We had reached the entrance to the great Shinto shrine Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu , an elegant complex of buildings built by vermilion Minamoto Yoritomo in 1180 , having ordered the removal and displacement of its original buildings, built by his ancestor Minamoto Yorihoshi since 1063 in an area called Zaimozuka .
Minamoto Yoritomo (who read some material issue in the Japanese have read ad nauseum), was the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, and like all the characters that have been a turning point in the history of a country deeply impact on the city, its planning and its buildings. The Tsurugaoka was placed in an area that housed a former Buddhist temple, the larger of the current complex.
at the sanctuary reached through a stone bridge to span the curve, not passable today, flanked by a linear bridge, which is the current entry. It is said that the curved bridge was reserved solely for shogun, while everyone else had to use a flat deck similar to the entry today.
Minamoto Yoritomo (who read some material issue in the Japanese have read ad nauseum), was the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, and like all the characters that have been a turning point in the history of a country deeply impact on the city, its planning and its buildings. The Tsurugaoka was placed in an area that housed a former Buddhist temple, the larger of the current complex.
at the sanctuary reached through a stone bridge to span the curve, not passable today, flanked by a linear bridge, which is the current entry. It is said that the curved bridge was reserved solely for shogun, while everyone else had to use a flat deck similar to the entry today.
the beautiful picture of Kirainet (photo used under CC license, here see the original), one sees the Curca the stone bridge and a backdrop of red moles of tall buildings and low (Mai-den) dell'Hachiman-gu.
The part of the name is a dedication Hachiman eponymous warrior god, patron of the Minamoto emerged victorious from a long dynastic conflict with the house of rival Heike .
The avenue leading to the first building is a long paved with stone on which, depending on the time of year is lined with stalls (in the photo you see them barely two).
The Mai-den building has been reconstructed recently. Originally dating back to periods of above-mentioned Minamoto Yoritomo and is essentially a kind of stage built over the original, where - legend - in 1186 Yoritomo forced, Shizuka, who loves his brother and rival Yoshimitsu to dance for him and his samurai. In this dance is linked to an intricate tale of court and family feud, which you can read in various books in English, including Japan : rough guide.
A closer look shows better the function of this sort of stage "covered stage."
The part of the name is a dedication Hachiman eponymous warrior god, patron of the Minamoto emerged victorious from a long dynastic conflict with the house of rival Heike .
The avenue leading to the first building is a long paved with stone on which, depending on the time of year is lined with stalls (in the photo you see them barely two).
The Mai-den building has been reconstructed recently. Originally dating back to periods of above-mentioned Minamoto Yoritomo and is essentially a kind of stage built over the original, where - legend - in 1186 Yoritomo forced, Shizuka, who loves his brother and rival Yoshimitsu to dance for him and his samurai. In this dance is linked to an intricate tale of court and family feud, which you can read in various books in English, including Japan : rough guide.
A closer look shows better the function of this sort of stage "covered stage."
This gigantic wooden cabinet containing barrels of sake. The presence, in the bottom shelf of cans side by side with modern traditional casks made me also think about the beer (sake in a can, can?), But this possibility is very remote. If anyone reading can clarify the issue will make me happy!
A curiosity: the use of barrels for the sake was abandoned in favor of enameled steel drums since 1907. The Japanese government began a campaign against wooden barrels because due to possible bacterial infections also introduced a tax on wooden barrels, accusing them of "losing" in evaporation about 3% of the product contained therein, which might otherwise be taxed. This was perhaps the reason why producers are resigned to the introduction of the modern steel container.
A curiosity: the use of barrels for the sake was abandoned in favor of enameled steel drums since 1907. The Japanese government began a campaign against wooden barrels because due to possible bacterial infections also introduced a tax on wooden barrels, accusing them of "losing" in evaporation about 3% of the product contained therein, which might otherwise be taxed. This was perhaps the reason why producers are resigned to the introduction of the modern steel container.
Beyond the Mai-den you get to a grand staircase to the left you will see the Cuni Gingko millennium, the scene unaware of another plot linked to the Minamoto clan. (If you're curious, I refer you to the always very detailed post by Nicola ). At the end of staircase leads to the main building, the Hongu , placed in line with the Mai-den, with the hills to the north and the south sea, highlighted line from the great avenue Danzakura leading from the sanctuary and the sea falls directly under the administration of the sanctuary. To the left of the main wing found containing mikoshi ( 神 舆) , small shrines which are carried on the shoulders during the matsuri, the use of which is dated to approximately 750 , and a museum containing objects in use during the Kamakura period, including parts of armor, writing, kimono and helmets.
Most consider this mini museum avoidable, but for just over a euro era (1 usd = ~ 170 yen), spending 200 yen for a quick visit I found it acceptable, although the museum itself was not exciting.
Most consider this mini museum avoidable, but for just over a euro era (1 usd = ~ 170 yen), spending 200 yen for a quick visit I found it acceptable, although the museum itself was not exciting.
One of the drums used during the matsuri, the most famous place between September 16 and 14 and provides, among other things an exhibition of traditional archery in horse, the Yabusame , ancient custom practiced by knights in the last day of the festival.
In January, the archers will compete in a tug to small targets marked with the kanji for oni . Each target hit is a oni driven.
During New Year holidays, the temple receives almost two million visitors.
In January, the archers will compete in a tug to small targets marked with the kanji for oni . Each target hit is a oni driven.
During New Year holidays, the temple receives almost two million visitors.
Above the stairs to a small museum. Shortly before the chapel where there are kept mikoshi.
These flags are located in the pools at the sanctuary. Unfortunately I could not understand their function and meaning. I suspect that they were still there after the end of the matsuri mid-September and that somehow symbolize the struggle between the Minamoto and Heike, but these are just my rambling so please feel warned ^ ^
are still waiting for someone to help me shed light on the mystery!
