Toyokuni-jinja
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TEL :075-561-3802 Address :530 Chayacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto Access :JR Kyoto Station > (city bus) > Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae bus stop > 5 minutes walk |
A shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi
This shrine enshrines Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who rose from a peasant to unify Japan.
He used a picture of a gourd as his battle standard. Because the number of these gourds increased with each victory in battle, they are called “thousand gourds.”
You can see gourds everywhere on the shrine grounds. It brings good fortune in career advancement.
National Treasure Karamon Gate
In front of the main hall is the Karamon gate, which is designated as a national treasure. This is believed to be the remains of Fushimi Castle.
The sturdy cypress bark roof is very beautiful.
There is a crane sculpture under the roof. This was carved by the famous master craftsman Hidari Jingoro. It was believed that once completed, a soul would reside in it and fly away. It is said that for this reason the crane’s eyes were not carved.
Treasure Museum
Within the shrine grounds, there is a treasure museum displaying items associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi. There are many valuable items, such as swords, armor, tea ceremony utensils, and paintings.
I especially recommend the Toyokuni Festival Screen (Important Cultural Property). The painting depicts a magnificent and splendid festival. Among them are people dressed as bamboo shoot, and there are some humorous surprises as well.
