***PHOTO OF SEIMEI SHINE (by Andrew Daley) but in PDF format??
One of the most exciting and invigorating customs in Japan is without a doubt the festivals, and
where else is better to hold a festival than Kyoto, “The City of Ten Thousand Shrines.” Mikoshi
Matsuri is an annual festival held in Kyoto, taking place in the area surrounding Seimei Shrine.
Dedicated to the famous Herian-era figure Abe no Seimei, this festival presents traditional
rituals, lively performances, and an all around warm, inviting atmosphere. Amongst the vast
variety of shrines, Seimei shrine serves as the focal point of this festival. The blend of spiritual
significance and communal festivity creates an environment that encourages personal growth,
as participants reflect on their aspirations and connect with their inner selves throughout the celebration.
As you wander through the streets of Kyoto during Mikoshi Matsuri, you’ll find yourself
captivated by the smiling faces and loud chants of those around you. Walking through the
streets seeing those who live there, exit their house, smile, wave, and join in the traveling
celebration. It’s truly captivating, like nothing else matters in that moment. Everyone is smiling,
laughing and working together to try and carry this heavy, portable shrine through the narrow
Japanese streets. Every so often they take a break to chat, share food, and laugh some more.
After a while of traveling around the nearby neighborhood, the march will make its return to the
shrine where the party continues. Participating in a matsuri like this allows someone to live in
the moment, their worries fade and they can truly be themselves and enjoy the world that
surrounds them.
My Personal Experience
I had a bit of an interesting experience during my time at Seimei Shrine. I actually had
something outside of school and work that had been consistently bothering me, and for some
reason I couldn’t seem to shake it. The day before I didn’t leave my room, and the next day I
almost skipped the matsuri all together just because I couldn’t get out of my own head. To be
completely honest, I am so grateful that I managed to pull myself out of bed. As soon as I
arrived at the shrine, the matsuri had already begun, and I jumped right into it. Something about
the loud chants, smiling faces, and sense of community, made me feel as though I was
supposed to be there. Everyone was enjoying themselves to the fullest, truly enjoying the
moment, kicking any bad thoughts out of their head.
I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I was walking in a parade-like group,
chanting through the surrounding Kyoto streets. Seeing all the smiling faces of the home owners
outside cheering us forward, and hearing all the laborers work together to carry this heavy
mobile shrine through the very narrow streets gave a strong sense of connection and unity. So,
not only did I physically take part in the matsuri, I also adapted to the mental aspect as well.
Pushing my worries away, just living and enjoying the moment. This matsuri could not have
come at a better time, the internal struggle I was having with myself seemed to disappear and
hasn’t bothered me since. So in a way I’m thankful to this matsuri, I joined in the festival
activities and felt like I was actually a part of the close knit community, in addition to that, I was able to shake my own internal struggle through the process.
Practical Visitor Information
Opening Hours and Admission
Daily: 9am – 4:30pm
Location: 806 Seimeicho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-8222
Contact
Phone: 075-441-6460
Website: https://www.seimeijinja.jp/
Tips for a Great Visit
The best tip I can give is try your best to immerse yourself within the matsuri. The members of
the matsuri will walk around the surrounding neighborhood, and members of that neighborhood
will follow, join that group. You can join in the claps, chants, and feel as though you are taking
part in the matsuri. This is what really made my experience transformative, allowing yourself to
live and breathe within the matsuri can grant you the ability to leave your worries behind and
really live in the moment.
Also, this goes without saying but plan accordingly. I for one had a mini-panic attack on the train
when I looked at the weather report where it said it would rain all day. Thankfully for me, the
matsuri was going to move forward as scheduled whether it rained or not. I checked the website
on the train and was thankful to see that.
Nearby Attractions
Kyoto really lives up to its nickname, in the surrounding area there are a multitude of other
shrines that are walkable distance from Seimei shrine. As for main attractions that are very close, Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace and Kyoto Gyoen National Garden are only a 15 minute
walk from Seimei. Outside of that, just aimlessly walking through the Kyoto streets is a treat
within itself. Observing and appreciating the old classical Japanese architecture that is littered
throughout all of Kyoto.
Conclusion
Japan always has a multitude of fun matsuri going on, whether they be a big name matsuri or a
more local matsuri, they are all enjoyable in their own way. Going to a matsuri such as this is a
great way to escape the mundane, and sing and dance with others just for the sake of singing
and dancing. If someone were having some sort of internal struggle, I think it is best to get out of
their house and get some fresh air. Where better to go than a place full of happy locals, just
enjoying their time alive. Great experience, not my first or last matsuri, but definitely an impactful
and well timed one.
Additional Resources
History Information: https://www.leafkyoto.net/en/makai/2016/09/ichijomodoribashi/
Guide and Directions: https://www.zenkyoen.com/media/en/seimei-shrine-3#How_to_get_there
More Nearby Attractions:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionsNear-g298564-d1568228-Seimei_Shrine-Kyoto_Kyoto_P
refecture_Kinki.htm