Imamiya Shrine

Infobox Shinto shrine
name = Imamiya Shrine
今宮神社


caption = Imamiya Shrine's main gate
width = 285
type =
dedication = Ōkuninushi
founded = 994
closed =
founder =
priest =
address = 21, Imamiya-cho, Murasakino
Kita-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto 603-8231
phone = [phone]
website =

nihongo|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". [cite web|url=http://www.kyotoguide.com/ver2/walking/walking-oldcapitalwalking.html |title=Kyoto Walking map |accessdate=2008-05-12 |work=Kyoto Visitor's Guide] On every second Sunday in April, one of the 3 major festivals in Kyoto, Yasurai Matsuri, is held at the shrine. The word nihongo|"imamiya"|今宮 means "newly constructed."

History

Imamiya Shrine was originally founded during the Heian period in 994. In 1001, however, the shrine was moved to its present day location as a response to a epidemic that had hit the Kyoto area a year earlier. Current iterations of many of the structures were rebuilt in 1902.cite web|url=http://www.kyopro.kufs.ac.jp/dp/dp01.nsf/ecfa8fdd6a53a7fc4925700e00303ed8/b281cc0ba924bb714925726f0010b7fb!OpenDocument |title=Imamiya Shrine |accessdate=2008-05-12 |work=Learning about Kyoto |author=Kawaguchi, Satoko] 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.

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 1002 and 1656 respectively and are located immediately outside the shrine's east gate. [cite web|url=http://www.kyopro.kufs.ac.jp/dp/dp01.nsf/b7eb328e75d9627a49256feb00103b33/133c5fb520e8d78f4925721400151d70!OpenDocument |title=Aburimochi |accessdate=2008-05-12 |work=Learning About Kyoto |author=Imanaka, Chiaki]

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. The "ahokashisan", as well as Yasurai Matsuri, are designated Important Cultural Properties.

ee also

*List of Shinto shrines
*List of Shinto shrines in Kyoto

References