Rare Access to Shrines and Temples In Kyoto Exhibition
I am excited to share that a unique spring exhibition featuring sixteen shrines and temples in Kyoto has opened new access to private statues and architectural elements.
This event, organized by the Kyoto Heritage Preservation Association with support from The Asahi Shimbun, runs until May 11.
The “Special exhibition of Kyoto’s hidden cultural properties” showcases treasures typically closed to the public across Kyoto, including the adjacent city of Yawata.
In Yawata, two notable locations—Iwashimizu Hachimangu shrine and Shokado Garden and Art Museum—are part of this initiative.
In Kyoto’s Minami Ward, visitors can explore the first floor of the five-story pagoda at Toji Temple, recognized as a national treasure.
This year marks the first participation of the Association of Kyoto Traditional Culture Foundation, which is presenting costumes and artifacts associated with the Aoi Festival, one of Kyoto’s three significant festivals.
A preview event held on April 25 at Koshoin Temple featured a reproduction of the festival’s procession.
This includes the “Saio-dai,” an emblematic figure of the Aoi Festival, accompanied by her retinue.
The life-sized statues are adorned in intricate costumes resembling those worn during the actual procession.
Moving toward Fushimi Ward, which serves as the exhibition’s focal point, visitors will find six temples and shrines.
Two of these have kept their historical collections private until now.
Among them is Kitamukizan Fudo-in Temple, linked to Emperor Emeritus Toba (1103-1156), showcasing a statue of the Buddhist deity Fudo Myoo, classified as an important cultural asset.
Enmyo-in Temple features a traditional painting on a cedar door illustrating a rooster, attributed to Ito Jakuchu (1716-1800), which became accessible starting May 1.
Additionally, Kamigamojinja Shrine and the nearby Umetsuji family residence, along with Shimogamojinja Shrine, welcome guests.
The main entrance of Konkai Komyoji Temple, as well as the Ohojo and Kohojo study halls in Chion-in Temple, are also open for viewing.
Other participating sites include Zuishin-in Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Daiunji Temple, Anrakujuin Temple, and Chokenji Temple.
The exhibition is available for the public from April 26 to May 11, although specific hours may vary at different locations.
Generally, admission is priced at 1,000 yen ($7) for adults and 500 yen for junior high and high school students, with some sites offering differing rates.
Proceeds from ticket sales will contribute to the preservation and repair of cultural properties.
For additional details, please refer to the Kyoto Heritage Preservation Association’s website.
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