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Seimei Shrine

京都府

4.4

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

A shrine with the power to ward off evil spirits and curses, dedicated to Abe no Seimei.

This shrine enshrines Abe no Seimei, an onmyoji (a practitioner of Japanese esoteric cosmology) from the Heian period. It has benefits for warding off evil and dispelling misfortune, and the distinctive mark of a pentagram can be found throughout the grounds. The power spots within the shrine grounds, such as Seimei's well for healing and the peach tree for warding off misfortune, are also noteworthy.

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic History

Highlights

Point 1

The Statue of Abe no Seimei, the Deity of the Shrine

This is a statue of Abe no Seimei, the deity of Seimei Shrine. It is said that Abe no Seimei had a mysterious power, such as using shikigami and subduing demons, and was born to a white fox mother. The statue depicts him observing the stars in the night sky and making a seal under his sleeve. As an onmyoji, Abe no Seimei played a role similar to that of an astronomer or a sorcerer at the time. There used to be Seimei's residence in the location of the shrine, and you can feel the history of Abe no Seimei and onmyoji. Please come and see it as one of the highlights of Seimei Shrine.

Point 2

Peach Statue for Dispelling Misfortune

This is a stone statue of a peach located on the grounds of Seimei Shrine. In onmyodo, peaches have the meaning of dispelling evil, and have long been said to be a fruit that drives away demons. It is said that stroking the peach statue will rid oneself of impurities and misfortunes, and make one feel refreshed. Even those who are not in their unlucky year can stroke it. It is a recommended power spot for those who want to dispel misfortune and gain health and happiness.

Point 3

Ichijo Modoribashi, with a Deep Connection to Abe no Seimei

This bridge is a restoration of the railing of the Ichijo Modoribashi Bridge, which was used until 1995. It is said that Abe no Seimei, a famous onmyoji, hid the shikigami he had summoned under the Ichijo Modoribashi Bridge. The bridge is also known for legends of the dead coming back to life, kabuki plays by Kawatake Mokuami, and the story of Watanabe no Tsuna and the demon woman. In the past, it was a place of great interest and fear as the boundary between this world and the afterlife. It is a spot where you can feel the history of the supernatural in Kyoto.

Point 4

Seimei Well, Overflowing with Blessings

Seimei Well, located on the grounds of Seimei Shrine, is a well that is said to have been created by Abe no Seimei using his psychic powers to make water spring forth. The direction from which the water springs forth is said to indicate the lucky direction for that year, and it is believed to have the power to heal illnesses. The water that springs forth can also be used as drinking water and is beloved by the locals. Why not take some home as drinking water and try the blessed water for yourself?

Point 5

The Symbol of Seimei Shrine: The Pentagram

The mark of the pentagram can be found throughout the grounds of Seimei Shrine. Be sure to take notice of it on the torii gates, wells, lanterns, and other places. This mark is a protective talisman created by Abe no Seimei to ward off evil spirits. Even in modern times, the pentagram has been highly valued as a protective charm. The amulets given out at Seimei Shrine also feature the pentagram, so bringing one home may bring you the power of protection against evil spirits.

Sightseeing

Get a Charm with the Power of Onmyodo

At Seimei Shrine, charms related to the Five Elements of Onmyodo are granted. The charm features a pentagram, which is a talisman for warding off evil in Onmyodo. The "Improvement Charm" is based on the stickiness of earth (yellow) and the momentum of fire (red), while the "Yin-Yang Charm" connects yin (female) and yang (male), making it a unique charm of Seimei Shrine. Why not visit Seimei Shrine to receive the power of the Five Elements of Onmyodo?

Access

Convenient Access from Bus Stop "Ichijo Modoribashi/Harumi Shrine Mae"

Harumi Shrine can be accessed by taking Kyoto City Bus No. 9 from Kyoto Station for about 25 minutes, or by taking Kyoto City Bus No. 12 from Shijo Kawaramachi for about 15 minutes. It's a 12-minute walk from Imadegawa Station on the Karasuma Subway Line. Since the bus stop is just a short walk away and there are many buses, it's recommended to take the bus to Harumi Shrine. For those who want to receive the benefits of warding off evil or bad luck, or for those who want to feel the power of Onmyoji, this is a spot you definitely want to include in your Kyoto sightseeing itinerary.

Basic Information

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