Awata-Jinja
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TEL :075-551-3154 Address :1 Awadaguchi Kajicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto Access :Kyoto Municipal Tozai Line > 7 minutes walk Parking :There is a parking lot |
Introduction to Awata-Jinja shrine
This shrine was enshrined in 876. It is located at one of the seven entrances to Kyoto and is said to provide protection for those setting out on their journey.
The main hall was rebuilt in 1823 and is designated as a cultural property of Kyoto City.
Kaji Shrine, located in the parking lot, is dedicated to a swordsmith.
Fans of the popular game “Touken Ranbu” visit the shrine and leave votive wooden tablets.
There is a treasure museum on the grounds where swords are on display.
The floating duck toys in the purification fountain are very popular. They’re going to get eaten by a dragon.
Awata Festival in October
When I visited the shrine on the day of the festival, the mikoshi (portable shrine) was just about to depart.
The town was purified by people walking around carrying sword poles that were 7 to 8 meters(23 to 26 feet) long and weighed 40 to 60 kg (88 to 132 pound).
At the nearby Shorenin Temple, a shinto priest was performing a purification ritual on a monk. It was a rare sight.
A special feature of this festival was the large lantern. It is also said to be the roots of Aomori’s Nebuta Festival. (The photo below was taken at a different event.)
