石座神社

Iwakura Jinja. A name etched in Kyoto’s history, nestled within the embrace of Iwakura. Iwakura Jinja stands as a testament to time, a beacon of Shinto faith. The very ground we stand on whispers tales of its long existence, dating back to before the Heian period. Iwakura Jinja’s story is intertwined with the great Daigo-ji Temple. Iwakura Jinja’s deity, Iwakura Myojin, became the enshrined guardian of Daigo-ji. This occurred during the temple’s construction in 971. Tragically, in 1546, amidst the chaos of war, Iwakura Jinja suffered a devastating fire. Both the shrine buildings and ancient texts were lost. Yet, like a phoenix from the ashes, Iwakura Jinja was rebuilt in 1553. The current shrine building we see before us underwent renovations in 1766, preserving the architectural style of the late Edo period. Within Iwakura Jinja’s grounds, you’ll find the Yamagami Jinja, the original site of Iwakura Myojin’s worship. It is a poignant reminder of the shrine’s ancient roots. This site, Yamagami Jinja, maintains the tradition of honoring the deity’s sacred seat rather than housing a shrine building. Iwakura Jinja also houses two subsidiary shrines, the Fukujin-sha and Ichigon Jinja. These shrines add to the rich tapestry of spiritual significance within these hallowed grounds. On October 23rd, Iwakura Jinja comes alive with the vibrant Matsuri no Shinji festival. This ancient ritual involves the creation of a massive, 13-meter-long torch called Taimatsu. This torch is lit in a dramatic ceremony. It’s a symbolic act of warding off evil spirits and ensuring the community’s well-being. Iwakura Jinja. It’s more than just a shrine; it’s a living embodiment of Kyoto’s spiritual heritage.