Imamiya Shrine

Imamiya Shrine (今宮神社, Imamiya-jinja) is a Shinto shrine located in Kita-ku, Kyoto, Japan. It was originally established for patrons to pray for safety from an epidemic, though it has evolved into a shrine where patrons can pray for general good health. The shrine complex is embedded in a forest of large trees northwest of Daitoku-ji and includes many minor shrines in addition to the main shrine, or honden.[1] On every second Sunday in April, one of the 3 major festivals in Kyoto, Yasurai Matsuri, is held at the shrine. The word imamiya (今宮) means "newly constructed."[2]

Imamiya Shrine
今宮神社
Imamiya Shrine's main gate
Religion
AffiliationShinto
DeityŌkuninushi
Location
Location21, Imamiya-cho, Murasakino
Kita-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto 603-8231
Shown within Japan
Geographic coordinates35°2′44.80″N 135°44′31.39″E
Architecture
Date established994
Glossary of Shinto

History

Imamiya Shrine was founded during the Heian period in 994. In 1001, however, the shrine was moved to its present-day location as a response to an epidemic that had hit the Kyoto area a year earlier. Current iterations of many of the structures were rebuilt in 1902.[2] The shrine's festival, Yasurai Matsuri, was also created as a response to the epidemic. Through music and dance, the festival attempts to appease petrels around Kyoto with cherry blossom petals in their beaks, which were then believed to be spreading disease.[2]

Attractions

There are several attractions that are unique to Imamiya Shrine. Specifically, there are two longstanding restaurants adjacent to the shrine. These shops' specialty are aburimochi - skewered, roasted rice cakes that are a traditional Kyoto confection. The two restaurants, named Ichiwa and Kazariya, have been open since 1000 and 1656 respectively and are located immediately outside the shrine's east gate.[3]

The shrine also houses a rock called ahokashisan. The stone is believed to possess magical properties. If a person rubs the stone and then rubs an injured area of their body, it is said that they will heal quicker than normal. Furthermore, if a person taps the stone three times, then lifts it, the stone will feel heavy. Afterwards, if the same person strokes the stone three times while making a wish and then lifts it for a second time and the stone feels light, it is said that their wish will be granted.[2] The ahokashisan, as well as Yasurai Matsuri, are designated Important Cultural Properties.

gollark: If you just treat stars as magic mystery orbs when we have a good explanation for them now, your theory is a significant step backward.
gollark: please stop, "Familial Mediterranean Fever#8480".
gollark: I mean, it also can lead to problematic arguments which spiral out of control.
gollark: It's weird how some of them said stuff like "it'll go away after the election" as if the entire world revolves around US politics or something.
gollark: > but its fascinating to see the stupidityI was looking at some reddit subreddit about allegedly "free-thinkers resisting the new normal" and *actually* seemingly about people complaining about masks, having to isolate after positive tests, talking about herd immunity, and saying "plandemic" a bit for similar reasons; morbid curiosity or something I guess.

See also

References
  1. "Kyoto Walking map". Kyoto Visitor's Guide. Retrieved 2008-05-12.
  2. Kawaguchi, Satoko. "Imamiya Shrine". Learning about Kyoto. Retrieved 2008-05-12.
  3. Imanaka, Chiaki. "Aburimochi". Learning About Kyoto. Retrieved 2008-05-12.


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