《 summary 》
Visiting the shrines of Kyoto can be an enigmatic experience. While their physical beauty and long history command respect, it can be difficult to understand them in the context of a modern Japan that seems far removed from its Shinto roots.
《 Publisher 》
＜＜Kinpusha Publishing＞＞
Adress: Four season buil annex Building, 7th floor
2-4-6 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo 160-0022
Tel: (03) 3353 5171
Please visit on the web at: http://www.kinpusha.com
This book contains numerous photographs, taken by myself, which help to illustrate and introduce each shrine. Specifically, I am guides through:
Fushimi Inari Shrine:This shrine is famous for the Senbon Torii, or “thousand gates.” Donated by local businesses in the belief that wishes “pass through” these gates, visitors ascend up a narrow stone path through countless gates with the knowledge that each gate represents the hopes and dreams of a benefactor.
Yasaka Shrine:Famous for the Gion Festival and particularly beloved by modern-day natives of Kyoto, Yasaka Shrine also has a fascinating history as the origin of a belief system in which vengeful spirits were placated through deification in shrines.
Kamo-Mioya Shrine (Shimogamo Shrine): In addition to being recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site and a Historic Monument of Ancient Kyoto, Kamo-Mioya Shrine is surrounded by a forest that has remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years.
Kifune Shrine:In ancient times, live horses were provided as offerings to the gods at shrines. Kifune Shrine is the first shrine at which horses were drawn onto wooden placards and offered to the gods rather than live horses.
Matsunō Shrine:Famous as the most important shrine for sake brewing, the reader can explore the relationship between sake and Shinto at this shrine.
《 Table of Contents 》
Introduction
Author Profile
How to Enjoy This Book
■Vocabulary
■Guide
The Proper Way to Visit Shinto Shrines
How to Enjoy Kyoto’s Top 5 Shrines, as Told by a Shinto Priest
1.Fushimi Inari Shrine
“Ten thousand torii (gates) extend into the distance. As you pass through the torii, you go up a long path of steep stone stairs until you reach the peaks where the deity Inari descended to Earth.”
2.Yasaka Shrine
“At the shrine which hosts the Gion Festival, one of Japan’s top 3 festivals, one can receive a blessing for good health.”
3.Kamo-Mioya Shrine (Shimogamo Shrine)
“As you walk through Tadasu no Mori forest, you feel the aura of a place which has remained unchanged since the Jōmon Era. After visiting the shrine, you can enjoy delicious black soybeans with salt.”
◆Column: Power Foods, from a Shinto Priest: Saru Mochi and Black Soybean Tea
4.Kifune Main Sanctuary, Kifune Shrine
“While it is not possible to view the dragon well at the bottom of the main sanctuary, one may view the original place where deities were enshrined at the rear shrine.”
5.Matsunō Shrine
“In the rear of the main shrine building, at the summit of Mount Matsunō is the dwelling place of a god. While it is difficult to climb to the summit, there you can enjoy the aura of the mountain along with a water god.”
「Special Selection」
Old Imperial Palace
“I hope that you have the opportunity to visit Kyoto Imperial Park and enjoy strolling around the central pond, enjoying the beauty of Heian Era palatial architecture, traditional tea houses, and other styles of buildings representative of various eras of Japanese architecture.”
すばらしいお寺・神社