Perhaps you are asking yourself who Takakura is. Takakura Shrine is a historic shrine. It is dedicated to Takakurashita. He is the god of warehouses.
Built in 1574 Takakura Shrine has a rich history. The main shrine Hachiman Shrine and Kasuga Shrine are all painted. The characteristics of the Momoyama period are displayed. The carvings inside the tomata are clearly visible. They have been designated as important cultural properties.
Being the god of warehouses many people visit Takakura Shrine. They are from companies involved in logistics and warehousing. They gather from all over the country during the Kurahi Festival. The festival is on July 13th every year. They perform rituals. They pray for the development of the warehousing and transportation industry.
During the autumn moon-viewing festival there is a tradition at Takakura Shrine. People make a hole in an eggplant. Then they look at the moon through the hole.
At the Ichino Torii gate of Takakura Shrine there is a large zelkova. It is one of the five famous Takakura trees. Within the precincts there are a Shibunashigaya and a couple’s large cedar.
Kyoto is known as the City of Ten Thousand Shrines. It has been the intellectual heartland of Japan since the 8th century. Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years. Emperors ruled from Kyoto until 1869. That’s when the court moved to Tokyo.
Wars raged across Kyoto. But the city escaped World War II bombs. It was not in American invasion plans. Kyoto has more pre-war buildings than other Japanese cities combined.
Kyoto is in a peaceful valley. Mountains surround it on three sides. It is the heart of traditional Japanese culture. Quiet temples colourful shrines and divine gardens are here.
Kyoto attracts many people. Each shrine embodies a respective era. The Shimogamo Shrine stands in honor of the Mother of the God of Thunder. Buddhist monks built the original structure in 678 AD. They anticipated a visit by Emperor Tenmu. He became the first monarch of Japan.
Kyoto is famous for its festivals. The Aoi-matsuri Festival is in early summer. The Gion-matsuri Festival is in mid-summer. The Jidai-matsuri Festival is in fall.
Nishiki Market is a marketplace in downtown Kyoto. It is rich with history and tradition. The market is renowned for Kyoto’s famous foods and goods. Kyoto is renowned for its authentic cuisine.
Many of Kyoto’s restaurants are in traditional wooden buildings. You can have your brunch in nature’s lap.
Kyoto remains an important industrial city. It is one of the centers of the Keihanshin Industrial Zone. This is the second-largest urban and industrial area in Japan.
Kyoto is considered one of the safest cities in Japan. It has exceptionally low levels of crime. Kyoto is known for amazing street food. Fire ramen yudofu and green tea treats are a must-try.
The city was Japan’s cultural artistic and political center. It had more than 1600 Buddhist temples and 300 Shinto shrines. The impressive Imperial Palace indicates its importance as the seat of the ruling dynasties. Kyoto was originally called Heiankyo meaning Capital of Peace.
So as you stand here before Takakura Shrine consider its long history. Think about its importance to the local people. Imagine the prayers offered here over the centuries. May your visit bring you peace and understanding.