A local festival/Kyoto

This is neither World Heritage Site nor a big shrine, but just a local shrine. A small compound is covered with trees. There is a long approach with Torii gate, the entrace of the sacred compound. and the deity of community is enshrined in the center.


There is also an affiliated shrine of Inari (deity of rice) with a pair of foxes, the messenger of Inari.
In the morning, the Shinto priest says the praising words to the deity in the presence of representatives of the communities, later they enjoy party with food and sake (rice wine). In fact this part is most enjoyable for the participants. Community members including young members carry a portable shrine to cheer up the spirit of the deity.

These are traditionally taken place in May in accordance with rice planting, however recently during the first weekend in May.

Sakura final in Kyoto

Sakura viewing is finally over in Kyoto.
Final sakura is Yae Zakura (double cherry) in pink.

When it gets warm enough to prepare for the cultivation of rice, the deity of rice, usually living in the mountain, comes down to the field. Then, sakura besides the paddy field will bloom.
Sakura originally meant the seat for the deity of rice.

Sake happened to be made from molted dry rice after being wet.
Farmers interpreted it as a gift from the deity.

Farmers dedicated sake to the deity of rice staying on the sakura tree.
They shared sake with deity, enjoyed singing and dancing, wishing for the good harvest in autumn.

This was a story even before Shinto shrine buildings were made.



This is the shrine in my neighbourhood

Hanami (sakura viewing party) are always taken place with sake and singing.
It’s a sacred party. All people has great cause for parties during sakura season.