Seven Gods of Good Luck

It is said that Japanese people has believed in native Shintoism and foreign Buddhism together since Buddhism was introduced to Japan in the 6th century. The two religions had been unified in Japan until the government of the Meiji era enforced the law of the separation of Shintoism and Buddhism in the middle of the 19th century.

When it comes to the subject about the mixture between Shintoism and Buddhism, I remember "Shichifukujin (七福神)", or the seven gods of good luck.

 

(Above: The seven gods in a treasure ship. Such a picture is very popular.)

But here, exceptionally,there are eight gods relate to the name of the city,"Hachioji" (Hachi means eight)

Although they are called gods, they consist of gods and holy persons of Buddhism, Shintoism, Taoism and Hinduism. And each of them is the object of woship in temples as well as in shirines.

So when I pray, I sometimes hesitate between two manners of worship, Shinto style and Buddhism style.

They are the gods who bring us various luck such as a long life, wisdom, prosperity in business, family well-being, etc. It is said that they became widely known in the Muromachi period (the 14th century-16th century).

And even now the seven lucky gods tour of New Year is very popular. I love it because much fortune can be obtained at a time. Moreover, since you have to walk along a fair distance to visit seven temples or shirines, it is good for health, too.

"Kotohira-gu"(2)---Kagawa Pref.

There is a building when going up tens of steps from the statue of the dog.

(Above: Shoin)

It is the "shoin"style building in the Edo period. The paintings on the sliding doors and walls as well as the building are impressive.

(Above: Garden of Shoin)

The composition of a painting in the "Shoin" connects to the garden.

The stone steps lead to higher place.

And finally, on the top of the steps, the main building of "Kotohira-gu" comes into the view.

(Above: The main building)

The view of the observation platform next to the main building is breathtaking.

(Above: View with Mt. Sanuki Fuji in the center)

On my way back, I stopped by "kanamaru-za" (the photos below)built in the Edo period (1835). It is the oldest Kabuki Theater existing in Japan.

Varied devices of the stage are interesting.

For further information about "Kanamaru-za":

www.town.kotohira.kagawa.jp/kanko/midokoro/kanamaruza/

For further information about "Kotohira-gu": www.konpira.or.jp/  

---End---

"Kotohira-gu"shrine---Kagawa Pref.

"Kotohira-gu （金刀比羅宮）"in Kagawa Prefecture in Shikoku is one of the most famaous shirines in Japan.

It is popularly known as "Kompira-san". "Kompira"means in Sanskrit the sacred crocodile" living in the Ganges River in India. So the gods of the sea are the object of worship in this shrine.

When I went there, I took a lovely express train from Okayama station. Since the writer of the picture book, "Ampan-man" was born in a town in Shikoku,  Ampan-man's popular characters are painted on some trains which go to Shikoku.  

The approach to "Kotohira-gu" starts soon when going out of Kotohira station.

However the buildings of "Kotohira-gu" stand on the hillside of "Zozusan" and you have to go up 785 steps to get to the main building.

On the way, I saw the bronze statue of a dog. (The photo below)

The sign says that in the Edo period (1615-1867), the visit to  "Kompira-san" was a dream for people. However traveling was much more difficult than today.

Therefore, there was a custom that dogs came here to worship instead of their owners. People who couldn't come by themselves made their pet dog come with some money for donation. And other travelers took care of the dogs.

When I read the explanation, I coudn't believe it. But I found the picture below later.

   

So, the story must have been true. What a wonderful age it was! 

---to be concluded--

 

Harmony of Greenery and Water---Ritsurin Garden

Other charms in Ritsurin Garden are abundant clear water and a variety of stone arrangement.

There are 6 large ponds and several streams in the garden. Those are all filled with the water coming out of the source in a corner of the garden.

(Above: The source called "Fukiage")

(Above: the South pond,  "南湖", with the arched bridge as a focal view point)  

(Above: the South pond with the tea house, "Kikugetsu-tei")

 

The pond above, "群鴨池", was used for duck-hunting by the feudal lords.

There is a natural red cliff on the other side of the West pond, "西湖", and it provides a unique view to the garden.

 (Above: Natural red cliff and an artificial waterfall made for the feudal lord)

Every stone arrangement in the garden is also attractive.

The stone arrangement above  seems to be the oldest one in the garden. It is said that here is the place of origin of Ritsurin Garden.

(Above: Distinctive stone arrangement of the water basin in front of the tea house)

Ritsurin Garden has been preserved in its original style for over 250 years. It is the fruit of care and attention of skilled craftsmen.

For further information: www.pref.kagawa.jp/ritsurin/  

Charms of Pine Trees---Ritsurin Garden in Kagawa

Ritsurin Garden is located in Takamatsu-shi in Kagawa Prefecture (in Shikoku).

It is known as the largest National Special Scenic Beauty garden, which covers an area of 16 hectares that consists of 6 ponds and 13 artificial hills. 

Ritsurin Garden is a pond-side strolling garden incorporating Mt. Shiun in the background as the borrowed landscape.

(Above: "北湖", North pond surrounded by pine trees with Mt. Shiun in the background) 

It is the traditional feudal lord style garden of the Edo period; the main construction of the garden was started in the early 1600s and was completed in 1745.

"Ritsurin (栗林）" literally means "chestnut grove". The name is derived from chestnut trees that were once planted as a provision against famine.

Actually the garden is featured by pine trees like they say that there are a thousand well shaped pines.

(Above: Pines line the path from the entrance)

Those pines are beautifully maintained and create unique and attractive views here and there in the whole garden.

(Above: Pines shaped into a folding screen)

(Above: Pine and rocks representing Crane-Tortoise)

(Above:  Bonsai-shaped pine)

---to be continued---