Hiraoka Hachimangū Shrine — Attraction in Kyoto

Hiraoka Hachimangu is a Shinto Shrine located in Umegahata ( between Kyoto city and Takao along route 162 ). In another name it has also been called Umegahata Hachimangu since it is a birth shrine of this entire region of Umegahata as well as being the oldest shrine in the province of Yamanoshiro.

The origin of the shrine dates back in 809 when saint Kukai ( who promoted esoteric Buddhism in Japan and later established the Shingon retreat of Kōya-san ) made a ceremonial transfer of a devine of Usa Hachimangu in Oita prefecture to this location as a gardian of Jingoji Temple. The main shrine hall was rebuilt in 1407 by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu ( The 3rd shogun of Ashikaga Shogunate who was in power from 1368 to 1394 ) after it was burned in a war period. Current structure of the shrine was built in 1826 built with a rare structure of gabled roofs ( consists of sloping roofs making a triangler shape on the top) and later on it was designated as one of the tangible cultural assets in Kyoto.

** Features & Highlight & Events

Flower Ceiling : Up on the ceiling of main hall you can see 44 different type of drawings depicting colorful flowers that represent seasonal beauty.

Sanyaku Sumo : In October there is an annual festival held in this shrine. Especially this part of the festivity called " Sanyaku Sumo " translated as sumo consists of three different roles. This tradition of holding sumo wrestling has been passed down from generation to generation as a holy event of Umegahata. The way it shows how children wins against adults at the end of the performance represents the message that the one who is blessed with divine protection wins the battle in the end.

Seasonal beauty in April : Camellia trees planted in the precincts have leaves in a shape of fish. Have a close took at those trees with...

Peaceful, serene shrine with lovely cherry blossoms in spring! One of the less known, quiet places in Kyoto where you won’t see so many foreigners. It’s not very convenient to go there, there’s a bus stop nearby but not many other sights to see, so I recommend this if you want to enjoy the tranquility of a...

2024年1月28日に参拝しました。 最寄りのバス停(平岡八幡前) 前に鳥居があり、本殿は250mほど先にあります。 809年に弘法大師(空海) が神護寺の守護神として創建した由緒ある神社で「花の天井」 が有名です。 本殿内陣の天井には、梁で出来た44のマス目に色彩豊かな花の絵が描かれています。再興した足利義満が花好きということから、楓・牡丹・菖蒲・水仙などの華麗な花絵もありますが、当寺付近が薬草の産地であったことから絵の8割は薬草が描かれています。 通常は非公開のため見ることはできませんが、毎年春と秋に特別公開 (今春は 3/14~5/6) をしており、宮司の説明を聞きながら華麗な天井画を楽しむことができます。 また、椿でも名が知れたお寺であり春には約200種の椿が境内に咲き誇ります。葉の形が金魚に似ている「金魚椿」も見れますので探してみてください。 仁和寺から徒歩で約40分の距離ですが、途中、西寿寺・三賓寺・大龍寺などを巡ったので...