Kumano Nyakuoji-jinja in Kyoto

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Facts & Figures

The Shinto shrine Kumano Nyakuoji-jinja marks the end point of the famous Philosopher's Walk in Kyoto. Kumano Nyakuoji-jinja belongs to the group of three Kumano shrines in the city. Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Kyoto Ryokan.
 Find Your Perfect Ryokan Now > The other two are Imakumano-jinja and Kumano-jinja. Yatagarasu, a three-legged crow, is the messenger of the temple. People come here to pray for academic and business success. Interesting to know that the national Japanese soccer team wears the Yatagarasu as a crest/symbol of victory on their shirts. The whole area is very popular during the cherry blossom season and autumn. The Nyakuoji Mountain behind the shrine looks amazing with all the coloured leaves in October and November. On top of the mountain is also the place where the founder of Doshisha University, Niijima Jo, lies buried with his wife Yae. If you explore the other side of the mountain you will find a beautiful garden space called Oukaen with nearly 100 cherry trees (Yae and Yoko Sakura) and Takinomiya Shrine located under a waterfall.

History

In 1160 Kumano Nyakuoji Shrine was founded by retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa (1127 – 1192). The Shinto shrine was established as a guardian shrine for Nyakuoji Temple. It was supported by the Muromachi shogunate and warrior families. Major reconstruction work was done at the end of the last century.

Sightseeing spots

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Honden - The main hall of the small shrine complex has an interesting architectural style.

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

April

Cherry Blossom (Hanami) (beginning of April)
Take your time to walk along hundreds of cherry trees at the Philosopher's Walk. At the Kumano Nyakuoji-jinja, you can enjoy during the first Sunday in April Taisho koto performances (Japanese harp with two to five strings) till 4 pm.

Miyako Odori (1st - 31th)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).

May

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from the Imperial Palace through the Shimogamo Shrine to the Kamigamo Shrine. More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri as the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month of July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which lasts around 2 hours.