Exploring the Historical Depths of Daitoku-ji and the Mystical Wonders of Imamiya Shrine

 Daitoku-ji is the head temple of the Daitoku-ji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, located in the Kita Ward of Kyoto City. It was founded in 1315. The temple fell into ruin during the Onin War, which lasted for 11 years during the Muromachi period, but it was restored by Ikkyu Sojun. Since then, many cultural figures and samurai have been involved with the temple. Notably, it is famous for its connection to Sen no Rikyū, who is well-known for the tea ceremony. There is a story that he was ordered to commit seppuku by Toyotomi Hideyoshi due to a wooden statue of him being placed at the temple's sanmon gate. This incident is depicted in the book "Ask Rikyū" by Kenichi Yamamoto, which has also been made into a movie. Kenichi Yamamoto was my classmate from elementary school through high school, but unfortunately, he passed away in 2014.

Daitoku-ji has a vast area and is home to more than 20 sub-temples (tatchu). Here are some places that are particularly worth visiting:

Hōjō: Designated as a national treasure, it features a beautiful karesansui (dry landscape) garden.

Tōmon: An important cultural property, it is adorned with luxurious decorations.

Sub-temples: The sub-temples that are always open to the public include Ryūgen-in, Zuifū-in, Kōtō-in, and Daisei-in. At these sub-temples, you can enjoy Zen experiences and tranquil gardens.

Zazen Experience: At places like Ryūsen-an within Daitoku-ji, beginner-friendly zazen (seated meditation) experiences are offered. Reservations are required in advance, but it is a great opportunity to calm your mind.

Nearby, there is Imamiya Shrine, where the aburi mochi shop has been in operation since the Heian period. Aburi mochi is a simple yet delicious snack. The shrine was founded in 994 and was established to quell epidemics, and it has since been worshipped as the "god who drives away illness." It is also known as "Tamano Koshijinja" because of its association with Katsura Shōin, the mother of Tokugawa's fifth shogun, Tsunayoshi, who was a devotee of the shrine. "Tamano koshi" refers to the wealth and social status that women gain by marrying wealthy men. As a result, the shrine has become a particularly popular power spot for those wishing for good relationships and good fortune.

 At Imamiya Shrine, you'll discover the enchanting "omokaruiishi," or "heavy-light stone." To engage with this mystical stone, simply make a wish, then gently tap it three times with your palm before lifting it. After that, stroke it three times and lift it again. If it feels lighter than you expected, legend has it that your wish is destined to come true! This intriguing ritual adds an element of excitement and hope to your visit, making it a must-try experience for anyone seeking a little magic in their life.

Heian shrine and its garden

Heian Shrine: A Historical Overview

Heian Shrine is an important shrine that symbolizes the history and culture of Kyoto, and its beautiful gardens also captivate visitors. Below is an introduction to the history of Heian Shrine and the magnificence of its gardens.

History of Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine was established in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Heian-kyo (Kyoto). This shrine is positioned as a representation of the splendor of the Heian period. The shrine was constructed to replicate the main hall of the Heian Palace, with the Daigoku-den (Great Hall) being a significant part of the former imperial residence. Heian Shrine enshrines Emperor Kammu and Emperor Komei, playing a crucial role in Kyoto's history.

The architectural style of the shrine features vermilion pillars and green tiles, leaving a strong impression on visitors. Heian Shrine is designated as an Important Cultural Property, and its beautiful buildings showcase traditional Japanese architectural techniques.

The Splendor of the Gardens

The gardens of Heian Shrine cover approximately 33,000 square meters and offer beauty throughout the four seasons. The gardens are divided into four parts: the East Garden, Central Garden, West Garden, and South Garden, each representing different seasonal landscapes.

• Spring: Cherry blossoms bloom in full, allowing visitors to enjoy hanami (flower viewing). The garden, particularly known for its cherry trees, is a perfect spot to experience the arrival of spring.
• Summer: Lush greenery and serene ponds provide tranquility to visitors. The gardens feature ponds where koi(carp) and turtles swim, and visitors can feed them.
• Autumn: The leaves change color beautifully, enveloping the gardens in vibrant hues. The sight of maple leaves turning red and yellow is particularly moving for visitors.
• Winter: The gardens, adorned with a blanket of snow, offer a beautiful scene wrapped in silence. Even in the cold of winter, the beauty of the gardens remains unchanged, making it worth a visit.

Heian Shrine and its gardens are a place where historical background and natural beauty merge, providing deep emotional experiences for visitors. If you visit Kyoto, be sure to stop by and immerse yourself in its charm.

Useful Japanese phrases in Kyoto

Kyoto is home to many temples and shrines, and interestingly, the Japanese pronunciation of "temple" is quite similar to that of "teller." There is a term known as "fortune teller," which adds to the intrigue of this phonetic resemblance. In Japanese, temples are often referred to with the honorific prefix "o," making the pronunciation sound like "Oh, teller." Additionally, the closest pronunciation of "shrine" resembles "ginger." One might wonder, does God have a fondness for ginger?

Waking up early in the morning to visit temples and shrines is a refreshing experience. If you happen to meet someone there, it's customary to greet them in Japanese. While saying "Good morning" is perfectly acceptable, I encourage you to try the Japanese phrase. In Japanese, we say "Ohayo Gozaimasu," which can be a bit challenging to pronounce. A simpler way to say it is "Ohio goes eye mars," which is quite close. You can also keep it short by simply saying "Ohio." Most Japanese people will respond with a smile.

If you're looking to greet someone in the afternoon, you would say "Konnichiwa." If you prefer to use English sounds, you might pronounce it as "Corn niche word," but there's no need to pronounce the "d" at the end.

When it's time to part ways, you can say "Sayonara," which can be playfully pronounced as "Sir your Nara." Nara is a prefecture located south of Kyoto. I'm sure that every Japanese person will understand you, even if you say "Sir your Norah," reminiscent of the singer Norah Jones.

Jumping off the stage of Kiyomizu temple???

Kiyomizu-dera, located in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, is a famous Buddhist temple in Japan that was founded in 794. Officially known as Kiyomizu Kannon-ji, it enshrines the Kannon Bodhisattva as its main deity. Due to its beautiful scenery and historical significance, Kiyomizu-dera has also been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of the most famous features of Kiyomizu-dera is its wooden stage, which juts out from the main hall and offers a panoramic view of Kyoto from a height of about 13 meters. The view from this stage allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons, and it attracts many tourists, especially during the cherry blossom season in spring and the pitch-dark foliage. Below the stage flows a waterfall that produces a sound known as “Kiyomizu,” and this water is said to promote good health, making it popular among visitors. “Kiyomizu” means clean water.

The expression "to jump off the stage of Kiyomizu" pitch-dark taking risks or making bold decisions. The origin of this phrase is based on a legend in which a person successfully jumped from the stage despite the inherent danger. During the Edo period, it became a trend for people to actually jump from the stage, and those who survived were considered "lucky," earning admiration for their courage. Thus, Kiyomizu-dera is not just a tourist destination but also a symbol of bravery and decision-making.

Additionally, Kiyomizu-dera is known for its architectural style and cultural significance. In particular, the structure of the stage showcases the high level of wooden construction techniques, and it has undergone numerous restorations over the centuries. Visitors can enjoy not only the historical background and beautiful scenery but also seek inner peace through their visit.

Another recommended experience within the temple grounds is the "Tainai Meguri", or "Inner Sanctum Tour." As visitors progress through the pitch-dark passageways, they encounter various Buddhist statues and religious symbols. The narrow and dark corridors can evoke a sense of unease, but this also provides an opportunity for introspection. At the end of the Tainai Meguri, visitors reach a special place where they can offer prayers. This moment becomes an important time for achieving inner peace, leaving many people deeply moved.

The magnificent building that you must not miss: Kinkaku-ji.

Kinkaku-ji; ji means temple (=Rokuon-ji) is a representative tourist attraction located in Kyoto City, captivating many foreign tourists with its beauty and historical background. Kinkaku-ji was constructed in 1397 by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, a shogun of the Muromachi period, serving as his retirement villa. While its official name is Rokuon-ji, the golden pavilion (commonly known as Kinkaku; Kin means Gold.) is particularly famous, and its luxurious appearance overwhelms visitors.

Features of Kinkaku-ji
Kinkaku-ji is a three-story building, with each level showcasing a different architectural style. The first floor is built in the shinden-zukuri style, the second floor in the buke-zukuri style, and the third floor in the Chinese Zen style, with gold leaf applied especially on the second and third floors. A phoenix shines atop the roof, symbolizing the paradise of the Pure Land. This unique design serves as a profound representation of Japanese culture for foreign visitors.

Beauty of the Gardens and Nature
The charm of Kinkaku-ji extends beyond the building itself to its surrounding gardens. The gardens feature ponds and pine trees, offering seasonal landscapes to enjoy. The autumn foliage and winter snow, in particular, create a breathtaking beauty when combined with the golden pavilion.

Cultural Influence
Kinkaku-ji appears frequently in Japanese literature and anime. Notably, Yukio Mishima's novel "Kinkaku-ji" tells the story of a monk obsessed with the beauty of the pavilion, receiving high acclaim both domestically and internationally. Additionally, its presence in the anime "Ikkyu-san" has made it widely known, especially among people from overseas, including China.

Near Kinkaku-ji, there are many restaurants and cafes, making it an excellent place for tourists to enjoy meals. Here are some recommended restaurants:

1.Chabo Kinkaku-An
Located just a 2-minute walk from Kinkaku-ji, this restaurant focuses on Japanese tea. It offers dishes made with the finest gyokuro (high-grade green tea). Reservations are required, allowing guests to enjoy a special time in a traditional Kyoto townhouse atmosphere.

2.Ramen KAZU Kinkaku-ji Store
This ramen shop, within walking distance from Kinkaku-ji, is popular among locals. It’s perfect for enjoying delicious ramen conveniently during sightseeing.

3.Sumiyaki Unagi Doikatsuman Kinkaku-ji Store
A specialty eel restaurant located just a 5-minute walk from Kinkaku-ji. It serves fresh eel grilled over charcoal, bustling with tourists, especially during lunch hours.

4.Kyoto Ki Shin
This restaurant offers French kaiseki cuisine and is slightly farther from Kinkaku-ji but is renowned for its creative dishes. It features local ingredients, making it ideal for a special dinner.

5.Kinkaku-ji Itadaki
A Western-style restaurant just a minute's walk from Kinkaku-ji, popular for its menu featuring Kyoto vegetables. It’s recommended as a casual stop during sightseeing.

These restaurants are must-visit spots when you come to Kinkaku-ji. Enjoying a delicious meal after sightseeing will allow you to further savor the charm of Kyoto.

Temples and Shinto shrines in Kyoto

 There are about 800 officially registered temples and 1,700 shrines in Kyoto. Let me answer the question, you might have, about the difference between temples and shrines.

Shrines are associated with the religion of Shintoism, which has existed in Japan since ancient times. Shinto is a polytheistic religion based on the worship of nature and ancestors. Shrine is a place to enshrine a deity and plays a role in promoting interaction with the deity.

Temples, on the other hand, are based on Buddhism, which came from the Korean Peninsula around the 6th century. Buddhism is a philosophical and religious system that aims for enlightenment. Temple is a place to enshrine Buddha images, learn Buddhist teachings, and conduct practice.

Then, I show you how to visit the shrine

 * Take a bow before passing through the torii gate.

 (The torii gate is a vermilion gate that indicates that it is a sacred place where the gods reside from here on. It is considered as the boundary between the mundane and the divine.)

 * Wash your hand at the water fountain. Do not drink !

 * Proceed to the worship hall through the approach.

 * Insert money

 * Bow deeply twice.

 * Double clap: Place your right hand lightly on your left hand, then raise your hands to chest level and strike twice.

 * Pray

 * Bow deeply once.

 * Leave the worship hall

How to pray at the temple

 * Bow in front of the mountain gate

 * Wash your hand at the water fountain. Do not drink !

 * Head to the main hall

 * Put the money in the gift box

 * Bow once (No hand clapping here !)

 * Pray

 * Bow again

 In both cases, when we pray, we make a request in our hearts, and we should not ask our personal wishes. It's important that it be relevant to everyone. For example, may the world be peaceful.

Transportation - Bicycle

 It is also recommended to go around Kyoto slowly by bicycle. However, it is better to avoid summer and winter. The heat and cold of Kyoto cannot be underestimated.

The sound of "at twee" means hot, "some it" means cold. People in Kyoto often say it twice. "At twee, at twee" express that it is very hot, and when it's cold, "Some it, some it".

Now, let's ride a bicycle and visit temples and shrines in the pleasant season of spring and autumn. Recently, there is also a rental service for electrically power assisted bicycles, so the climb is easy.

With a sharing service, you can rent it at a convenient place and return it at a convenient place, at any time. Especially in CLEW(Rental bicycle service company), there are 250 ports and 800 bicycles, which is indispensable for sightseeing in Kyoto. Since it is electrically assisted, slopes are not a problem.

However, just because you ride a bicycle does not mean that you can ride it on any road you like and park it wherever you want.

The first path you can ride is the bicycle path displayed on the left side of the roadway as above, and if there is a sign on the sidewalk that allows bicycles as below, you can ride on the sidewalk.

 However, even in that case, pedestrians have priority. In addition, when parking, it is prohibited on the street, and it must be a bicycle parking lot. And when riding a bicycle at night, you are required to turn on the lights. Don't forget. Even though you don't need a license, be sure to follow the rules.