#Heian Jingū

[tenjin-no-shinja]

Kyoto

Heian Jingū

Enshrined Kami: Emperors Kanu and Komi, the first and last emperors to reside in Kyoto

Prayers Offered: Peace, the well being of the family, and protection against danger

Heian Jingu enshrines Emperor Kanmu (r. 781-806), who created Heiankyo (present-day Kyoto).  While he was the only kami enshrined when the shrine was built in 1895, Emperor Komei was added in 1940 on the 2,600th anniversary of the nation’s founding.  It was an unusual case, in which one emperor was enshrined as a kami more than a thousand years after his death, and a second emperor (only distantly related to the first) some forty-five years later.  The shrine was established as much as a commemorative emblem of the past glory of Kyoto as a religious institution.  Of course, it is not the only one in Japan to enshrine emperors.  But the others are simply shrines, whereas Heian Jingu is strongly symbolic, dedicated to both the founder of the old capital and the last emperor to reside there.  Kanmu is revered as a clever and creative leader who built the city that was the center of Japanese culture for the better part of a thousand years.  Komei, on the other hand, is best known for his anger at the forced entry of Commodore Matthew Perry’s black ships in 1853 and the edict he issues in 1863—impossible by then to obey—to “expe, the barbarians.”  By the time of Komei’s death at the age of just thirty-five in 1867, the country was in disarray, and the wholesale import of Western culture into Japan had begun.  But what was hardest for the citizens of Kyoto to swallow was the prospect of the young Emperor Meiji relocating to the country’s new eastern capital, Tokyo.

—Pages 106-107

Hirano Jinja

Enshrined Kami: Imaki no Sume Ōkami, Kudo no Ōkami, Furuaki no Ōkami, Hime no Ōkami

Prayers Offered: To find love and marriage, revitalization and new beginnings, protection against danger, and safe childbirth

The four kami enshrined in Hirano Jinja are neither widely known nor well understood.  The shrine describes Imaki okami as a god of revitalization, Kudo okami as a deity of the cooking pot, Furuaki okami as a deity of new beginnings, and Hime no okami as a deity of fertility and discovery. The Engishiki (967) mentions the shrine as guardian of the imperial household kitchen. It seems that Emperor Kanmu gathered these kami together in one shrine and founded Hirano Jinja in the northwest corner of Kyoto to act as a protector of both the city and of the imperial court. Kitabatake Chikafusa (1293–1354) was apparently the first to consider the kami as ancestral, assigning them to the Tahira, Minamoto, Oe, and Takashina branches of the imperial line…Shinto scholar Ban Nobutomo (1773–1846), in his research into banshin (foreign kami), stated that the kami of Hirano are ancestors of the Paekche dynasty. However a spokesman for the shrine believes Nobutomo erred in his translation of certain words, which drew him to an erroneous conclusion. A related theory identified Hime no Ōkami with the mother of Kanmu, Takano no Niikasa. If so, it may be one reason why Kanmu, whose mother was descended from a Korean king of Paekche, valued the shrine. Perhaps incidentally, the term “Imaki” is applied to Korean immigrants in the Nihon shoki…

…considered “eminent kami”…received regular offerings from the imperial palace. The kami of Hirano were considered very powerful, and the hereditary priests who controlled the shrine were from a clan of tortoise-shell diviners called the Urabe.  Tortoise-shell divination (kiboku), imported from China through Korea, became one of the main forms of divination regulated under the Council of Kami Affairs (jingikan). The Urabe were an important clan of hereditary Shinto priests (jingidoke) considered one of the “three houses of Shinto” along with the Shirakawa and Nakatomi clans. They divided into the Hirano and Yoshida clans, with the Yoshida becoming one of the most influential kami clans throughout the late medieval and Edo periods. The Yoshida controlled the right to appoint new priests and rank shrines. The Hirano were transcribers of the classics and experts on the Nihon shoki. A compilation of research, called Shaku Nihongi, written by Urabe Kanekata, earned the family the sobriquet “house of the Nihon shoki.”

—Page 109

…In the Heian period it was considered one of the “major seven” shrines, along with Ise, Iwashimizu, the Kamo shrines, Matsuo, Fushimi Inari, and Kasuga. It was associated with a shinbutsu shugo (syncretistic) belief known as the “thirty tutelaries” (sanjubanshin), which originated with the Tendai monks of Mount Hiei in the ninth century. This was a belief that thirty kami (presumably chosen by Tendai monks) alternated daily to protect the Lotus Sutra. The kami of Hirano was also included in this grouping.

—Pages 110

Iwashimizu Hachimangū

Kami Enshrined: Hachiman okami (also known as Hondawake no mikoto and associated with Emperor Ojin), Hime okami, and Jingu Kogo (Okinagatarashihime no mikoto).

Prayers Offered: Protection against danger, safe childbirth, and the attainment of goals.

Iwashimizu represents the emergence of Hachiman as a god of war as well as exemplifying the Kami’s identification with Buddhism.  It is also significant as the the kami’s second enshrinement close to a capital city and seat of power. (For the beginnings of Hachiman worship, see the entry for Usa Jingu.) The first was in Tamukeyama Hachimangu in Nara as protector of the Great Buddha of Todaiji in 752. After that time, the connection between Hachiman and the imperial court grew stronger. In 855 Hachiman was again called upon to “protect the nation” when the head of the Great Buddha of Todaiji suddenly fell off during an earthquake. Emperor Montoku launched a campaign to rebuild the Buddha shortly afterward and the first place he turned for assistance was Usa Jingu. For the first time the imperial message addressed Hachiman as “awesome Daibosatsu” (great Buddha) and called upon him to “protect the emperor [country] to eternity.” At the same time, a statement was issued that the kami who assisted in this project would gain “merit” (in the sense of Buddhist enlightenment). It was an important step in acknowledging kami as “trace” manifestations of the “original ground” (honji-suijaku) of the Buddha.

—Page 112

There is an interesting story related to the bamboo of Otokoyama. In 1880 Thomas Edison sent one of his researchers, William H. Moore, to Japan in search of good bamboo to use as light bulb filaments.  It is said that he had tested six thousand materials, but the bamboo taken from a fan lasted the longest—200 hours. Moore was directed to Kyoto and more specifically Otokoyama, and the bamboo he found there made a filament that lasted close to 1,200 hours. Ironically, the rock that makes up Otokoyama is a poor surface for growing bamboo, as a result of which the type that grows there is harder than normal. It became part of Edison’s incandescent lamp for the following ten years, and the inventor maintained close ties to Japan… It is strange to think that the mammoth Japanese electric industry began with Edison, and that Edison’s light bulb began with the grace of the kami of Iwashimizu Hachimangu. Today there is a monument to the inventor on Otokoyama, and a Festival of Light has been observed since 1999. It is also possible to purchase ema votive plaques bearing an image of Edison.

—Pages 113-114

[royumijapon]

Onna — Bugeisha — The Mighty Samurai Warrior

In periods like Heian and Kamakura , within the samurai class there were also female members, known as Onna-bugeisha , who excelled and were even present on the battlefield although they were the exception rather than the rule. These women fought alongside male samurai primarily in times of need.

The onna-bugeisha or warrior women were very unusual, although there were some very famous warriors such as Tomoe Gozen (late Heian period) and Nakano Takeko (1847–1868). There is also a legendary figure, Empress Jingū (c. 169–269 AD), who is said to have also been a female samurai, who used her skills to inspire economic and social change in early Yamato Japan. According to legend, after her husband Emperor Chūai (Japan’s 14th Emperor) was killed in battle, she led an expedition west (in what is now Korea) around AD 200. C. returning victorious. Although the figure of Empress Jingū is surrounded by controversy since many historians believe that the accounts that are told of her are fictitious or misleading, Empress Jingū and the onna bugeisha despite having been a very small group of members in the Japan’s feudal era, represent a very important presence in its history.

Empress Jingū (b. 169 AD — d. 269 AD)

Bushi (samurai) women were mainly trained with the naginata (薙刀) for its great versatility against all kinds of enemies and weapons. This training ensured protection in communities and towns that lacked men who could fight. Historically, many women used a version of the tantō , called a kaiken (a type of dagger) for self-defense, however the onna-bugeisha learned the art of tantōjutsu to fight in battle.

Continue Reading >>>

[evasionsrebelles]

Kyoto Est : Entre Temples Majestueux et Quartiers Historiques

Kyoto Est abrite certains des sites les plus emblématiques de la ville, mêlant spiritualité, tradition et paysages pittoresques. Des hauteurs du Kiyomizu-dera aux ruelles préservées de Gion, en passant par les vastes jardins du Nanzen-ji et le sanctuaire impérial Heian-jingū, cette région offre une plongée fascinante dans l’histoire et la culture japonaise. Chaque visiteur peut y découvrir…

[jambolaja]

Kjoto-Mjoko

Nakon kratkog sna, došlo je vrijeme za ustajanje. Prvo sam otišao u bambusovu šumu Arishayama, autobusom za 230 JPY. Rano ujutru nije bilo prevelike gužve. Uzeo sam ice-T, 140 JPY. Vratio se u hotel, istuširao se i spakovao. U blizini je bila carska palata Kyoto sa ljepom baštom i mislim da sam video venčanje. Zatim sam se preselio u hram Heian-jingū sa lijepom baštom, 600 JPY. Ispred je bio…

[ganhosdoelefante]

Kyoto - 21 de abril de Ano 3 - Sábado - Doc - 27 anos.

08:00 - Acordamos, tomamos banho e nos arrumamos. 08:30 - Tomamos café no quarto:

09:05 - Vamos a um museu: Museu Municipal de Arte de Quioto

ART RECTANGLE KYOTO

10:20 - Outro local: Heian Jingū

11:10 - Ficamos tomando um drink na piscina, relaxando.

12:40 - Almoçamos: Kiyomizu Itsukichaya

13:50 - Voltamos, tomamos café e ficamos de papo no quarto.

Depois, fico estudando.

17:00 - Tiro uma soneca. 18:30 - Tomamos banho e nos arrumamos para jantar. 19:40 - Jantamos: Kanzan

21:30 - Vamos a um bar: L'Escamoteur

00:00 - Voltamos e dormimos.

[meyer-sensei]

Kakitsubata (Iris laevigata) blühen im Mai, der berühmteste Ort dafür in Kyōto ist der Ōta Jinja im Norden Kyōtos. Die berühmteste Darstellung in der Kunst sind die Wandschirme von Ogata Kōrin.

Hanashōbu (Iris ensata) blühen im Juni und sind beliebte Gartenpflanzen in ganz Japan. Im Garten des Heian Jingū blühen im Juni über zweitausend Schwertlilien in zweihundert unterschiedlichen Sorten. Damit jeder diese betrachten kann, ist der Eintritt am 13. Juni 2023 (8.30 bis 16.30 Uhr) kostenlos.

Ayame (Iris sanguinea) wachsen auf trockenem Boden und blühen früher als Kakitsubata. Man kann sie in Kyōto im Botanischen Garten und in den Vorgärten der Häuser sehen.

[delicatuscii-wasbella102]

Kyoto: Heian Shrine (Heian Jingū) Photo by banzainetsurfer

[akaijibrand]

Today is April (and April Fool's Day)! Spring flowers are blooming and give us beautiful sceneries like this one in Japan!

📍: Heian-jingū, Sakyō-ku, Kyōto, Japan 📸: @traveler_sui (Instagram)

[crazyfox-archives]

Garden at Heian Jingū Shrine (平安神宮) in Kyoto, designed by Ogawa Jihei VII (小川治兵衛) (1860-1933)

(Photo taken June 11, 1994)

[tenjin-no-shinja]

Heian Jingū

Listed as a Beppyō Shrine, meaning a shrine of the highest rank, by Jinja Honcho. It enshrines Emperor Kanmu and Emperor Kōmei.

One of the most striking features is the absolutely massive torii that spans the entire road. I watched many buses pass under with much amusement.

The day I visited was earth day so they had a big market set up in the gardens by the shrine. One of the things my friend and I regularly did was go back to this shrine at different times during the year to see the different flowers. At this time the main flowers in the garden were azaleas.

I also got to see a crane hanging out with a variety of turtles and koi :D

And finally the Goshuin I obtained at the shrine :)

All photos and videos are mine please do not use without permission.

[royumijapon]

Onna — Bugeisha — The Mighty Samurai Warrior

In periods like Heian and Kamakura , within the samurai class there were also female members, known as Onna-bugeisha , who excelled and were even present on the battlefield although they were the exception rather than the rule. These women fought alongside male samurai primarily in times of need.

The onna-bugeisha or warrior women were very unusual, although there were some very famous warriors such as Tomoe Gozen (late Heian period) and Nakano Takeko (1847–1868). There is also a legendary figure, Empress Jingū (c. 169–269 AD), who is said to have also been a female samurai, who used her skills to inspire economic and social change in early Yamato Japan. According to legend, after her husband Emperor Chūai (Japan’s 14th Emperor) was killed in battle, she led an expedition west (in what is now Korea) around AD 200. C. returning victorious. Although the figure of Empress Jingū is surrounded by controversy since many historians believe that the accounts that are told of her are fictitious or misleading, Empress Jingū and the onna bugeisha despite having been a very small group of members in the Japan’s feudal era, represent a very important presence in its history.

Bushi (samurai) women were mainly trained with the naginata (薙刀) for its great versatility against all kinds of enemies and weapons. This training ensured protection in communities and towns that lacked men who could fight. Historically, many women used a version of the tantō , called a kaiken (a type of dagger) for self-defense, however the onna-bugeisha learned the art of tantōjutsu to fight in battle.

Continue Reading >>>

[ileftmyheartintokyo]

Heian Shrine (平安神宮 Heian-jingū) by M_Strasser Via Flickr: The Heian Shrine (平安神宮 Heian-jingū) is a Shinto shrine located in Sakyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan. The Shrine is ranked as a Beppyou Jinja (別表神社) (the top rank for shrines) by the Association of Shinto Shrines. It is listed as an important cultural property of Japan. In 1895, a partial reproduction of the Heian Palace from Heian-kyō (the former name of Kyoto) was planned for construction for the 1100th anniversary of the establishment of Heian-kyō. The Industrial exposition fair (an exhibition of development of Japanese and foreign cultures) was held in Kyoto that year, where the replica was to be the main monument. However, failure to buy enough land where the Heian Palace used to stand, the building was built in Okazaki at 5/8 scale of the original. The Heian-jingū was built according to designs by Itō Chūta. After the Exhibition ended, the building was kept as a shrine in memory of the 50th Emperor, Emperor Kanmu, who was the Emperor when Heian-kyō became the capital. In 1940, Emperor Kōmei was added to the list of dedication. Kyoto was shocked and depressed after the capital was moved to Tokyo. Later, the citizens came together to build a new city after World War II. The construction of Heian Shrine was a symbol of revival for the city. The revival consisted of the new Kyoto in education, culture, industry, and daily life, where at the same time the "good old" Kyoto was maintained. In 1976, the Shrine was set on fire; and nine of the buildings, including the honden, or main sanctuary, burned down. Three years later, the burned buildings were reconstructed with money collected from donations. (Wikipedia)

[jambolaja]

Kjoto-Mjoko

Po kratkem spancu je bil čas za zbujanje. Najprej sem šel v bambusov gozd Arishayama, avtobus 230 JPY. Zgodaj zjutraj ni bilo prevelike gneče. Vzel sem ice-T, 140 JPY. Vrnil sem se nazaj v hotel, se stuširali in spakirali. Blizu je bila Kyoto cesarska palača z lepim vrtom in mislim, da sem videla poroko. Nato sem se preselil v svetišče Heian-jingū z lepim vrtom, 600 JPY. Spredaj je bil nekakšen…

[fujiwara57]

Quatre saisons au sanctuaire d’Ise.

Nakano Haruo  中野 晴生 (1952 - ) photographe

Note : Ise-jingū 伊勢神宮 ou Ise Daijingū 伊勢大神宮 grand sanctuaire shintō 神道  d'Ise. Il est dédié au culte de la déesse Amaterasu-ōmikami 天照大神／天照大御神 . C'est le sanctuaire le plus important du Japon, considéré comme le lieu le plus sacré de cette religion. Il est situé dans la ville d'Ise-shi 伊勢市, au centre de la préfecture de Mie-ken 三重県.  Le lieu dans lequel se trouve le sanctuaire forme une partie du Parc national d'Ise Shima, Ise shima kokuritsu kōen 伊勢志摩国立公園, qui inclut aussi d'autres lieux sacrés et historiques, comme les rochers mariés, Meoto Iwa 夫婦岩 et le Saikū ou Saigū 斎宮, résidence des princesse impériales qui servaient le sanctuaire d'Ise durant l'époque Heian 平安時代 (794-1185).

[veena-world]

Top 5 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto, Japan is filled with spots that are absolutely breathtaking. If you're looking to enjoy a trip that will leave you speechless and breathless, here are some of the most beautiful places in Kyoto that you need to visit.

Central Kyoto

Central Kyoto is largely composed of ancient buildings and temples, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Some of the most popular attractions in central Kyoto are Heian-Jingū (aka Heian Shrine) and Ginkaku-ji Temple.

Heian-Jingū, also known as Heian Shrine, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of Kyoto. The shrine was founded by Emperor Shōmu in 794 and is dedicated to the gods of the eight directions. The shrine is said to be one of Japan's oldest religious shrines and is home to a large number of Important Cultural Properties.

Ginkaku-ji Temple, located in the Arashiyama district of central Kyoto, is one of Japan's most famous temples. The temple was built by Emperor Kammu in 836 and features a number of notable gardens, including the Cypress Garden and the Night Rainbow Garden. Ginkaku-ji also houses some of Japan's most renowned Buddhist artworks, including the Five Treasures (Kongōgon).

Arashiyama

Arashiyama is a popular tourist destination in Kyoto, Japan. It is home to the famous bamboo forest and arashiyama zoo. The area has a number of temples and shrines that are popular tourist destinations as well.

Kinkakuji

Located in the eastern part of Kyoto, Kinkakuji is one of the most well-known Buddhist temples in Japan. It was built in 1397 and is said to be one of the most beautiful temples in Kyoto. The temple is known for its exquisite wood carving and lattice work which are a sight to behold. The temple also houses a 17 meter high gold statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Tours of the temple are available daily from 9am to 4pm.

Gion

Kyoto is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. It's a city that blends history, culture and modern life together. It has many attractions to offer tourists, including its beautiful gardens and temples. Here are five of the best places to visit in Kyoto:

1) Gion district

Gion is the heart of Kyoto, and it's home to some of the city's most famous attractions. The district is filled with narrow streets, ornate palaces and traditional tea houses. It's also a great place to explore for those who want to see a bit of everything.

2) Arashiyama

Arashiyama is located just outside of Kyoto, and it's well worth a visit if you're looking for some stunning mountain scenery. The area is known for its bamboo forests, waterfalls and Buddhist temples.

3) Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle was once the home of Japan's Imperial Family. Today, it's one of the country's most important tourist destinations, and it offers visitors a unique perspective on Japanese history.

4) Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)

Kinkakuji Temple is one of Japan's most iconic landmarks and it features some of the country's finest goldwork. The temple was built in 1397 by Emperor Go-Daigo and it remains one of Kyoto's top tourist attractions today.

Eastern Kyoto

Eastern Kyoto is the area east of the Higashiyama and north of the Kaede hills, which are known for their cherry blossom trees. This region has a lot to offer visitors, from the beautiful temples and gardens to some of Japan's best seafood restaurants. Here are five of the most beautiful places to visit in Eastern Kyoto:

1. Kasuga Shrine - Kasuga Shrine is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines, and it's easy to see why. The shrine is surrounded by a beautiful garden filled with hundreds of cherry blossom trees. The shrine itself is home to many important Buddhist statues and paintings, as well as a large kami (Shinto god) statue.

2. Ginkakuji Temple - Ginkakuji Temple was built in 1393 by Emperor Go-Daigo, who wanted a place where he could meditate undisturbed. Today, the temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations. The temple buildings are covered in over 1,000 gold seals, making it one of Japan's richest temples.

3. Fushimi Inari Taisha - Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto's most popular gods temples and it has good reason for it. The temple complex houses over 2,000 statuettes dedicated to Inari, including several sacred mountains that are believed to be home to his spirit. 

Admission to the temple is free for Looking to explore Kyoto? This city is full of history, culture, and natural beauty that you won't want to miss. Want to see the best of Kyoto in one day? Check out our Kyoto tour package! It includes a morning visit to the Gion district and a afternoon wander around the ancient capital. You'll also have time for lunch in a local restaurant before returning home.

[meyer-sensei]

must-see in Kyoto ?!

Arashiyama (der Berge wegen)

Byōdō-in (in Uji)

Chion-in

Daitokuji (Sub-Tempel)

Enryakuji (auf dem Hieizan)

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Ginkakuji (idealerweise mit Tōgudō)

Gion (Shinbashi; Hanamikōji)

Heian Jingū (mit dem Garten)

Higashi-Honganji

Kenninji

Kinkakuji

Kitano Tenmangū

Kiyomizudera

Kyōto Gosho

Nanzenji (Sanmon, Abtresidenz)

Nijōjō

Ninnaji

Nishi-Honganji (Karamon nicht vergessen!)

Ryōanji

Sanjūsangendō

Shimogamo Jinja

Tōfukuji (Tsūtenkyō im Herbst!)

Tōji

Yasaka Jinja