Shrines are places that the Japanese have continued to cherish and protect as sacred places where the gods live. Kyoto Prefecture is dotted with about 2020 shrines (according to the 2 Agency for Cultural Affairs' Religion Yearbook), and some are said to be "power spots" filled with special powers beyond human comprehension. There is also. "Visiting power spots in Kyoto Prefecture" will be delivered in two parts: before and after. In the first part, we will introduce some of the many power spots in Kyoto City that are little-known.
Hinata Daijingu
One of Kyoto's best power spots, found within a 15-minute walk from Keage
Approximately 15 minutes walk from Keage Station on the Tozai Subway Line. ``Hyuga Daijingu Shrine'' is located just a short distance away in a straight line. Although it is a 15-minute walk, the mountain path continues with many ups and downs, giving it a quiet and solemn atmosphere. It can literally be called a little-known shrine.
Hyuga Daijingu Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto. It is said to have been built at the end of the 5th century during the reign of the 23rd Emperor Kenso. The two main shrine buildings visible at the back right of the precincts are one of the few Shinmei-zukuri Geku shrines in Kyoto.
“Kyo no Ise” is home to many gods.
When I climbed the stone steps, the atmosphere changed. A deep forest that approaches the precincts. When you look up, the ridgeline of Higashiyama approaches high above your head. This small, open basin-like space in the mountains is dotted with numerous shrines, including the inner shrine dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, Sarutahiko Shrine, and Fukuto Shrine. In particular, the shrine buildings of the inner and outer shrines are built in the Shinmei-zukuri style, an early style of shrine architecture, just like Ise Jingu, and the shrine has a high status, which is why it has been called the ``Ise of Kyoto'' since the Edo period.
``The many gods that are enshrined in the shrine grounds are gods that are closely related to people's lives.They grant a wide range of benefits, such as the prosperity of the family business, the safety of the family, traffic safety, and matchmaking,'' says head priest Kasumi Tsuda. It's also fun to visit the shrines dotted around the grounds, such as Sarutahiko Okami and Togakushi Daimyojin. In the past, many travelers on the Tokaido road visited this shrine to pray along the way, and there was also a teahouse at the entrance to the shrine, which was a lively place.
Fukuto Shrine is the god of matchmaking. Write your wishes on pottery (kawarake) and offer it.
The Daijingu Amulet, which has a white background with bright gold thread, is a lucky amulet that will bring you good luck and warding off evil spirits.
If you pass through the “Ama no Iwato”, you will receive many blessings.
``Nukemairi'' to receive power and improve your luck
A place you definitely want to visit is Ama no Iwato. There is a hole in the center of the huge rock that is big enough to fit through by bending down. It is said that crawling through this hole will purify your sins and impurities and bring good fortune, and is also called ``Nukemairi.'' Step into it. Bedrock approaches from above, below, left and right, and even though I know I can pass through it, I feel a little nervous when I step on it.
Although it is not far from downtown Kyoto, it has a dignified atmosphere that makes you feel as if you are being embraced by a deep mountain. It is known for its high status and history, being called the ``Ise of Kyoto,'' the many deities it enshrines, and the existence of ``Ama no Iwato.'' In a sense, it may be no surprise that Hyuga Daijingu Shrine is called one of Kyoto's leading power spots.
Entrance to "Ama no Iwato". Many people say this is a powerful power spot.
The deity of Togakushi Shrine is enshrined inside Ama no Iwato.
Hinata Daijingu
29 Kyotani-cho, Hinoka Issai, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto City
Shrine office reception is from 10:15 to 24:XNUMX (visiting is possible XNUMX hours)
Serikunosha
A mysterious spot filled with the breath of ancient Japan before the Heian period
The Uzumasa area, known for its film and video industry, is known as the area where the Hata family, who immigrated from the Korean Peninsula around the 6th century, lived, and can be said to be the place where they were baptized into continental culture. Kaiko no Yashiro is located in such a unique area. The official name of the shrine is Konoshima-za Amateru Mitama Shrine, and ``Sericulture Shrine'' refers to a separate shrine within the shrine grounds. However, the people's faith is deep, and it is popularly known by this name.
When you get off at the Keifuku Electric Railway Arashiyama Main Line's ``Kennosha'' station, also known as ``Randen,'' you will see a large ``Ichino Torii.'' ``Seri-no-sha'', which dates back to the 8th century or earlier, is said to be related to the Hata clan, who lived nearby. It is said that the shrine was once crowded with visitors as it was said to pray for the success of the sericulture and weaving that the Hata clan brought from the continent, and was said to bring good luck in harvesting and marital harmony.
Streetcars come and go on the road near Randen's Kakunosha Station. This is the only remaining streetcar section in Kyoto. On the right is "Ichi-no-Torii".
Its origin is still unknown. Mysterious three-pillar torii gate
``Sikunosha'' is a mysterious spot. The place at the back left facing the main shrine symbolizes this. The torii gate has three pillars that stand on a small stage-like area surrounded by rocks. It is said that many people feel a strong power from this unique sight. There are various theories regarding the origin of this torii gate, known as the ``Three-Pillared Torii Gate,'' including its connection to sun worship, Judaism, and Christianity, but the truth is currently unknown. When I look at it, I feel like I'm being drawn in, it's like something is being released, and on the other hand, it's like I'm trying to contain something... It's no wonder that it's a must-visit place when visiting Kyoto's power spots.
The area around the ``Three Pillars Torii'' was once a pond, so it is called ``Motonadasu Pond.'' Even today, on the day of the ox every year, water is poured and purification is performed.
"Hakusei Inari", which is enshrined within the shrine grounds, is also known as a power spot. The inside of the stone chamber where the Inari shrine is enshrined is dimly lit, and it takes some courage to step inside.
Surrounded by an extraordinary world, think about ancient romance
The area around the three-pillar torii gate is called ``Motodasu Forest'' and ``Motodasu Pond.'' From this, it is said that this is the origin of Tadasu no Mori and Tadasu no Ike within the grounds of Shimogamo Shrine. Although the reason is not clear, it is not a bad idea to think about ancient romance while looking at the torii gate, such as the relationship between the two major tribes, the Kamo clan associated with Shimogamo Shrine and the Hata clan of Silkworm Shrine. . On the other hand, when you hear the lively voices of children playing at the nursery school next to the Ni-no-Torii gate, everyone feels relieved and feels like they have safely returned to the real world. I wonder if there isn't.
Because the shrine has mysterious powers, it is visited by worshipers not only from nearby areas but also from far away.
Silkworm Shrine (official name is Konoshima Amateru Mitama Shrine)
50 Uzumasa Morigatocho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Kuzuryu Taisha Shrine
Receive the blessings of Kuzuryu Benzaiten Okami through a unique worship method
The road that runs from Kyoto City to Ohara along the Takano River turns into a deep valley around Yase. This makes it difficult for sunlight to reach them, and there are many places that are in shadow even during the day. Among these valleys, there is a high ground where light shines down for a long period of time, almost miraculously due to the shape of the ridgeline. Kuzuryu Taisha is located in such a place.
The origin of Kuzuryu Taisha is that Kuzuryu Benzaiten Okami appeared in the dream of Shojiro Onishi, the grandfather of Masahiro Onishi, the teacher's successor, and gave him an oracle. Kuzuryu Benzaiten Omikami is said to be a goddess of mercy who removes misfortune and misfortune and brings good fortune, and the merits she brings to the shrine were spread through word of mouth, and soon many people came to visit the shrine with enthusiasm.
Although the main shrine is located in a valley, it is bathed in abundant sunlight. Kuzuryu Taisha's unique way of worshiping, ``Osendo'', involves going around the main shrine nine times.
In the entrance parlor of the building, named ``Gagakuden,'' there is a Japanese painting depicting a Kuzuryu rising to the sky. It is also the route of ``Osendo'', and worshipers can also pray here.
``Osendo'', when you go around the main shrine nine times, is a time to face yourself.
Even though it was a weekday, many people were walking around the main shrine in silence. This is a unique way of worshiping at Kuzuryu Taisha Shrine, called ``Osendo.'' It is said that your wish will come true by walking around the main shrine nine times clockwise. A young woman, a member of society in a suit, an elderly couple... Each of them continues to spin around silently. It takes about 9 to 15 minutes to go around nine times. Walking mindlessly is time for self-purification. Everyone who completed the ``Osendo'' looked beaming, filled with a sense of accomplishment.
Nine split bamboo pieces called ``Osendobo'' are placed in the shrine and are returned to the shrine, one by one, each time one goes around the main shrine.
The wording on the fortune is extremely clear and strong.
Another characteristic of Kuzuryu Taisha is that it has unique fortunes and amulets. Everyone who completes ``Osendo'' draws a fortune. The words written there are oracles from Kuzuryu Benzaiten Okami. A powerful and clear word in response to a wish that you want to make or a problem you are having is sure to be of great help to someone who is at a crossroads.
The words on the fortune teller are words uttered by Kuzuryu Benzaiten. A clear and easy-to-understand word will give you vitality for tomorrow. It's a good idea to take your fortune home with you and look at it from time to time.
A talisman housed in a hexagonal wrapping paper. The shape of the wrapping paper comes from the scales of a white snake, a messenger of Kuzuryu Benzaiten. After finishing ``Osendo,'' you receive a sweet amulet made by mixing sugar with Kanbai powder, and burn the wrapping paper yourself.
Kuzuryu Taisha was founded in 29. History is not old. However, many people still visit the land of Yase today in search of infinite divine protection. To immerse yourself in the pure time brought about by a unique method of worship and face yourself in front of the shrine.
Kuzuryu Taisha Shrine
681 Yase Konoecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City
Shrine office reception is from 9:17 to 24:XNUMX (visiting is possible XNUMX hours)
*The Kuzuryu painting in "Gagaku-den" is open from 9:30 to 15:30.
In case of stormy weather, the door may be closed.
Kyoto Prefecture is home to many shrines and temples. There are many unseen landscapes, experiences, and hidden spots. We hope you will visit the power spots and enjoy the quiet beauty of Kyoto that only winter can offer, with a sense of prayer as you bid farewell to the coming year and welcome the new year with freshness.
Photography by Yukiyo Daido
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