Kyoto’s shrines and temples have statues and paintings of various birds, including dove, cranes, and sparrows. These are either related to gods or Buddhas or based on legends.
Here we will introduce recommended shrines and temples for each type of bird.
Bird shrines and temples in Kyoto
Dove : Kadode-Hachimangu Shrine
This divine being has doves as his companions. There are statues of doves on the purification fountain and roof tiles in the shrine grounds.
Doves are also said to be guide birds. It is said that Minamoto no Yoshitsune prayed for a safe journey at this shrine.
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Kadode-hachimangu shrine (Kyoto) : A Blessing for the departure
“Kadode” is a Japanese word meaning “departure”. This place is known as the site where Ushiwakamaru (Minamoto no Yoshitsune) prayed for safe travels before setting out on his journey. He won many battles with his unconventional strategies and is famous as a historical hero.
Crane : Toyokuni Shrine
The Karamon Gate (a national treasure) located in front of the main hall has a carving of a crane. 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.
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Toyokuni shrine (Kyoto) : Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s shrine
This shrine enshrines Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who rose from a peasant to unify Japan. In front of the main hall is the Karamon gate, which is designated as a national treasure. Within the shrine grounds, there is a treasure museum displaying items associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Sparrow : Higashi-Honganji temple
Higashi-Honganji Temple is the head temple of the Otani sect of Shinshu Buddhism and is located very close to Kyoto Station.
The Daishinden Hall features sliding screen paintings by Takeuchi Seiho, depicting many adorable sparrows. It is usually closed to the public, but there are times when it is open to the public during special periods or events.
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Higashi-Honganji temple (Kyoto) : Huge wooden buildings
Higashi-Honganji is the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Otani sect. It is located very close to Kyoto Station. There are many buildings designated as important cultural properties within the temple grounds. The Goeido (Main) Hall is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world.
Kite : Otoyo Shrine
There is a statue of a kite in front of the Atago Shrine within the shrine grounds. Kite is a bird of prey that flies slowly in circles. The bird is enshrined as a guardian of the mountain from the sky.
Atago Shrine is said to have the power to prevent fires.
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Ootoyo shrine (Kyoto) : The mice will bestow good fortune upon you
Ootoyo-jinja shrine was founded in 887 to pray for the recovery of Emperor Uda from illness. The enshrined deity is Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto, the god of medicine. This shrine features statues of various animals, representing messengers of different gods. Mice are particularly well-known.
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