The short story of Kanji pictures
The Kunitachi Museum houses two traditional ‘SHI-SHI’ (lion) masks, which are used during the sacred festivals at Yaho Tenmangu Shrine. When the festival begins, performers don these striking masks and dance wildly to the powerful, hypnotic beat of traditional drums, bringing the ancient ritual to life with incredible energy.
This is the sacred sign plate, or ‘HENGAKU,’ of Yaho Tenmangu. It holds such immense historical importance that it is kept hidden from the public eye today. This remarkable piece of heritage was inscribed all the way back in 1275 during the Kamakura period by the noble scholar Sir Fujiwara.
Near the main hall of Yaho Tenmangu sits ‘Fude-zuka,’ a monument dedicated to the God of education, a master of Japanese calligraphy. It is believed that tracing the letters on this stone helps improve your writing skills, and historically, schoolchildren buried their old brushes here.
Behind the hall, you will find a serene pond fed by the never-drying ‘Tokiwa no Shimizu’ spring. The pond features a tiny island with Itsukushima Shrine, where a sacred statue of Benzaiten is said to hold the handprint of the famous monk Kukai on its back.
Every September, Yaho Tenmangu Shrine hosts its grand annual festival, known as ‘Reitaisai.’ The celebration comes alive with traditional cultural performances, including the dynamic lion dance (Shishi-mai), powerful Japanese drumming, and much more.
These two wooden guardian dog sculptures are located in Yaho Tenmangu. Because of their profound importance to Japanese heritage, these statues are protected by the government and hold the distinction of being designated as Japan’s first national treasures.
Yaho Tenmangu is a historic shrine with roots dating back to the 13th century. It is widely believed that those who visit this sacred space are blessed with the power of knowledge, as it serves as the home to a revered God of education.