府社 御香宮神社 Stele

Carved into the stone, the Yasaka Shrine Gokogu Stele stands as a silent sentinel of history. It whispers tales of ancient Kyoto, stories of emperors and shoguns, of battles and ceremonies. Yasaka Shrine Gokogu Stele’s story is deeply intertwined with the history of Yasaka Shrine, a place revered as the protector of the Gion district. It was originally part of the shrine’s grounds. The stele’s inscription mentions the restoration of a shrine building in 862, although the exact origins of the shrine are shrouded in mystery. Legend claims that a fragrant water sprung from the shrine grounds in 862, its healing properties earning the shrine its name, Gokogu (Palace of Fragrant Water), bestowed by Emperor Seiwa. This “Gokogu water” became so renowned that it was later selected as one of Japan’s top 100 waters. Even today, people come with bottles to collect the water, seeking its blessings. Over the centuries, Yasaka Shrine Gokogu Stele witnessed Kyoto’s transformation. In 1590, Toyotomi Hideyoshi moved the shrine within the city walls. It became the guardian deity of the Rashomon gate. In 1605, Tokugawa Ieyasu ordered its relocation to its present site. The main hall of the shrine was also rebuilt during this time, standing as a testament to the era of the first Tokugawa shogun. The shrine’s Romon Gate, or main gate, was originally the Ote-mon Gate of Fushimi Castle, relocated to the shrine in 1622 under the patronage of Tokugawa Hidetada. This gate, adorned with carvings of the 24 Paragons of Filial Piety, adds another layer of historical significance to the Yasaka Shrine. The Yasaka Shrine Gokogu Stele, although silent, holds within its weathered surface the echoes of centuries past. It reminds us of the enduring power of faith and tradition, a thread connecting us to ancient Kyoto’s vibrant tapestry.