A guide to the highlights of Rokuson-o Shrine – a power spot where you can experience Minamoto no Tsuneki and the Heian period firsthand.

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A visit to Rokuson-o Shrine will give you a taste of a shrine that enshrines the ancestors of the Seiwa Genji and is believed to be beneficial for good marriage.

Kyoto pronunciation

This is a spot where you can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms and gardens while experiencing firsthand the history of the Heian Era!

What is Rokuson-o Shrine?

Rokugon-o Shrine is dedicated to Minamoto no Norimoto, grandson of Emperor Seiwa. Known as the first generation of the Seiwa Minamoto clan, it is said that after his death he became a dragon god to watch over his descendants. There is a pond on the shrine grounds where it is said that he lived as a dragon god, and it still remains today as Shinryu Pond.

Basic Information

Features and Highlights

• Birthplace of the Seiwa Genji clan
• Koi no Kakebashi (bridge of love), which is believed to be beneficial for marriage
• Cherry blossoms and peonies adorn the temple grounds
• Power spot associated with the Seiwa Genji clan

In the center of the temple grounds is the Shinryu Pond, where it is said that Kyoki, who became a dragon god, lived. Carp swim in the pond and are used as motifs for ema (votive picture tablet). The drum bridge that crosses the pond is called “Koi no Kakebashi” (bridge of love) and is said to be beneficial for couples to get married.

Also on the temple grounds are the main shrine dedicated to Minamoto no Norimoto and the Birthwater Benzaiten enshrined over the well where Minamoto no Mitsunaka, son of Norimoto, is said to have used the well to give birth. Birthwater Benzaiten is worshipped as a guardian deity for young children.

In spring, cherry trees such as Someiyoshino and mountain cherry trees bloom in the temple grounds, attracting many cherry blossom-viewing visitors. Peony flowers loved by Kyoki can also be seen on the temple grounds.

Event Information

Hoei Matsuri, a regular festival at Rokugonoh Shrine

There is a record that the Tokugawa family contributed to the restoration and restoration of the shrine and temple, which were their kinship shrines throughout the Edo period. In particular, Tsunayoshi, the fifth shogun, contributed to the construction of the structure at the request of Nanya Shonin, a monk of the Odori Temple. In addition, for the purpose of economic control, he ordered the feudal lords from the Minamoto family to donate money to the temple, and various stone lanterns were installed in the precincts of the temple by each feudal lord. The present building (designated by Kyoto City) was completed in the Hoei era (1704), and an annual festival called “Hoei Matsuri ” was held in grand style.

The annual festival is held on October 10 (Sports Day) in the presence of many worshippers, with children dressed as priests and carrying gold and silver gohei, hoko, and shields, led by demons representing the four directions, followed by a parade of portable shrines performed by Shinto priests and the local Shinto fraternity. The procession starts from Hachijo-dori Street, passes Odoriji Temple, and reaches Kujo-dori Street, where it continues until around 5:00 p.m.

List of Annual Events

How to access

• 13 minutes on foot from Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line or Kintetsu Kyoto Line Kyoto Station
• Take Kyoto City Bus and get off at ” Rokusojinja-mae ” bus stop. 3 minutes walk from the bus stop.

Summary

Rokugonoo Shrine is a historic shrine where you can relive the roots of the Seiwa Genji clan. Take a stroll through the shrine grounds, which are said to be beneficial for match-making and good luck, and soak up the atmosphere of good old Kyoto while admiring the beautiful cherry blossoms.

Recommended nearby spots

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Toji Temple (7 min. walk)

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