Gokōnomiya Shrine — Attraction in Kyoto

Gokonomiya Shrine: A Historical Site Linked to Tokugawa Ieyasu Gokonomiya Shrine, located in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, is a historic shrine known for its beautiful gardens and the sacred spring called "Gokosui." This shrine has a deep connection with Tokugawa Ieyasu, and even his children have stories associated with its sacred waters.

Origin of the Shrine’s Name The name "Gokonomiya" comes from the sacred spring called "Gokosui," which is located within the shrine grounds. The water is said to be pure and fragrant, with the power to heal illnesses. During the Heian period, Emperor Seiwa is said to have recovered from his illness after drinking this water, and in gratitude, he named the shrine "Gokonomiya," which means "Shrine of Fragrant Water."

History The history of Gokonomiya Shrine dates back over 1,300 years. Originally called "Ogura Myojin," it was renamed "Gokonomiya" following the miracle experienced by Emperor Seiwa. During the Sengoku period, Toyotomi Hideyoshi visited the shrine, and in the Edo period, Tokugawa Ieyasu also paid his respects here. Ieyasu held this shrine in great reverence, particularly valuing the sacred Gokosui spring.

The Sacred Gokosui Spring The highlight of Gokonomiya Shrine is the sacred spring, Gokosui, which was once selected as one of Japan's 100 famous waters. The water is believed to have the power to purify and heal both body and soul, attracting many visitors to the shrine.

It is said that Tokugawa Ieyasu’s ninth, tenth, and eleventh sons—Yoshinao, Yorinobu, and Yorifusa—used this sacred water for their first baths as newborns. This made Gokonomiya Shrine a special place for Ieyasu and his family, becoming a significant part of their faith.

Highlights of the Shrine Grounds The shrine grounds showcase the architectural beauty of the Edo period. Key highlights include:

Main Hall and Worship Hall: These buildings are adorned with elaborate carvings and decorations, serving as the spiritual center of the shrine. Torii Gates and Stone Lanterns: The entrance is marked by torii gates and stone lanterns lining the pathway, welcoming visitors into the sacred space. Seasonal Flowers: The shrine is home to various flowers such as cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and autumn foliage. During cherry blossom season, the grounds are covered in pink, attracting many visitors who come to enjoy the...

その当時 京の都は乱れていた。 所司代・町奉行だけで 京の治安や混乱を防ぐことはできないとみた江戸幕府(その後幕末政府軍)は 京都守護職に会津藩(福島県)をあたらせた。 会津藩といえば明治新政府軍の特に薩摩・土佐藩から仇敵(adagataki)に位置づけられ のちの戊辰戦争(BOSHINN-SENNSOU)へと 発展していくのであるが。 その会津藩は 同藩士に加え所司代・町奉行を動員したが 京の治安は効果をみるに至らず ついには新選組を配下に加え 治安にあたった。 新選組は もともと幕府の募集で1863年(文久3年)2月23日に中山道(NAKASENDOU)を経て上洛した二百数十名からなる浪士団で 彼等を当時 浪士組と称した。 その後 京都壬生浪士組に改め のちに会津藩の一員として 功あって武家伝奏(bukedennsou)から新選組の名を授かることになる。

ところで戊辰戦争の発端ともなった 京は鳥羽・伏見の戦いは やがて淀川水系に沿ってくだるが この当時 明治新政府軍の薩摩藩・長州藩は ここ御香宮神社を駐屯地にした。 この時代 幕末政府軍と明治新政府軍との戦(ikusa)は ますます各地へエスカレートしていく。 両政府軍を比較してみるに ハード面では 互が所有する武器の新旧に差はあれど 致命的な優劣性をもたらしていた とは云えず むしろ古い軍事常識のソフトに縛られ 発展の進度を鈍らせていた幕末政府軍側が やがて欧米の軍事戦略ソフトを学んだ明治新政府軍の前に 瓦解(gakai)していくのである。 このあと明治新政府軍は東進・北進し 会津若松の少年白虎隊物語にまで 話は派生するのであるが。

以上 はしょった流れだが 京における明治新政府軍の本拠地 即ち 御香宮神社に立ちて 国取り合戦の名残りを探し求めてみるのも 良いかもしれない。

日本名水百選の一つに数えられる伏見御香水は有名だが 取水口は一口しかない為 20Lクラスポリタンクが連なる際は 順番待ちに辛抱が必要である。 お水代金は無料であるが 汲み時間に制限があって午前七時〜午後七時となっている。 駐車場は 最初の20分間が無料で最大800円としている。

交通量の多いR24や 賑やかな大手筋商店街の 喧騒に囲まれるようにあって 御香宮神社だけは 境内に立つと静けさに包まれている。 その空気は あの頃と変わりないのだろう。 ここが 往時...

Very lively atmosphere. There were many stands with games, street food, etc. We came in pretty late (around 16:00) so the temple was almost closing. This temple enshrines Jinguu Kougou, the empress, who is widely worshipped as Kami for safe delivery of a baby. You will see there a statue of a woman and her baby to which locals...