Tucked away in the quiet outskirts of Kyoto's Fushimi district, Misujinja Shrine is a place where history breathes softly and nature whispers ancient tales. Dedicated to Emperor Tenmu, Izanagi no Ōkami, and Emperor Ōjin, this shrine has been a spiritual haven for centuries.
The shrine's origins trace back to the Asuka period, with legends recounting that during the Jinshin War in 672, villagers lit torches to guide Prince Ōama (later Emperor Tenmu) through the darkness. This act of devotion is commemorated annually in October during the Torch Festival (Taima-tsu Matsuri), where massive reed torches, some weighing over a ton, are ignited and paraded through the streets—a spectacle of light honoring a moment of unity and courage.
In late autumn, the shrine's grounds transform as golden ginkgo leaves blanket the earth, creating a luminous carpet that glows under the soft sunlight. The majestic ginkgo tree, with a trunk circumference of approximately 4.25 meters and a height of about 22.5 meters, is recognized as a preserved tree by Kyoto City. This serene scene, away from the city's hustle, offers a moment of reflection and peace.
Misujinja Shrine isn't just a historical site; it's a living tapestry of Japan's rich cultural heritage, where the past and present intertwine in a dance of...
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