My local shrine, Shimogamo Jinja in Kyoto, is presently putting on an art exhibition of ikebana. The displays line the entrance to the shrine, with some set against a backdrop of woods and others framed by the vermilion of … Read the rest
Category: Kyoto shrines (Page 25 of 28)
Yesterday I happened to explore the north-west corner of Kyoto, in which are located three World Heritage Sites, all of which are Buddhist temples in one form or another. The Golden Pavilion is world famous for its exquisite beauty and … Read the rest
Over the past fortnight I happen to have come across the Chinese zodiac in various guises. A set of 12 small shrines (hokora) for each zodiac year at Hakusan Jinja in Hiraizumi. A full set of 12 … Read the rest
My local shrine in Kyoto, Shimogamo Jinja, happens to be one of the city’s 17 World Heritage ‘properties’. Today it held a festival for used hanko seals at which there was a ritual of some thirty minutes for priests … Read the rest
May. Sunshine. Fertility. Inari…..
What a blessing at this time of year to live in Kyoto and be able to walk up the sacred mount at Fushimi. I’ve never seen the shrine so radiant, for it stands freshly restored … Read the rest
Aoi Festival took place today in glorious sunshine. The festival is said to have originated in the sixth century when Emperor Kinmei ordered it in order to placate the kami that were causing a series of disasters. It’s supposed … Read the rest
The thunder kami
It takes place on May 12. It’s held in secret. And it’s one of Japan’s oldest continuous rites. It’s the little known, and mysterious, Miare sai held by Kamigamo Shrine in Kyoto.
The rite is carried out … Read the rest