We have only a month left this year.
2024 is the year of the dragon.
In terms of the original zodiac sign, 2024 is the year of “Kinoe Tatsu”.
So, What will the year of “Kinoe Tatsu” be like?
The meaning of “Kou” is first place, indicating superiority and also representing a towering large tree.
“Tatsu” means the dragon, the only fictional creature among the zodiac.
Dragons have been worshiped as gods of water and the sea, and it has been said that “if a dragon appears, something auspicious will happen.”
The combination of these two, Koshin, can be said to represent auspiciousness, such as “the bud of success grows and takes shape.”
Why not visit the temples and shrines in Kyoto that are connected to the Year of the Dragon in the new year?
Yasaka Shrine
“Main shrine” where the blue dragon lives
There is a legend that there is a large pond where the blue dragon lives under the main shrine of Yasaka Shrine.
The pond is currently plastered over and we cannot see it.
Legend has it that Yasaka Shrine is the place where the “the blue dragon” that protects the “east” of Kyoto resides, and this pond where the blue dragon lives is said to be the dragon cave.
You can draw the sacred water called “Chikaramizu” that gushes out from the dragon hole on the grounds.
It is recommended to use the power water as purification water. Drinking drinks are sold at Yasaka Shrine.
The sacred water in front of Daijingu Shrine
You can draw the sacred water called “Chikaramizu” that gushes out from the dragon hole.
It is recommended to use the power water as purification water.
Drinking water can be purchased from vending machines on the premises.
The “Seiryūseki” purified with this water is popular as a souvenir.
When you go out, please check the latest information on the official website etc.
Information of Yasaka Shrine
Location：625 North side of Gion-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
TEL：075-561-6155
FAX：075-531-1126
Visiting hours：Always
Closing day：No closing days
Entrance fee：free
Access：5 minutes walk from Keihan Railway “Gion Shijo” station
HP：https://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/
