“Where exactly was Minamoto no Toru’s grand mansion?” you might wonder. This stele marks the approximate location of Minamoto no Toru’s 河原院(Kawarano-in) residence. This is the \u6b64\u4ed8\u8fd1 \u6e90\u878d\u6cb3\u539f\u9662\u5740 Stele. It stands as a testament to a prominent figure from Japan’s history.
Minamoto no Toru was a son of Emperor Saga. He was an influential court noble and official during the 9th century. Born in 822, he never became emperor. However, he held high positions in court. In 872, Toru became Sadaijin, or Minister of the Left. Later, in 887, he was promoted to Junior First Rank.
The \u6b64\u4ed8\u8fd1 \u6e90\u878d\u6cb3\u539f\u9662\u5740 Stele commemorates the site of his magnificent 河原院(Kawarano-in) mansion. Fujiwara no Mototsune’s rise led to Minamoto no Toru’s retirement. Mototsune held more power as Imperial Regent. Toru chose to retire to his grand mansion in Kyoto rather than engage in conflict.
This grand mansion, 河原院(Kawarano-in), was quite extensive. Its grounds stretched from the Kamo River in the east. They reached Yanagi-no-banda-dori in the west. The estate extended from Gojo-dori in the north to Shomen-dori in the south. Water from the Kamo River fed its beautiful gardens and ponds.
A large hackberry tree stood within the estate. It is said to have survived from the extensive woods. A small shrine called Enoki Daimyojin is associated with this tree. The avenue Kawaramachi-dori in Kyoto is said to be named after Minamoto no Toru’s mansion.
Minamoto no Toru is believed to have inspired Hikaru Genji. Hikaru Genji is the main character in “The Tale of Genji.” The 河原院(Kawarano-in) mansion may have inspired the Rokujo mansion. Many important scenes in the novel take place there.
The \u6b64\u4ed8\u8fd1 \u6e90\u878d\u6cb3\u539f\u9662\u5740 Stele you see today was erected in 1915. The Kyoto City Education Association built it. It marks the place where Minamoto no Toru’s 河原院(Kawarano-in) once stood. Minamoto no Toru is enshrined at Shiogama Shrine. This shrine is a subordinate shrine under Nishiki Tenmangu.
So, as you stand before this \u6b64\u4ed8\u8fd1 \u6e90\u878d\u6cb3\u539f\u9662\u5740 Stele, remember Minamoto no Toru. Picture his grand mansion, 河原院(Kawarano-in). Imagine the gardens, the ponds, and the hackberry tree. This is a place where history and literature intertwine.