Japan? category ?

It is one of the oldest shrines in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City. The shrine's character, "Kanau-san," is the spirit of the Kurogane Mochi. This name means wishes come true. It has red berries on its head. The sacred tree, Kurogane Mochi (Kurogane holly), contains the word for rich in Japanese.

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. 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.

Nanzoin Temple was founded in 1348. It is famous for its Ksitigarbha bound with rope. I tied the Ksitigarbha statue with a rope while praying for my wish. The rope is provided at the temple. Each rope cost 100 yen. There is a ceremony on New Year's Eve where this rope is untied.

Tokyo is a city with few old wooden buildings, having suffered major earthquakes and fires during wars. However, Gokokuji Temple still has a huge main hall built in 1697. Normally, you can enter between 9:00 and 11:50 and between 13:00 and 16:00. There are many Buddha statues enshrined inside the hall.

Jonangu Shrine was built in 794 when the city of Kyoto was founded. Shrine maiden dances are performed regularly. I went there in March, and the shrine maidens were wearing plum blossoms in their crowns and dancing while holding branches. After the shrine maiden dance, worshippers were given amulets.

Zojoji Temple was founded in 1393 and is the head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism. It is the family temple of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and the graves of six Shoguns can be found within the temple grounds. The main hall is one of the largest in Tokyo. Tokyo Tower stands in the background.

Okazaki-jinja Shrine was built in 794, the same year the city of Kyoto was founded. Rabbits are said to be messengers of gods. There are many rabbit statues in the precincts. Rabbits are said to bring blessings for safe childbirth because they give birth to many young.

Yasui-Konpiragu Shrine was founded between 668 and 671. This shrine is famous for severing ties. There is a stone in the precincts where people pray for severing ties and finding love. You pass through from the front to the back while praying to cut ties.

Shimogamo-jinja is a shrine with a long history, first mentioned in records as far back as 90 BC. The two main buildings are designated as Japanese national treasures. The forest within the shrine grounds covers an area of 124,000 square meters, and ancient vegetation still remains.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Kyoto's most representative temples. It's always very crowded during the day, but in the early morning there are fewer people, so you can visit the shrine at your leisure. I was the first one there, heading to the stage in front of the main hall.