There are statues and paintings of various fish in Kyoto’s shrines and temples, including sea bream, carp, and eels. These are either related to gods or Buddhas or based on legends.
Here we will introduce recommended shrines and temples for each type of fish.
Fish shrines and temples in Kyoto
Fish : Manpukuji Temple
It is the head temple of the Obaku sect. A fish drum is hung in the corridor. This is a Buddhist implement that makes sounds to tell the monk the time.
Because fish do not blink, they are a symbol of preventing sleep during training and of working hard. The ball coming out of his mouth is a mass of earthly desires that he is trying to expel from his body.
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Manpukuji temple (Kyoto) : A Great Temple in Uji
Manpuku-ji Temple was founded in 1661 and is the head temple of the Obaku school of Zen Buddhism. The Daiohohden, Tennoden, and Hatto are all National Treasures. There are also numerous other halls designated as Important Cultural Properties. Kaipan is a ritual implement shaped like a fish.
Sea bream : Nogi Shrine
Ebisu is a sacred being who holds a sea bream. For this reason, a statue of a sea bream has been erected at Ebisu Shrine, located within the grounds of Nogi-jinja Shrine.
On the body of the large sea bream, the words “I want to be happy” are written in Japanese. The small sea bream has the words “prosperous business” written on it.
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Nogi shrine (Kyoto) : The blessings of victory
Nogi Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Nogi Maresuke and his wife, Nogi Shizuko, who made significant contributions to Japan’s victory in the Russo-Japanese War. Within the shrine grounds, there is a spring of famous water from Fushimi, and it is said that drinking it will bring you good luck in winning.
Carp : Gokonomiya Shrine
There is a carving of Kinko Hermit riding a carp under the eaves of the worship hall. This is a scene where he emerges from the water on a carp to catch a dragon.
Next to it is a carving depicting the legend of a carp that climbs the waterfall and turns into a dragon.
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Gokonomiya shrine (Kyoto) : Healing spring water
The exact date of its founding is unknown, but it is a historically significant shrine with records indicating that fragrant water gushed forth within its grounds in 862. Gokonomiya means “fragrant shrine” in Japanese. Legend says that the water that springs from the shrine grounds instantly cures illnesses when drunk.
Eel : Takio Shrine
Mishima Shrine, located within the grounds of Takio-jinja Shrine, is a rare shrine in which eels are its messengers. A votive plaque with two eels on it is said to grant fertility, while three eels are said to grant safe childbirth.
The Eel Festival is held every year on October 26th. Eel dealers from all over the country participate in this festival and release eels into the pond.
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Takio shrine (Kyoto) : Meet a giant dragon
This shrine enshrines Onamuchi-no-Mikoto as its principal deity. Mahakala, Sarasvati, and Vaisravana are also enshrined here. There is a dragon carving on the ceiling of the worship hall. It was 8 meters (26.25 feet) long and so intricately made that it was feared to come to life at night.
Catfish : Taizoin Temple
Taizoin is a sub-temple of Myoshinji Temple and is famous for its National Treasure painting, “Gourd and catfish” This painting is a ink Wash Painting based on the Zen question theme: How can one catch a catfish with a gourd?
There were catfish and gourd roof tiles. The catfish’s round eyes are cute.
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Taizoin temple (Kyoto) : Japanese garden and Zen editation
Taizoin is a sub-temple of Myoshinji Temple that was built in 1404. After paying the admission fee and entering the temple grounds, you will find the main hall, an important cultural property. If you go further, you will come across a dry landscape garden and a strolling pond garden.
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