\u25a0T\u014dji-in (Kita Ward)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25a0Shin-Kumano Shrine (Higashiyama Ward)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25a0Gok\u014d-g\u016b Shrine (Fushimi Ward)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25a0 Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n First, I\u2019d like to introduce \u201cSh\u014dnen-ji,\u201d located in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City. Located about a 3- to 5-minute walk from Tanbabashi Station on the Keihan Main Line, Sh\u014dnen-ji is a J\u014ddo-sh\u016b temple founded in Tensh\u014d 15 (1587) by the Venerable Seiy\u014d Teian, to whom Oda Nobunaga was deeply devoted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Following the Incident at Honn\u014d-ji, Oda Nobunaga committed seppuku at Honn\u014d-ji, while his eldest son, Nobutada, did so at the Nij\u014d Imperial Palace. Acting on an imperial decree from Emperor \u014cgimachi, Priest Teian founded Daun-in on the site of the former Nij\u014d Imperial Palace to honor the souls of Nobunaga and Nobutada. Separately, Sh\u014dnen-sh\u014d founded Sh\u014dnen-ji to enshrine a Jiz\u014d statue said to have been bestowed upon him by Nobunaga in Azuchi. Although the main hall and the priests\u2019 quarters were destroyed in a fire in the 7th year of the An\u2019ei era (1778), the Jiz\u014d Hall survived the blaze, and the Buddhist statue associated with Nobunaga has been carefully preserved to this day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The temple grounds and the Jiz\u014d Hall, where the Jiz\u014d statue enshrined at the Shindai-kama site is housed, are generally open to visitors at any time during the day. However, please note that the temple\u2019s treasures\u2014such as the sacred statue of King Yama, carved by the king himself\u2014are not usually on public display and are only shown to the public during limited periods in the spring and fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just inside the temple gate, a row of small Jiz\u014d statues stands. Their charming figures, partially hidden by seasonal flowers, bring a sense of peace to the heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The symbol of Sh\u014dnen-ji Temple is the Migawari Kamashiki Jiz\u014dson, commonly known as \u201cKamashiki-san.\u201d Legend has it that this Jiz\u014d statue was bestowed upon Priest Teian by Oda Nobunaga. It is a \u201csubstitute\u201d Jiz\u014d\u2014one who is said to enter a boiling cauldron in place of the deceased suffering the torment of being boiled alive in hell, thereby taking on their suffering. It has been the object of deep devotion since the Edo period. The Jiz\u014d Hall is located immediately to the right upon entering the temple grounds. Sh\u014dnen-ji Temple is also known as the \u201cHagi Temple,\u201d and more than 20 varieties of hagi, totaling about 100 plants, are planted on its grounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This Tara Kannon (Tara Bodhisattva), also said to have been bestowed by Oda Nobunaga, is a female deity originating from Tibetan Buddhism who is believed to have been born from Kannon\u2019s tears. In addition, the small statue of Yama, the King of Hell\u2014measuring just 5.5 centimeters in height\u2014is said to have been bestowed by Yama upon Jishinb\u014d Son\u2019ne during the era of Taira no Kiyomori, a military commander of the late Heian period. It is characterized by its serene and compassionate expression. These temple treasures can only be viewed during special public viewings in the spring and fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Shonenji Temple<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Next up is \u201cT\u014dji-in,\u201d located in Kyoto\u2019s Kita Ward. T\u014dji-in was founded in the 4th year of the Ryaku\u014d era (1341) by Ashikaga Takauji, who invited National Preceptor Mus\u014d of Tenry\u016b-ji (Mus\u014d Soseki) to serve as its founding abbot. Originally built as a branch temple of \u201cT\u014dji-ji\u201d\u2014which Takauji had constructed on the site of his residence when he established the Muromachi shogunate\u2014it was divided into \u201cKita-dera (T\u014dji-in)\u201d and \u201cMinami-dera (T\u014dji-ji).\u201d However, after Takauji\u2019s death in 1358, it came to be known as \u201cT\u014dji-in\u201d in honor of his posthumous Buddhist name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although it suffered extensive damage during the \u014cnin War (1467\u2013), it was rebuilt after merging with its parent temple, T\u014dji-ji. Despite being struck by fires and the ravages of war in subsequent years, it has been preserved to the present day, thanks in part to restorations carried out by Toyotomi Hideyori. It is also known for being the location where Sh\u014dz\u014d Makino\u2014considered Japan\u2019s first film director\u2014shot numerous films during the Taish\u014d era; a bronze statue of him stands within the temple grounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n This building was relocated from Kaifuku-in, a sub-temple of My\u014dshin-ji, where it had been constructed by Masanori Fukushima in Genna 2 (1616). The garden spreading out before you reveals different charms with the changing seasons. The paintings on the sliding doors are said to be the work of Kano K\u014di, a painter of the Azuchi-Momoyama period; however, since photography is generally prohibited inside the hall, be sure to commit the view to memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n On the temple grounds, there is a large painting of Daruma by Seki Boku\u014d, a monk of the Rinzai school. It depicts Bodhidharma, the founder of Chinese Zen Buddhism, and his imposing presence is truly striking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a stroll-style garden with a pond, said to have been designed by National Master Mus\u014d, and it has been designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by the City of Kyoto. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This hall houses a row of wooden statues of the successive Ashikaga shoguns. In the center is enshrined the \u201cRion Jiz\u014dson,\u201d a personal Buddha statue that Ashikaga Takauji revered during his lifetime, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere. Following restoration work in 2020, the hall is now more comfortable for visitors to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Toji-in (temple in Kyoto) <\/p>\n\n\n\n The third place I\u2019d like to introduce is \u201cImakumano Shrine,\u201d located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Toward the end of the Heian period, Emperor Go-Shirakawa (the retired emperor) was such a devout follower of the Kumano faith that he is said to have made the \u201cKumano pilgrimage\u201d to Kumano in Kishu as many as 34 times during his lifetime. To enable pilgrimages to Kumano\u2014which took over a month round-trip\u2014to be undertaken even from the capital, in the first year of the Eiryaku era (1160), he ordered Taira no Kiyomori to transport earth, sand, and lumber from Kishu. With these materials, he founded Shin-Kumano Shrine as the guardian shrine of his own Sento Imperial Palace (H\u014dj\u016b-ji-den). Around the same time, the Sanj\u016bsangen-d\u014d (Renge\u014d-in) was also built as the shrine\u2019s guardian temple, forming a major religious complex associated with Emperor Go-Shirakawa and Taira no Kiyomori.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Shinkumano Shrine is believed to grant blessings for \u201cgood health and longevity,\u201d \u201cprotection from illness,\u201d and \u201cimprovement in artistic skills,\u201d and has been revered as a deity of safe childbirth since the Heian period. It is said that if you stroke the large camphor tree on the shrine grounds while making a wish, your various wishes will come true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The giant camphor tree towering in the eastern part of the shrine grounds is a sacred tree said to have been brought from Kumano in Kishu at the time of the shrine\u2019s founding and planted by Emperor Go-Shirakawa himself. It can be seen from Higashioji Street, and its majestic presence evokes the long history of this tree, estimated to be about 900 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can enjoy beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons, from cherry blossoms in spring to autumn foliage. We also recommend taking a stroll through the surrounding Higashiyama area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is said that in the 7th year of the \u014can era (1374), Kan\u2019ami and Zeami\u2014father and son, regarded as the founders of Noh theater\u2014performed a Sarugaku play here before Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of the Muromachi shogunate. To commemorate this event, a monument inscribed with the character \u201cNoh\u201d has been erected on the temple grounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n On either side of the main hall stand nagi trees, which are considered sacred. The nagi tree is believed to \u201cward off misfortune,\u201d and because its leaves are extremely difficult to tear off, it is also known for its ability to bring good fortune in matters of romance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Yatagarasu, a bird that appears in Japanese mythology and is said to lead people to victory, is also known as the symbol of the Japan Football Association, and many visitors come to pray for victory in soccer matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n New Kumano Shrine<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Last but not least, we\u2019d like to introduce \u201cGok\u014d-no-miya Shrine,\u201d which is beloved as the guardian shrine of Fushimi. Although the exact date of its founding is unknown, it is said that in the 4th year of the J\u014dgan era (862), fragrant water began to spring from the temple grounds, and as it gained a reputation for curing illnesses when drunk, Emperor Seiwa bestowed upon it the name \u201cGok\u014d-g\u016b.\u201d This spring water is now known as \u201cGok\u014dsui\u201d and has been selected as one of the Ministry of the Environment\u2019s \u201c100 Best Springs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the Tensh\u014d era, when Toyotomi Hideyoshi was building Fushimi Castle, the shrine was temporarily relocated inside the castle grounds to ward off evil spirits from the \u201cdemon gate\u201d direction; however, in Keich\u014d 10 (1605), Tokugawa Ieyasu had it returned to its original location, where it was then rebuilt into its present form. During the Battle of Toba-Fushimi in Kei\u014d 4 (1868), the Fushimi area was engulfed in fierce fighting; however, since Gok\u014d-g\u016b Shrine was located on higher ground than the Fushimi Magistrate\u2019s Office, it escaped major damage. A water basin said to have been scorched and discolored during that time still remains on the shrine grounds today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u25a0Sh\u014dnen-ji Temple (Fushimi Ward)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Affectionately known locally as \u201cKamashiki-san,\u201d this temple is a hidden gem where visitors can pay their respects in peace, as monks are not always on the premises, which helps keep crowds at bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u25cb What Is Sh\u014dnen-ji? Its History<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Highlights of Sh\u014dnen-ji Temple<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Little Jizo Statues<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Kamashiki-san (Mishiro-kama-shiki Jiz\u014d)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nHagi Flowers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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From late summer through fall, the entire temple grounds are adorned with hagi flowers, and around September each year, the \u201cHagi Festival\u201d is held, during which the temple gate is opened to the public (since the dates vary by year, we recommend checking the official website or social media before your visit). In addition to hagi, you can also enjoy other seasonal flowers such as red spider lilies, hibiscus, and pampas grass.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSelf-Carved Sacred Statues of Tara Kannon and King Yama<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Address: 521 Ishiya-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-611-1606
Visiting Hours: 8:00 a.m. to approximately 4:00 p.m. (The temple grounds and Jiz\u014d Hall are open to the public at any time; the temple treasures are on display only during special exhibitions in spring and fall.)
Admission: Free
Directions: Get off at \"Tanbabashi Station\" on the Keihan Main Line; it's about a 3- to 5-minute walk from there.
HP:https:\/\/kamasikisan.wixsite.com\/syonenji<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u25a0Toji-in<\/strong>(Kita Ward)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Although it is located in an area not far from Kinkaku-ji, it attracts relatively few tourists, allowing visitors to enjoy a peaceful stroll through the garden. It is a temple of the Rinzai Zen Tenry\u016b-ji school and is also known as the burial site of Ashikaga Takauji, the first shogun of the Muromachi shogunate.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Is T\u014dji-in? The Origin of Its Name and History<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Highlights of T\u014dj\u014d-in Temple<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Abbot's Quarters<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Daruma Painting<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Garden<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The \u201cShinji Pond\u201d on the east side is shaped like the character \u201c\u5fc3\u201d (heart) written in cursive script, while the tea house \u201cSeirentei\u201d stands on the banks of the \u201cFuy\u014d Pond\u201d on the west side. The garden also features a H\u014dky\u014d-in-t\u014d stupa, said to be the tomb of Ashikaga Takauji. Visitors can enjoy the garden\u2019s ever-changing beauty throughout the year, from cherry blossoms in spring, to Satsuki azaleas and Satsuki rhododendrons in early summer, to hibiscus in early fall, and finally, the autumn foliage from mid-November through early December. If you wish to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting early in the morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\nReikoden Hall<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Address: 63 Tojiin Kitamachi, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-461-5786
Visiting Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Last admission at 4:00 p.m.)
Admission: Adults 600 yen, Children 300 yen
Directions: About a 5- to 10-minute walk from the \"T\u014dji-in\/Ritsumeikan University Kinugasa Campus\" Station on the Keifuku Electric Railway Kitano Line
HP:https:\/\/toujiin.jp\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u25a0Shinkumano Shrine<\/strong>\uff08Imakuma Shrine)<\/strong>(Higashiyama Ward)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Although it\u2019s conveniently located near the Sanj\u016bsangen-d\u014d and T\u014dfuku-ji temples, it rarely gets crowded with tourists, so you can pay your respects in peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u25cb What Is Shin-Kumano Shrine? The Origin of the Name \u201cShin-Kumano\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The name \u201cShin-Kumano,\u201d written as \u201c\u65b0\u718a\u91ce\u201d but pronounced \u201cImakumano,\u201d derives from the distinction made between the Kumano of Kishu\u2014referred to as \u201cold\u201d (furu)\u2014and the Kumano enshrined in Kyoto\u2014referred to as \u201cnew\u201d (ima). Together with Kyoto Kumano Shrine and Kumano Waka\u014dji Shrine, it is also known as the \u201cThree Kumano Shrines of Kyoto.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u25cb The Blessings of Shin-Kumano Shrine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u25cb Highlights of Shin-Kumano Shrine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A giant camphor tree estimated to be about 900 years old<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kyotreat.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/24952217_l-1024x683.jpg\")
Scenes of the Four Seasons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The Birthplace of Noh Theater<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The Sacred Naghi Tree<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The Sacred Bird: Yatagarasu<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Address: 42, Imakumano-Naginomori-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-561-4892
Visiting Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Admission Fee: Free on the temple grounds
Directions: Take City Bus Route 208 and get off at \"Imakumano\"; it's about a 3-minute walk from there.
HP:http:\/\/imakumanojinja.or.jp\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u25a0Mikamiya Shrine<\/strong>(Gok\u014d-no-miya Shrine) (Fushimi Ward)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Known locally by the affectionate nickname \u201cGokon-san,\u201d the shrine enshrines Empress Jing\u016b, Emperor Ch\u016bai, and Emperor \u014cjin, among others, and is also known as a shrine for praying for a safe childbirth.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u25cb The History of Gok\u014d-g\u016b Shrine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n