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Seimei-jinja Shrine
It is a shrine famous for its power spot that enshrines Onmyoji Abe no Seimei who mastered astronomy in the Heian period. After his death in 1005, the shrine was built by Emperor Ichijo in 1007 on site of the former residence of Seimei at the foot of Ichijo Modori-bashi Bridge in honor of Seimei’s achievements. The benefits are “amulet” and ward off danger. It was made into a comic book and a movie and became an Onmyoji boom, and it became a very popular shrine that worshipers constantly visit.
Onmyoji Abe no Seimei
Seimei was born in 921. Seimei was recognized for his fortune-telling and onmyodo practices by gaining the trust of Emperor Ichijo and Fujiwara no Michinaga and he gained fame as an Onmyoji. There is an anecdote that when Emperor Ichijo fell ill, he recovered from the illness by “Misogi”, a purification ceremony, of Seimei. In addition, his advanced mathematical ability cultivated in astronomy was regarded, after that, he held various official positions. Some of the many anecdotes of Seimei are drawn in pictures and introduced in the shrine.
The Gobosei of Seimei Shrine crest
On Ichi no Torii, the Gobosei of Seimei Shrine crest is decorated. The Gobosei is derived from Onmyo Gogyo based on the theory of Five Elements. In Onmyodo, the Gobosei has been handed down as the talisman to ward off evil spirits. The Gobosei which represent the five planets was also seen in later Europe. The Gobosei of the shrine crest is called “Seimei Kikyo” because it was created by Seimei with a flower motif of Kikyo. It can be seen everywhere in the shrine.
Ichijo Modori-bashi Bridge
The capital was moved to Heian-kyo in 794, at the same time, Modori-bashi Bridge was built at Horikawa in Kyoto. There are various anecdotes left about the bridge. The current bridge was rebuilt in 1995, and Seimei Shrine has the miniature Modori-bashi Bridge that is used the main pillars of the handrail that was actually used before. The bridge is deeply related with Seimei. The statue of the Twelve Heavenly Generals, the 12 protective gods, who was manipulated by Seimei is watching by the side.
Itsuki Inari-sha shrine
Itsuki Inari-sha Shrine is located next to the main hall. Inari-sha and two other gods are enshrined. Seimei is said to be the rebirth of Inari, and has a deeply relationship with Inari.
the magic peach & the sacred tree
There is the glossy peach statue next to the main shrine that removes bad things. In Onmyodo, it is said that a peach protects people against evil spirits. Please touch and refresh your mind.
There is a “Kusuno-ki” camphor tree over 300 years old in the precincts. There is a mysterious feeling when you touch with both hands and pray.
Seimei no Ido
It is said that the well was welled up by Seimei’s willpower. The water in the well can be drunk, and it is said that there is benefit of healing illness. The direction in which the water springs is facing the lucky direction of the year. Every year on the first day of spring, the direction of the water coming out is changed. Next to the well, there is the Chozu-sha to cleanse yourself before worshiping. It is decorated with the Gobosei.
Kikyo-en, bellflower
Every year from mid-June to September, Kikyo, the bellflower, which is the source of the shrine crest bloom and brightly color the precincts. Kikyo has cute star-shaped petals. The flower language is said to be “honesty” and “dignity”. You can purchase “Kikyo Omamori (Amulet)” only during the period when Kikyo is in bloom.
Access
Get off at the city bus stop “Ichijo Modoribashi / Seimei Shrine” and walk immediately.
It is a 12-minute walk from subway “Imadegawa” station.
Click here for information of Nijojo Castle.
Click here for shops around Seimei Shrine.
