Jvlog 17 - Matsuo Inari shrine and Japan's first Billiken
This shrine is just a one minute walk from my place in Kobe, Japan, but it's one of the prettiest and most unique I've ever seen or even heard of.
Billiken are odd little things. The god of things as they ought to be, they came to fame during the doll craze in the early 20th century. They are currently the mascot for St. Louis University, St. Louis University High School, and the Royal Order of Jesters.
They are also the inspiration for the famous Japanese toy company Billiken Shokai.
Check out the Wikipedia page, which even mentions this tiny local shrine of mine by name:
Matsunoo-taisha, April 2011!
Matsunoo-taisha is a Shinto shrine located approximately 1.3 kilometers south of the Arashiyama district of Kyoto, Japan. It is home to a spring at the base of the mountain, Arashiyama, that is believed to be blessed.
It is said that during the move of the capital from Nagaoka to Kyoto, a noble saw a turtle bathing in under the spring's waterfall and created a shrine there. It is one of the oldest shrines in the Kyoto area, its founding extending back to 700 AD. The restorative properties of the spring bring many local sake and miso companies to the shrine for prayers that their product will be blessed.
The shrine also serves a kinpaku (gold leaf filled) miki (or blessed sake) during hatsumode.
The shrine became the object of Imperial patronage during the early Heian period. In 965, Emperor Murakami ordered that Imperial messengers were sent to report important events to the guardian kami of Japan. These heihaku were initially presented to 16 shrines including the Matsunoo Shrine.
From 1871 through 1946, Matsunoo-taisha was officially designated one of the Kanpei-taisha, meaning that it stood in the first rank of government supported shrines.
3 Days in Kyoto - Solo Travel Vlog
Exploring Kyoto in 3 days is completely possible! Follow me as I explore the amazing sites of Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama Bamboo forest, Kinkakuji Temple, Kamo River, Rub A Dub Reggae bar and a few other fun spots in Kyoto!
Trip Itinerary:
Day 1:
- Arrived at Narita airport and then took a shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto. Trip time was about 2 hours and 40 mins on the Hikari train. Once I arrived I checked into my Airbnb and actually met up with a friend who happened to be in Japan as well.
- Walked around Gion (super safe even at night) and just relaxed for the rest of the day.
Day 2:
- I got up early and went to a convenient store to buy an all day Kyoto bus pass for 500 yen (about $5). You can purchase it on the bus as well.
- First stop was the Arashiyama Bamboo forest! It was extremely beautiful, but in order to avoid the crazy crowds, plan to get there early!
- Next I went to Tenryu-ji Garden (you can do a temple tour if you'd like, but I chose to enjoy the garden instead)
- Along the way I found a bakery with dominantly VEGAN food! The melon bread was amazing. Check out Hitsuji no Kaze for tasty vegan dessert bread!
- After, I took a bus to Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). Such an amazing site to see! Super crowded though since it was Showa Day (a national holiday in Japan)
- For late lunch, I went to Cafe Matsuontoko in Nishiki Market. They have some of the best vegan burgers and desserts I've ever had.
- Last stop of the day was the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine (10,000 beautiful Torii gates and fox statues everywhere). I went there at night and it was honestly sooo peaceful and beautiful! If you hike up far enough you can see a breathtaking view of the city.
Day 3:
- Spent time wandering around Gion in Kyoto and had a mini freestyle dance session in a garden by a temple :)
- Took a bus to Arashiyama again and then it started raining so I went back to grab a late lunch at Cafe Matsuontoko again!
- After lunch, I went to Kamo River, a popular hang out spot in Kyoto. I just sat there and enjoyed my thoughts and alone time. (one of my favorite places out there)
- I always check out reggae bars when I'm in other countries so I researched and found Rub A Dub Reggae in Kyoto. A small dive bar with amazing music, people, and bartenders. There's always something happening on Saturday nights!
All in all, I did a ton of stuff in Kyoto within 3 days and even had time to relax in between. If you have an questions on this part of my trip, comment down below! I would love to help you all plan out your next adventure to Japan!
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Travel - Kyoto (Part 2)
Travel - Kyoto
Shinto court ceremony (Mi-kagura)
Male voice & zither (wagon): Fushimi Inari Taisha shirine, Kyoto
Kyoto *Delicious Cakes in Sanjo*
We were walking around Sanjo area where we had lunch (Saba) ???? and these amazing cakes ????
Today's video guest......
My best girl Emily ^_^**
Feel free to read my NovelAdventure on my blog....
Shōgatsu (capodanno) ad Arashiyama (Giappone)
Shōgatsu (capodanno) ad Arashiyama (Giappone): si pregano gli dei per un buon anno nuovo (6-10), si comprano offerte per il tempio o piccoli souvenir e - se si è fortunati - si beve anche una buona tazza di sakè bollente offerta dai monaci (17-22).