Japan? category ?

Fujinomori-jinja Shrine was founded about 1,800 years ago. The ritual of running horses has been handed down since ancient times. As a horse shrine, it is visited by many people involved in horse racing, jockeys, and fans. There were a lot of things related to horses in the shrine grounds.

Hoonin Temple was founded in 1326. The principal image is the Amoghapasa. Amoghapasa holds a lasso and is said to be able to capture and remove all suffering. I also visited the hall where Jurojin is enshrined. A deer is sitting next to him with a calm expression on its face.

Kitano-Tenmangu Shrine was founded in 947. The shrine enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, who is known for granting academic benefits. It is the head shrine of the approximately 12,000 Tenmangu shrines and Tenjin shrines throughout Japan. There is a festival on the 25th of every month.

It is said that Amitabha, along with twenty-five Bodhisattvas, comes from the Pure Land to welcome the deceased. Sokujoin Temple has preserved a group of Buddha statues that recreate this scene for nearly 1,000 years.

Tofukuji Temple is the head temple of the Tofukuji branch of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism and was founded in 1236. The Sanmon Gate is designated as a national treasure of Japan. Tofukuji Temple has three wooden bridges. During the autumn foliage season you can see some very beautiful scenery.

The main hall of Sanjusangendo was built in 1164. It was later destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt in 1266 and remains as it is today. Inside the hall, there are 1,000 Thousand-Armed Kannon (Sahasrabhuja) statues lined up. The main hall and the group of Buddhist statues are all designated as national treasures.

Kawai-jinja Shrine is located within the grounds of Shimogamo-jinja Shrine. A beautiful goddess is enshrined here, and it is said that those who pray there will become beautiful. You can draw a face on a hand-mirror-shaped votive plaque and offer it as an offering.

Zuikoji Temple was founded in 1655. The main hall has a thatched roof. The main image of the temple is a statue of Sakyamuni enshrined inside the hall. A white dragon is enshrined near the entrance to the temple grounds. It is said that washing money here will bring you good fortune.

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.

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.