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>> b l a d e s : m i s a o m a k i m a c h i s h r i n e <<
Our resident ninja girl Misao and her Oniwabanshuu troupe, as many know, live in the town of Kyoto during the 17th century, at the start of the Meiji era.
But how exactly was the life in Kyoto during the early years of Japan? Here's some brief information to give Misao fans a clue to the life Misao lived and the festivals she may have celebrated in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
"The City of Kyoto was founded as "Heiankyo" in 794 A.D. It
flourished as the capital of Japan for approximately 1,000 years and was the
birth site of the quintessential Japanese culture and traditions one finds
throughout the country today. Even after the transfer of the capital to Tokyo
with the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Kyoto maintained its position as Japan's
cultural capital. It is home various national treasures worthy of global pride
as well as many historical buildings and traditional arts and crafts. Kyoto is
known as the "spiritual home of the Japanese," and it is often said
that without knowing Kyoto, it is impossible to grasp the true essence of
Japan."
"Kyoto was laid out in a grid
pattern with the Imperial Palace located at its center. The city was modeled on
Chang-an (modern-day Xian), the capital of the Tang Dynasty of China. The
surrounding areas are named according to their positions relative to the
Imperial Palace: Rakuchu for central Kyoto, Kitayama for northern Kyoto,
Higashiyama for eastern Kyoto, and Nishiyama for western Kyoto."
"The Kamo River which
flows from north-south through the middle of the city serves as a useful
reference point."
"Once Heijyokyo and Nagaokakyo also used to be capitals, but Yamasiro
region was provided as new capital by Emperor Kanmu in 794. This is called
Heiankyo, the beginning of Kyoto so to speak. The culture and commerce,
industry have developed since then. What is more, many centers of religious
sects came into Kyoto, so that it was getting become very attractive as being
religious than any other part in Japan. In 1869 , the capital was moved to
Tokyo, which ended its history as the capital of Japan that had more than 1,200
years. However Kyoto did not have any declines with it."
Landmark Attractions:
Nijo Castle : In addition to the Imperial Palace,
Nijo Castle is a famous site located in Rakuchu. Built as the Kyoto residence of
Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, Nijo Castle represents a beautiful example of Edo-period
architecture. One of the Castle's unique attractions is the squeaking floors,
called ?gnightingale floors," which alerted the residents of unwanted
intruders. The grounds of the castle are also well-maintained and provide a
charming atmosphere to take a relaxing stroll.
(This sounds suspiciously like the castle that Aoshi and the original Shinomori defended during the Bakumatsu no Douran War.)
Kinkakuji Temple : also known as the Golden
Pavilion, is located north of the Imperial Palace in Kitayama. It was originally
constructed in the 14th century. The present building is a reconstruction that
represents a classic example of Muromachi-style architecture.
Kiyozimu Temple : Located in Higashiyama, Kiyomizu Temple provides a breathtaking view of the entire city and the surrounding mountains. The temple, originally built in the 8th century, provides an excellent example of Buddhist architecture in the Heian period. One of the most impressive aspects of the main building is its veranda, which is built over a steep cliff with a long drop. The area around Kiyomizu Temple is also known for its pottery dating back to the 8th century.
(I might be wrong, but could this be the temple where it is believed to hold an enormous amount of feng shui that the Water Ninja clan planned to use to take control of Japan? **Rurouni Kenshin TV episodes 91-94)
Arashiyama : located in western Kyoto, is a picturesque and romantic place to visit in the Nishiyama area. Visitors can visit a variety of temples, take a boat ride along the river and view animals in their natural habitat.
"Nestled in a basin surrounded by three mountain ranges, Kyoto is hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Each of the four seasons has a distinct character and forms the basis for a lot of festivals, diverse seasonal activities and celebrations."
"In winter, Kyoto residents and visitors make a pilgrimage to temples and shrines to pray for a successful New Year. A popular spot for New Year's Eve is Yasaka Shrine, located in the heart of downtown Kyoto. A special miso soup containing mochi (rice cake) is traditionally eaten to wish for happiness and health for the new year. Although the winter in Kyoto is relatively cold, the hot soup and the glow of fires are said to warm the body and spirit in preparation for the new year."
"Spring in Kyoto is perhaps the most beautiful season. The temperature during the day remains warm with a pleasant cool breeze. In early to mid-April, cherry blossoms start to bloom around Kyoto, and pink blossoms line the banks of the Kamo River. The spring in Kyoto is considered the time to celebrate the cycle of life with the birth of the cherry blossoms."
"The summer in Kyoto, although relatively hot and humid, holds its own delights. A very popular summer event is the Gion Festival held in July. It is said to have started in 869, in the hopes of securing divine intervention to halt an epidemic that was mercilessly plaguing the area. The festival really gained popularity in the Edo period when the lavishly decorated floats, known as `yama' and `hoko', made their first appearances. The main events of the festival are `Yoi-yama', the eve of the festival on July 16th, and `Yamahoko-junko', the floats procession on July 17th. During `Yamahoko-junko,' the highlight of the Gion festival, 9 hoko and 23 yama, most of which date back to the 15th century, parade down the main streets of Kyoto."
"Autumn brings a new color to the city. The mountains, which surround the city, turn a brilliant crimson as the maple trees prepare to shed their leaves. The bright yellow, red, and orange of this time of year, accompanied by mild temperatures, provide the perfect backdrop for sightseeing. Arashiyama is especially spectacular at this time of year, and its beauty has attracted Japan's foremost poets and artists throughout history."
Special thanks to Convention City Tokyo and Kyoto City History for this information!
