Kyoto Stroll | Stroll from Shugakuin to Ichijyoji area in Kyoto at the foot of Mt Hiei.

Today’s stroll in Kyoto
This time, we will stroll around the Shugakuin to Ichijyoji area, one of the best places in Kyoto to view the autumn leaves.Shugakuin to Ichijyoji is located at the foot of Mt. Hiei, where many old shrines and temples are located. It is also a popular spot for viewing the autumn foliage, which attracts many tourists in autumn. Ichijoji is also home to one of Kyoto’s best ramen shops, where you can enjoy delicious ramen.So, let’s take a stroll right away.

Today’s route

A.Shugakuin Station, Eizan Electric Railway
B.Sekizan Zen-in Temple, guarding the demon’s gate of Kyoto
C.Sagimori Shrine, which is blessed for marital bliss and for severing bad marriages
D.Itto-ji Temple　　Hayama Bato Kannon
E. Hachidai-Jinja Shrine
F.Eizan Electric Railway Ichijyoji Station

A.Shugakuin Station, Eizan Electric Railway

Let’s start this stroll from Shugakuin Station, located in northern Kyoto at the intersection of Kitayama Dori and Higashioji Dori. Shugakuin Station is on the Eizan Electric Railway line, and there is a traditional shopping area in the vicinity.

Exit Shugakuin Station and walk east on Kitayama Dori. You will soon hit a large street called Shirakawa Dori. Follow Shirakawa Dori toward where you came from. After a short walk, you will see a bridge over a small river, so turn right (east) at the end of the bridge.

From here, you will be walking along the riverside for a while. The road is not very wide, but there are surprisingly many cars passing by, so please be careful.

As you continue on, you will see a small stone monument. Continue walking in the direction of “Sekizan” as indicated on the stone monument. Eventually, you will see a stone torii gate. If you continue on past the torii gate, you will reach the “Sekizan Zen-in Temple,” which guards the demon gate of Kyoto.

B.Sekizan Zen-in Temple, guarding the demon’s gate of Kyoto

Sekizan Zen-in is a branch temple of Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple, which has a long history dating back to its founding 888 years ago. Located northeast of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, it has protected the demon’s gate of the capital. It has also long been worshipped as a god of “Houkiyoke” (protection from the direction of the enemy) to prevent obstacles from arising when moving or traveling.

The principal deity is Sekizan Daimyojin, aka Taizanpu-kun. It is one of the rare temples to worship a Taoism deity.

The best time to visit Sekizan Zen-in Temple is during the fall foliage season. While worship is free, you will be able to view the magnificent autumn leaves. The temple grounds are surprisingly spacious, allowing visitors to take a leisurely stroll.

When you visit here, take a look at the monkey statue on the roof of the worship hall. This monkey is supposed to protect the demon’s gate and is paired with the “Saruketsuji” in the Gosho.

After visiting Sekizan Zen-in Temple, exit the temple gate and head south.

From the torii gate of Sekizan Zen-in, head south through a narrow residential area. You will begin to see an emotional hedge, and as you continue along the hedge, you will see Shugakuin Rikyu on your left. Shugakuin Rikyu is a detached palace built around the 17th century, and can be visited by reservation. This time, continue to go further south.

Continue on a narrow path, and you will see a small bridge. After crossing the bridge, go to the right at the end of the road and you will see “Sagimori Shrine.

C.Sagimori Shrine, which is blessed for marital bliss and for severing bad marriages.

Sagimori Shrine is dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto. Like Sekizan Zen-in, it has a long history and was founded around the 9th century.

The following is a waka poem read by Susanoo-no-Mikoto.

“Yakumo hakumo tate Izumo yaegaki Tsuma gomi ni yaegaki wo tsukuru its yaegaki (Yaegaki is made for a wife and her family)”.

This waka poem expresses the desire to make the house where one lives with one’s wife a good one, and a stone “Yaegaki,” said to be associated with this poem, is still in existence at Sagimori Shrine.

When you visit Sagimori Shrine, be sure to touch this Yaegaki. It is believed to be beneficial for marital harmony, severing bad relationships, and also for marriage.

Sagimori Shrine is also one of the best places to view the autumn leaves. The beautiful autumn leaves that decorate the long approach to the shrine are well worth seeing. In spring, visitors can also enjoy the beautiful blooming cherry blossoms.

Sagimori Shrine is relatively small and can be visited in a short time. Feel the breath of the age of the gods as you make your way to your next destination.

As soon as you exit the approach to the shrine, turn right and go in a southerly direction. As when you came to Sagimori Shrine, walk through a quiet residential area. There are not many pedestrians, so you can enjoy a relaxing stroll.

Walking along the narrow street, you will hit a slightly wider street (marked by a Jizo-san). This road is called “Manjuin Road” and leads to Manjuin, a famous sightseeing spot.

Turn left on Manjuin Road and turn right at the third street. Continue further along the road and you will see a stone pillar that reads “Hayama Bato Kannon” (Hayama Horse-headed Kannon).

D.Itto-ji Temple Hayama Bato Kannon

The official name of Hayama Matou Kannon is Itto-ji Temple Temple. Although it is called “Hayama’s Kannon-san” by the locals and loved by many, it is not a major attraction in Japan. Therefore, you will be able to relax without getting tired of the presence of others.

Itto-ji Temple Temple is a small temple nestled in the middle of a mountain. Surrounded by trees, combined with the lack of popularity, it has a mysterious atmosphere as if time has stopped.

The main deity of Itto-ji Temple is the previously mentioned Matou Kannon. Compared to the usual Kannon, which has a gentler image, the Horse-headed Kannon is characterized by an angry face. Incidentally, it is said that the Horse-headed Kannon here was created by Prince Shotoku.

The hall of Itto-ji Temple was once inhabited by Umeda Unhama (a Confucian scholar at the end of the Edo period, who was imprisoned in Ansei Prison). Umeda Unhama (a Confucian scholar at the end of the Edo period who was imprisoned and died in the Great Ansei Prison) lived in the hall of Ittoji Temple for a time. Prince Shotoku and Umeda Unbama. I feel the depth of history.

Now let’s leave Itto-ji Temple and head for our final destination. Next stop is a shrine associated with the famous sword saint.

Go back the way you came and take the second street south, diagonally across from the temple called “Seikenin”. Follow the narrow path and you will see two temples, Seien-ji and Enko-ji. Enko-ji Temple is famous for its beautiful autumn leaves and gardens, so if you have time, you may wish to see it.

Passing these temples, you will come to a crossroad. Turn left at the crossroads and you will soon see the famous “Shisen-do” (Shrine of Poetry). Our destination, “Hachidai Shrine,” is a shrine that stands right next to Shisen-do.

E.Hachidai-Jinja Shrine

Hachidai-Jinja Shrine was founded in the 13th century as a branch of Yasaka-Jinja Shrine (Gion Shrine) located near Gion, the flower district of Kyoto. Since then, it has been worshipped as the guardian deity of the Ichijyoji area.

The deities are Susanoo-no-Mikoto and his wife, Inadahime-no-Mikoto (also known as Kushinadahime). It is said to bring good luck for matchmaking and academic achievement. It is also known as a shrine where people pray for victory and good fortune for the following reasons.

Hachidai-Jinja Shrine is said to have been visited by the sword saint Miyamoto Musashi before his duel with the Yoshioka clan. This is the historical “Duel of the Isshuji Temple Descending Pine Tree” and is said to be one of the most important in the life of Miyamoto Musashi, who fought many duels.

In the precincts of Hachidai-Jinja Shrine, a stone structure has been erected in the shape of Musashi Miyamoto at the time of the duel. In addition, an old Ichijyo-ji downed pine tree, which is said to have grown during that period, is enshrined as the deity.

These two must be seen when visiting the Hachidai Shrine.

F.Eizan Electric Railway Ichijyoji Station

Ichijyoji Station is where Eizan Electric Railway trains stop. Surrounding the station is a shopping district with many unique stores.

Among the stores in the Ichijoji Station area, the most notable is Ebunsha, a bookstore that offers a wide range of books and sundry goods. The store has a wide selection of goods that will satisfy both book and general merchandise lovers, and many people visit from both inside and outside of the prefecture. Hagi Shobo, with its unique signboard, is also a point of interest.

There are also many cafes and coffee shops, so you can heal your tired body before leaving. If you are hungry, a little further west is the ramen district. Find your favorite restaurant.

Route Review

Access to Kyoto Shugakuin

（Start）Shugakuin Station, Eizan Electric Railway : Yamabataichi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 606-8007

Parking around Kyoto Shugakuin to Ichijoji area

Kyoto Shugakuin to Ichijoji area Official Website

Sekizan Zen-in Temple : here
Sagimori Shrine : here
Hachidai-Jinja Shrine : here

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