upon his death in 1005.
At that time, the site was very wide from east to west, north to south, with Horikawa Dori to the east, Kuromon Dori to the west, Motoshiganji Dori to the north, and Neutraluri Dori to the south.
However, it shrank due to warfare and the expansion of the capital by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
However, the shrine was re-established after the end of the Edo period, and in 1950, the precincts were extended to the Horikawa-dori location.
It is still a well-known shrine that attracts many worshippers today.
■Highlight of Seimei Shrine, Kyoto
Here are some of the highlights of Seimei Shrine in Kyoto, Japan.
It is a must-see for those who will be visiting the temple.
Torii at the entrance
The shrine's torii gate is the first attraction.
The torii gate at the entrance does not have the name of the shrine written on it, but rather a "Seimei Kikyo" also known as a pentagram.
Torii gates with this kind of design are rare, so please stop and look up at them.
Old Ichijo-gibashi Bridge
There is a small bridge as you enter the precincts of the temple.
This is a reproduction of the Ichijo-Morihashi Bridge, which is associated with Abe no Seimei.
It is customary not to cross this bridge before marrying or at funerals so that the bride-to-be will not return to her parents' home, which means the return of the bridge of return.
Torii gate in the precincts of the temple
Next, a torii gate with the name of the shrine on it comes into view.
Lanterns with a pentagram on each side create a mystical atmosphere.
○Hon-den
The main shrine is located at the far end of Seimei Shrine.
This place was rebuilt in 1905 and is visited by many worshippers to ward off bad luck.
○God tree
There is a sacred tree right in front of the terminal shrine.
The sacred tree is more than 300 years old and very powerful.
There are benches in the vicinity, so it will be nice to take a break.
Prunus persica var. densa (Chinese variety of peach)
Near the main shrine is a peach to ward off bad luck.
As the name suggests, it is shaped like a peach, which is placed there because peaches are said to be a fruit to ward off bad luck in the Yin-Yang Tao.
It is said that you can break off any bad luck or jealousy that may be attached to you by touching a peach.
Please try to pet it.
Xi Mei Mei Well
The "Seimei well" is located after passing through the torii gate.
There is an anecdote that Abe no Seimei used his telekinesis to make the water gush out.
It is said that drinking the water from the well or using it as a standby screen will bring good luck in healing illness, and some people even take pictures of it.
crescent pillar
Two large pillars, the sun and moon pillars.
It is a pillar with the moon and the sun on top, representing yin and yang.
Review of Seimei Shrine, Kyoto, Japan
Take a look at the reviews of Seimei Shrine in Kyoto, Japan.
...I visited the Seimei Shrine, which I had longed to do. The stickers and amulets are wonderful. There were pentagrams in various places.
Seimei-san is a mysterious place. Well water was a popular place and there were many people.
The contrast between the komainu (guardian dogs) and the autumn leaves was great. It was a fantastic atmosphere.
It is one of the power spots that you can't miss. It was a wonderful place.
. This shrine is dedicated to Abe no Seimei, a yin-yang master, which is rare in Japan. I was surprised to find that the protection against bad luck was peaches.
■Address and access to Seimei Shrine, Kyoto, Japan
Finally, we summarize the address and directions to Seimei Shrine in Kyoto, Japan.
○Address of Seimei Shrine, Kyoto, Japan
806 Horikawa Dori, Seimei-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
○Access to Seimei Shrine, Kyoto, Japan
From JR Kyoto Station, take city bus No. 9 to Ichijo-Moribashi/Seimei-Jinja-mae stop, about a 2-minute walk.
○ Homepage
https://www.seimeijinja.jp/
■ Summary
How was it?
In this issue, we have introduced the history, attractions, and highlights of the Seimei Shrine in Kyoto.
Please visit Seimei Shrine and get an original red seal or amulet.
