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Yasaka Shrine Reisai, Kyoto
As part of the Yasaka Shrine Reisai (annual festival) an elegant court dance called Azuma Asobi from the Heian period is performed. In ancient times, the inhabitants of the eastern provinces offered Azuma Asobi to the Court as a token of their submission to allay the anxiety that was felt concerning their loyalty. This dance is said to have been received from heaven by the divine first emperor of Jimmu Tenno (660-582 BC). To be included in the orchestra of Asuma Asobi was the summit of the shrine musician's ambition.
The great god of Yasaka shrine is Susanoo. The story goes that one night long ago, a poor yet kind hearted man invited an unknown
traveler to stay in his home and showed warm hospitality. The traveler was very pleased and promised the man that he and his descendents would escape from various disasters or pestilence and enjoy prosperity. That traveller was none other than Susanoo who is the younger brother of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu. Susanoo rescued Kushinada by killing Yamata no Orochi, an eight-headed serpent (ref Sakata matsuri, Susanoo).
As the ancient capital of Kyoto flourished, worshippers venerated the deity of Yasaka shrine all over Japan. Even today there are about 3000 branch shrines. Because the guardian bodhisattva of Gion monastery was also worshipped at Yasaka shrine the place became known by other names. In 1871 this place of worship was renamed Yasaka shrine as part of the government’s policy to separate Shinto and Buddhism.
Yasaka shrine is located in the eastern mountains of Kyoto and protected by the blue water dragon. Places where dragons lie hidden have been known since ancient times as centres of accumulated vital force. According to the ancient Chinese astrology earth’s energy dominates the fate of humans and is an important factor in construction of towns, houses, graves, etc. Such principles were taken into consideration in planning of the Heian Capital to ensure the protection of the four directional gods: Genbu (the north - black, half-snake, half-tortoise), Seiryu (the east - blue, water dragon), Suzaku (the south - red, Chinese phoenix, and Byakko (the west - white, tiger).
At Yasaka shrine believers smoke a medicinal plant called Okera in the sacred fire to pray for protection against ill fortune for the next year. Okera is also used to flavour New Year’s special sake
(toso).
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