Kansai– category –

Shonenji Temple was founded in 1606. The story goes that when the temple fell into ruin, a cat kept by the head priest connected with the lord and helped the temple to be restored. The pine tree in the temple grounds is said to represent a lying down cat. There were signs and charms with illustrations of cats on them.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ichihime-Jinjya Shrine was founded in 795. This shrine is believed to be the guardian deity of women, and many people come to pray there. There were some charms that seemed to be inspired by princesses from the past. This one had a fortune slip inside. After reading it, I wrote down my wish and offered it to the shrine.

Yasaka Koshindo was built over 1000 years ago.Because monkeys move around a lot, they are also said to be symbols of desire. For this reason, there was a custom of tying the hands and feet of monkey dolls. Nowadays, people write their wishes on colorful monkey dolls and tie them on them.