No matter how many times you visit, you can always discover new charms in Kyoto.
This time, we will focus on the shrines that are full of blessings and are perfect for the first visit of the year 2025.
You can travel around Kyoto using public transportation starting from Kyoto Station, the gateway to the city.
Kyoto Teishokuten (Nantan City), famous for matchmaking, and for work and academic success.
A course touring Nonomiya Shrine (Arashiyama), which is said to be a shrine for fertility and marriage, and Motoise Shrine in Miyazu City.
Let's go to Kyoto for our first visit of the year, so that 2025 will be a good year.
Kyoto Station
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↓ JR Sagano Line + Taxi (approx. 90 mins)
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Pray for the fulfillment of your wishes at the "Bell of Wishes" The "pebble knot" that connects good relationships and the "substitute crane" that wards off illness
■ Spot 1: Kyoto Teishokuten (Nantan City)
First, we'd like to head to Kyoto Teishokuten, located in Nantan City in central Kyoto Prefecture.
This temple was founded in 11, shortly before the capital was moved to Heian. The principal image of the temple is Teishokuten, who leads the Four Heavenly Kings, including Bishamonten, and has been worshipped since ancient times as a deity who grants various wishes by dispelling evil spirits, disease, disasters, and evil spirits.
Kyoto Teishokuten has a history of over 1200 years. The approach to the temple is a 15-minute walk, about 700m uphill.
It's nice to visit after the New Year, but we recommend visiting on New Year's Eve.
At 11pm, the 108 "Bells of Wishes" bells that line the approach to the shrine are lit up. Each one is struck with a feeling, to drive away worldly desires and to pray for the fulfillment of wishes for the new year - in other words, it is a rare experience to "strike 108 bells on New Year's Eve with your own hands". In addition, a fire is lit in a ring in front of the main hall, and a "fire ring pass" is held to purify the body and mind and bring good health.
However, there are no special or all-night public transport services between New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, so if you are visiting on New Year's Eve, it's a good idea to find accommodation in the area.
You can also strike the large temple bell called "Yorokobi no Kane" (Bell of Joy) located in the temple grounds with your own hands.
The grounds are dotted with various spots where visitors can receive blessings, such as the "Pebble Musubi" ritual, in which two stones are tied together with a red thread to pray for a good relationship, the "Bell for Warding Off Evil and Bringing Fortune" which can be rung according to your age, and the "Substitute Crane," which transfers disaster, illness and bad luck to a folded paper crane and then sends it flying.
A wooden statue of "Binzuru-sama" is enshrined in the small shrine to the left of the main hall. It is said that if you stroke the same part of your body and the same part of the statue alternately, your illness will be cured, which is why it is also called "Nade Buddha."
Within the grounds, there are numerous stone and wooden statues depicting the three sacred monkeys, said to be messengers of Taishakuten, including the "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" monkeys.
There are also gifts available, such as the colorful "tied monkey" amulets. Why not pick one up with your wishes for good health and happiness in the year ahead?
◆Kyoto Taishakuten
[Address] 1 Funaeridonouchi, Yagicho, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture, Fukujuji Temple
[TEL] 0771-42-3315 (Fukujuji Temple)
[Access] Get off at JR Yagi Station, then take a taxi for about 10 minutes
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↓ Gururin Bus Route 30 (about 60 minutes + walk)
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Pray to the "god of work" and the "god of learning" for career advancement and successJapan's oldest Tenmangu Shrine
■ Spot 2: Ikimi Tenmangu Shrine (Nantan City)
The next place we would like to visit is Seishin Tenmangu Shrine, also located in Nantan City.
Among the approximately 12000 Tenmangu shrines across the country, this is the oldest Tenmangu shrine in Japan, and it is the only one that enshrined Sugawara no Michizane while he was still alive, and is therefore known as "Ikimi" (living body).
Within the grounds, there are 15 sub-shrines, including the main hall, which is a designated cultural property of Kyoto Prefecture, the Takebe Genzo Shrine, which enshrines the founder of Ikimi Tenmangu Shrine, the Daijingu Shrine, which enshrines the Ise Grand Shrine, and Itsukushima Shrine, the god of performing arts and the guardian deity of women.
Its origins date back to a small shrine built by Takebe Genzo (Takebe Saemonnojo Harusada), a character in "Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami," one of the three great masterpieces of Kabuki, to pray for the safety of Michizane, who was demoted to Dazaifu. In honor of Michizane, who displayed outstanding abilities both as a scholar and politician, the shrine is revered as the "god of learning" and the "god of work," who grants employment and career advancement.
During the New Year's visit period (from New Year's Eve to January 1th), there will be a burning of sacred wood within the grounds, the offering of sacred sake, an exhibition of floral tributes, an exhibition of shrine maidens' works, and an exhibition of sketches.
On New Year's Eve, a ritual called "Toshikoshi no Oharai Shiki" is held to purify the body and mind of impurities, as well as all sins and mistakes that may cause misfortune, and to pray for a cleansed mind and a new year. The "Manto-e" ceremony is also held, in which about 100 lanterns are lit, and the temple grounds are enveloped in a mysterious world.
At the gift shop, in addition to lucky charms such as zodiac clay bells and sacred arrows, a wide variety of charms are available, including the "Work Charm" which is the number one Google search result, and the one-of-a-kind "Glass Bead Exam Charm" made from a handmade glass bead with a crepe string attached.
Because they are handmade, each "Tonbodama Exam Charm" is unique in color, pattern, and shape. The "Work Charm" is filled with the wish that you will live a refreshing life that shines brightly.
Another popular charm is the "ume knot", which is said to grant wishes and is named after the plum tree that Michizane loved so much. The design is based on the "ume knot" motif of the mizuhiki, which is said to be "tightly tied and will not come undone".
◆ Ikimitenmangu Shrine
[Address] 1-67 Misonocho, Sonobe-cho, Nantan-shi, Kyoto
[TEL] 0771-62-0535
[Access] 12 minutes walk from the west exit of JR Sonobe Station
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↓ JR Sagano Main Line (about 60 minutes)
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Depicted in the Tale of Genji A power spot for matchmaking, fertility and safe childbirth
■Spot 3 Nonomiya Shrine (Arashiyama)
Finally, we recommend visiting Nonomiya Shrine, a small shrine quietly nestled amid the mysterious scenery of the bamboo forests of Sagano. The shrine is worshipped as the god of matchmaking, fertility and safe childbirth.
The "black wood torii gate," made without peeling the bark of a sawtooth oak tree, and the "koshibagaki" fence made of Japanese spicebush that surrounds the grounds still convey the atmosphere of the Heian period.
During the Heian period, this place was called "Nonomiya" and was a sacred place where the Saio, who served the Ise Grand Shrine on behalf of the Emperor, stayed to purify herself before traveling to Ise. This situation is also described in the "Sakaki" chapter of the Tale of Genji.
Hikaru Genji visits Nonomiya to meet his former lover, Lady Rokujo, who lives with her daughter, the Saio. However, Lady Rokujo, still attached to Genji, heads down to Ise without meeting him again... The scenery of Sagano and the feelings of the two characters overlap in this heartbreaking yet beautiful scene.
Even after the Saio system was abolished due to war, Nonomiya continued to exist as a shrine.
The shrine's deity is Nonomiya Okami (Amaterasu Omikami), the god of health and wisdom. In addition, various other deities are enshrined, such as Nonomiya Daikokuten, known for granting good fortune in finding a partner, and Shirofuku Inari Daimyojin, who is in charge of granting children, safe childbirth, and prosperous business.
The "good luck charm" has a woman in a twelve-layered kimono on the front and a man in a kimono on the back. It is made of Nishijin-ori fabric.
The most popular charms are the "good luck charms" with their delicate and beautiful designs based on the Tale of Genji. There are also plenty of charms for good relationships, matchmaking, and safe childbirth.
◆Nonomiya Shrine
[Address] 1 Saganomiyacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City
[TEL] 075-871-1972
[Access] About 10 minutes walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station
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↓ JR Sagano Main Line (about 30 minutes)
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Kyoto Station
▼We also recommend these spots!
Crossing the sea to the "hometown of Ise" for matchmaking and business prosperity
◎Motoise Kono Shrine (Miyazu City)
The Tango Peninsula juts out into the Sea of Japan. This area is dotted with power spots with miraculous powers, as it is home to many legends and folklore related to gods.
One of these is Motoise Konojinja Shrine, located in Miyazu City on the west side of Wakasa Bay. As the only large shrine in the San'in region, it is an ancient shrine that boasts the highest rank and history, and its official name is Motoise Konojinja Shrine, Tango Ichinomiya. It is said that Amaterasu Omikami and Toyouke Omikami, who are currently enshrined at Ise Shrine, were moved from this place to Ise.
The main hall of Kono Shrine is similar in both architectural style and size to the main hall of Ise Shrine, which speaks of the deep connection between the two shrines. In particular, the five-colored suetama (seat ball) on the balustrade is a rare sight that can only be seen at the main hall of Ise Shrine and Kono Shrine.
The main deity is Hikohoakari-no-Mikoto, and the co-deities are Toyouke-no-Okami, Amaterasu-Oomikami, the sea god, and Ame-mikura-no-Kami. The blessings offered include safety for the family, prosperity in business, bountiful harvests, recovery from illness, prosperity of descendants, safety at sea, prosperity in the fishing industry, and the fulfillment of various wishes.
Every year at midnight on New Year's Day, the chief priest beats the largest drum in the Kansai region 0 times to welcome the new year. Afterwards, two shrine maidens perform the "Urayasu Dance" to celebrate the new year. During the New Year period, a 108m-tall "Heavenly Feather Arrow" is set up on the approach to the shrine, and it is said that if you pass through it, you will be free from illness and disaster for the year.
If you visit Kago Shrine, be sure to also pay a visit to Manai Shrine, the inner shrine. Within the grounds are a sacred rock that enshrines the gods Izanagi and Izanami, who are said to have built Amanohashidate, as well as the sacred water "Amano Manai no Mizu," and the shrine is known as one of Japan's most powerful spots.
Visiting Motoise Konojinja Shrine and Manaijinja Shrine on the days of the new moon and full moon is called "Musuhi Mairi", and only on these days are "Musuhi Mamori" (a talisman for the birth of spirits) bestowed.
Black "Sanreimasu" are given out on new moon days, and white "Sanreimasu" are given out on full moon days.
December 2024, 12, will be the new moon day, so if you have the chance, why not visit on New Year's Eve and get yourself a special talisman?
On the back of the shrine are the characters for "sun" (day) and "moon" (month). When these two are put together, the character for "brightness" appears.
◆Motoise Konojinja Shrine
[Address] 430 Ogaki, Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture
[TEL] 0772-27-0006
[Access] Transfer to a sightseeing boat at Amanohashidate Station on the Kyoto Tango Railway, disembark at Ichinomiya Pier, and walk for about 3 minutes
Pray for academic success and protection from misfortune at Tenmangu Shrine, where early-blooming plum blossoms bloom
◎ Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine (Nagaokakyo City)
We also recommend Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine, which is easily accessible from Kyoto city.
Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine is visited by approximately 10 worshippers every year. It is pleasant to stroll through the vast grounds decorated with flowers that change with the seasons.
This place enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, who is widely known as the god of learning, culture, the arts, and protection from evil, and there is an anecdote that Michizane enjoyed poetry, music, and the music of the orchestra here with Ariwara no Narihira and others. When he was demoted to Dazaifu, he stopped by and said, "My soul must remain here for a long time." After Michizane's death, he was given a wooden statue that he had made himself, and it is said that this was the beginning of Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine, which was enshrined as a sacred object.
The main hall was donated and relocated from Heian Shrine in 16. This was made possible because Nagaokakyo, like Heiankyo, is the site of a capital founded by Emperor Kanmu. The main hall is designated as a tangible cultural property of Kyoto Prefecture, while the temizuya and lattice wall are tangible cultural properties of Nagaokakyo City, and together with the vermilion-painted worship hall, they create a majestic appearance.
Every January, the early-blooming plum trees bloom to welcome the new year, and the sweet, refreshing scent of plum blossoms wafts through the crisp, clean air.
Various events are held within the temple grounds to welcome the New Year. Sweet sake is served at midnight and 0:9 am on New Year's Day. The first calligraphy contest is held from January 1st to 1rd, during which visitors can offer calligraphy to Michizane, who is also revered as the god of calligraphy.
If you are looking for a gift, how about the "Ume Omamori" (plum charm)? It is a transparent charm designed with the plum blossoms that Michizane loved, and on the back is a motif of the famous Kirishima Azalea tree that is said to be about 170 years old in the temple grounds. It is a charm that will bring you good fortune and allow you to see clearly into the future.
When exposed to light, the Ume Omamori shines beautifully in seven colors. You can choose from two colors: red plum (left) and white plum (right).
Of course, there is also a wide selection of charms related to academic success, so it would be a good idea to combine your New Year's visit with a prayer for the achievement of your own goals.
◆ Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine
[Address] 2-15-13 Tenjin, Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture
[TEL] 075-951-1025
[Access] JR Nagaokakyo Station, 20 minutes walk from the west exit, or Hankyu Nagaoka Tenjin Station, 10 minutes walk
Kyoto Prefecture and Kyoto City have launched the "All Kyoto" project to promote tourism around each area by unifying the diverse charms of "Another Kyoto (four areas: Seaside Kyoto, Forest Kyoto, Tea Kyoto, and Bamboo Village/Otokuni)" and "The Best of Kyoto (six areas: Fushimi, Ohara, Takao, Yamashina, Saikyo, and Keihoku)."
Premium JapanHere we will introduce a plan that allows you to experience "All of Kyoto" and discover new charms of Kyoto.
This guide includes routes to visit Kyoto's shrines and temples, each with its own benefits, to pray for good fortune in the year ahead.
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