Did you notice the stone lantern? This is the \u611b\u5b95\u5927\u6a29\u73fe\u5e38\u591c\u71c8. It stands as a testament to a unique religious tradition. It also highlights local community bonds in Kyoto.
\u611b\u5b95\u5927\u6a29\u73fe\u5e38\u591c\u71c8 is located on the north side of the street. It is about 50 meters east of the Kitahanayama intersection. This lantern is more than just a source of light. It is connected to the Atago beliefs.
Atago beliefs originated from Atago Shrine in Kyoto’s Ukyo district. The Atago Shrine sits on top of Mount Atago. This faith is not limited to Kyoto. It has spread throughout Japan. Legend says that the deity of Atago Shrine has power over fire. It is widely revered as a protector against fire.
The Atago Shrine has long been a site for ascetic practices. During the Edo period, ascetics gathered on Mount Atago. They helped spread Atago beliefs across Japan. To support pilgrims, groups called “ko” were formed in various regions.
These “Atago-ko” societies had a practice of “dai参ko”. Each month, a representative would visit Atago Shrine on Mount Atago. They acted on behalf of the members listed in a registry. There were also “ko-boxes”. The box was brought to the house of the member assigned to that month. The host would offer nightly lantern lighting at the \u611b\u5b95\u5927\u6a29\u73fe\u5e38\u591c\u71c8. They would also receive a fire prevention charm. Then they would distribute it to other households.
In Yamashina, over ten Atago Joto lanterns remain today. Some date back to 1856. This shows that the tradition has continued since the Edo period. The \u611b\u5b95\u5927\u6a29\u73fe\u5e38\u591c\u71c8 on Kitahanayama is one such lantern.
The lantern bears inscriptions. The front reads “Atago Joto”. One side says “Built in June 1938”. The back reads “Kitahanayama Shimo-no-cho Lighting Ko”. The upper part has a hole where a light was placed. This illuminated the surroundings at night.
The name “Shimo-no-cho” is not currently used in Kitahanayama. However, older locals recall that the western part was called Kami-no-cho. The central part was called Naka-no-cho. The eastern part was called Shimo-no-cho. People living in the eastern part likely formed the “Atago-ko”. They organized the lighting of this Atago Joto lantern.
Though the lantern remains, the “Atago-ko” itself no longer exists. In the past, fire was essential to daily life. People used kamado stoves for cooking. Farmers burned crop residue in the fields. Many adults smoked. Nowadays, matches and lighters are mainly for lighting incense. With electric appliances, seeing fire at home is rare.
Today, the \u611b\u5b95\u5927\u6a29\u73fe\u5e38\u591c\u71c8 may not attract much attention. But it is a reminder of past traditions. It shows the strong community spirit of the people in Kyoto. It also underscores the enduring Atago beliefs. The \u611b\u5b95\u5927\u6a29\u73fe\u5e38\u591c\u71c8 remains a silent witness to the passage of time.