The short story of Kanji pictures
In the old days, massive paper lanterns were used during the grand festivals at Yabo Tenmangu. Each of these magnificent lanterns, proudly inscribed with the characters for ‘YAHO,’ stood about one meter in height! They glowed brilliantly throughout the entire night, beautifully illuminating the dark streets of Yaho with a warm, festive light.
In the Edo era, residents relocated from south of the Tama River to Yaho, building Aoyagi Shrine as their spiritual home. During the annual festivals in February and September, they display a massive symbolic flag. The Kanji written on it always strikes visitors with its astonishingly strong and lively touch.
This is a magnificent ‘KAKEJIKU’ (hanging scroll) rendered entirely in black ink, yet it radiates a powerful, remarkably lifelike energy. It was painted by the Zen monk Unzan Sekiryu at Nan-yoji Temple. The masterful ink strokes capture a sense of deep spiritual vitality, making the artwork feel incredibly alive.
The Kunitachi Museum houses many fascinating historical treasures, and this is one of its finest highlights: a beautiful poem about Yaho composed by Ota Shokuzan, a legendary artist and master poet of the Edo period. The lines of the poem offer a vivid window into the daily lives, thoughts, and culture of the Yaho people during that era.
Found at Nanyoji Temple, this 4,000-year-old claypot represents a historic turning point. The invention of pottery revolutionized daily life for ancient people, as it allowed them to carry, cook, and store food for the first time. This fascinating piece of human heritage is currently on display at the Kunitachi Museum.
Aoyagi Inari is a charming shrine nestled in the Aoyagi area of Kunitachi. It is a wonderful place to visit if you want to explore and discover the beautiful, intricate details of traditional Japanese shrine architecture!
| 名称 | 青柳稲荷神社 |
| 所在地 | 〒186-0013 東京都国立市青柳２３６ |
This traditional Edo-era farmhouse was recently moved here from the Aoyagi district. It beautifully showcases a time when Japanese farmers lived closely with their horses and cattle, sharing their home with them as if they were family.
| 名称 | 城山公園 古民家 |
| 所在地 | 〒186-0012 東京都国立市泉５丁目２１−２０ |
Nanyoji is a historic temple that was built back in the 18th century. From that ancient time until this very day, its massive bell has continuously rung out to let the local community know the time.
| 名称 | 南養寺 |
| 所在地 | 〒186-0011 東京都国立市谷保６２１８ |
Along the historic Koshu Kaido highway and its surrounding areas, you can still find several Joyato, which are traditional Japanese stone lanterns. In the past, local residents shared a beautiful custom: every night, they would take turns walking to these lanterns to light a candle inside. This fire served a dual purpose—not only did it illuminate the dark roads for travelers, but it was also deeply believed that the sacred flame would bring divine protection to the community.
| 名称 | 上谷保の常夜灯 |
| 所在地 | 〒186-0011 東京都国立市谷保６２０８−２ |