I learned about this shrine because of Hanyu Yuzuru. His performance interpreting the music piece Seimei was profoundly moving and unforgettable. As a result, I started to learn the story behind it, and it eventually led me to this shrine to see the great protector from thousands of years ago.
Many pentagrams (五芒星) can be seen here, and I also saw many ema (絵馬) from Hanyu’s fans. Being here, I felt a strong sense of connection and powerful spiritual energy.
Super crowded when I went.
In the photos you generally see it looks like a cute and forgotten little shrine. It's actually quite touristy.
Most of the things you can see on their IG are also not available to the public.
Beautiful shrine located not far from Nijo castle, only 20 minute walk or few minutes by bus.
I came to this shrine mainly for its association with Japanese Olympic champion figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu’s SEIMEI program, there were several prayer tablets dedicated to him ❤️ but I could also really feel that this is a very special and divine place, and I was able to pray peacefully 🙏
Very quiet with occasional worshippers coming and going, not completely empty but no where near busy or crowded. Highly recommend a stop by if you walk past
I will admit I know nothing of Abe no Seimei except for the most basic info available on the shrine's website and Wikipedia. I can, however, offer my impressions and observations of the shrine when I visited it recently.
I am usually one who avoids and pretty much loathes commercialism but I'll make a small exception for this place mainly because I found it quite fun.
When I decided to drop by one late Sunday morning, I was surprised to find quite a few Japanese visitors and tourists. I took the city bus and it dropped me off almost at the doorstep of the shrine.
The outer torii gate has a traditional signboard that bears the shrine's emblem or kamon of a 5 pointed star. This is quite rare because most signboards typically bear the name of the place. If I had to hazard a guess I think the star acts as a talisman against evil and helps to reinforce and magnify the protective powers of the gate.
The outermost gate actually sits right on the kerb side of the main road so you will find the shrine hard to miss. Please do bow before you enter and keep to the side when walking in. This is basic shrine etiquette that applies to all shrines.
Upon entering the outer gate, you'll see a stone effigy of the yokai that does Seimei's bidding, guarding a little bridge on the left. You may want to read up on the significance of crossing the bridge before you do it, or you can simply throw caution to the wind for that Instagram shot.
Just behind the bridge is a tiny hut run by a lovely little silver haired granny. Tons of souvenirs to fill your pockets here but bear in mind that while all the gifts are approved for sale by the clergy, they have NOT been blessed by the priests and so are NOT considered amulets. Tip: the amulet counter closer to the heart of the shrine has a range of amulets and keepsakes that have already been blessed if that's what you want.
You can, of course, buy stuff from the little old lady and try your luck looking for a priest to bless your purchases but I wouldn't count on it if I were you, and I wouldn't hold my breath. They aren't always around when you want them and note that fees may apply. Check the official website if you are thinking of visiting. It should prove both interesting and useful.
Once you're done with the outer perimeter, walk straight to the second torii gate and yes, a little bow and keeping to the side will be nice. On the right, is a small fountain resembling a traditional grain mortar with spring water flowing from small spouts. This was obviously a clever replacement for the traditional scoop and trough found in most temples and shrines. Thanks to the very creative and progressive clergy and personnel of the shrine, this is obviously their solution for the extra care and hygiene required by COVID. Thanks to their idea, you can safely purify your hands and mouth at this shrine before going any further to pray and converse with the deities.
I quite like the shrine because it has a fun and spritely vibe to it despite the straightforward commercialism spelt out on the website.
In case you're wondering, you won't need much time for a visit. Half an hour should do the trick unless you're really into Japanese culture and spirituality. Bring 5 yen coins to toss into alms boxes - they are considered lucky and perfect for this purpose at all temples and shrines in Japan.
For those like me, who went looking for Sen no Rikyu's old abode, all you'll find is the stone post planted just outside of the inner gate on the left.
Such peaceful place 😌 it has a calming energy, not as strong as another place that i know, but offers you a piece of inner piece, i wanted to visit his tomb that's in a different part of Kyoto but it got very cloudy and the sun was setting
