Discover a Quiet and Peaceful side of Kyoto
Here, we can enjoy a stroll through the gardens that extend from Tsutenkyo Bridge.
This area is surrounded by fresh green foliage, and the hydrangeas are beautiful as well.
Although there was still a bit of lingering rain, the conditions were perfect for the fresh greenery and moss gardens.
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Motifs of turtles and carp are frequently seen throughout the shrine grounds.
Turtles are regarded as messengers of Matsuo-taisha Shrine symbolizing eternal youth and longevity, while carp serve as guardians representing career advancement and good fortune.
Matsunoo-taisha Shrine, located in the Nishikyo Ward of Kyoto City, is primarily known as the “God of Sake” (the ancestral deity of brewing).
This reputation stems from the fact that the Hata clan—who originally developed this area—included many skilled sake brewers, and from a legend stating that sake would not spoil if mixed with water from “Kame-no-i,” a spring located within the shrine grounds.
The shrine precincts feature numerous sake barrels dedicated by brewing companies from across Japan.
I also participated in the *Chinowa-kuguri* (passing through a large ring of woven grass) ritual held there on that day (June 28).
Kenkun Shrine is located on Mt. Funaoka in Kyoto’s Kita Ward.
Its formal name is Takeisao Shrine.
The principal deity enshrined there is Oda Nobunaga, who is worshipped alongside his son, Nobutada.
“Chinowa-kuguri” is a ritual that involves passing through a large ring made of cogon grass (*chinowa*) to purify one’s body and mind while praying for protection against misfortune, good health, and the safety of one’s family. Since ancient times in Japan, it has been believed that passing through this ring—set up at shrines during the “Nagoshi no Sekku” (Summer Purification Festival) in June—helps ward off calamity.
“Chinowa-kuguri”
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The following photos were also taken within the grounds of Tofuku-ji Temple.
Due to the impact of a typhoon, visits to one of the sub-temples (Tentoku-in Temple) had been suspended; since I was unable to view the *kikyo* (balloon flower) garden, I decided to visit again.
Nevertheless, I was able to enjoy the vibrant green scenery within the temple grounds.
※The *andon* (paper lantern) at Tofuku-ji Temple bore the text of the once-famous catchphrase: “Yes, let’s go to Kyoto.”
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