Perhaps you would like to pause for a moment? We are standing before Butsugenji. It is a temple with a story as unique as its location.
Butsugenji is not one of Kyoto’s grand, well-known temples. It is a temple that is woven into the fabric of daily life. Many locals may not even know it is here.
Let me tell you about its history. Butsugenji was founded around 1600. It began in the Nakagyo district, specifically on Rokkaku Abura-no-koji. This temple belongs to the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha lineage.
However in 1868, the Boshin War, also known as the War of the Dragon, disrupted Butsugenji’s peace. The temple was caught in the middle of the fighting at Toba-Fushimi. It was then moved from Oike to its current location and rebuilt.
Now this may surprise you. Butsugenji is more than just a historical site. Today it is a place of innovation and community. The deputy head priest, Abura-no-koji Kazuki, born in 1990, is breathing new life into this ancient temple.
After graduating from Doshisha University and working at a bank, he returned to Butsugenji. Kazuki wanted to reconnect temples with people’s lives. He envisions Buddhism as a lifestyle and a place of belonging.
In 2022, Kazuki spoke with his classmate Watanabe Koki. Koki runs an IT venture company that develops web and app services. They shared a vision. They wanted Butsugenji to be like a “stepping stone” in people’s lives.
This led to the “Tomari-gi” project. One of its activities is “Teranomi”. It is an event where people can experience Buddhism with sake in hand and enjoy it together.
Interestingly, the road in front of the temple is also named Abura-no-koji. Kazuki selects the sake for these events. He focuses on Junmai, Daiginjo, and Namazake. He believes Namazake embodies the concept of impermanence. Its flavor changes over time.
These Teranomi events usually take place on weekends at the end of each month. Anyone can participate. For a small fee, you can enjoy Japanese sake, Kyoto craft beer, and snacks. These snacks include Kyoto pickles and homemade delicacies made by the deputy head priest himself.
Many people gather in the main hall. They sit on the veranda or in the temple grounds. They share thoughts and drinks together. These events include a short sermon. The students from Doshisha University’s community development circle often volunteer their services.
Kazuki hopes that Butsugenji can be a place where people can gather. He wants it to be a place where they can connect and challenge themselves. He believes that this is how a temple should be in the modern age. It is a sentiment that many share.
Butsugenji offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. It is a place where the past meets the present. It is a place where community is fostered over sake and shared experiences. This small temple continues to evolve. It remains a vital part of the local community in Kyoto.