Rokkakudo Temple, the birthplace of ikebana, will be beautifully illuminated by lanterns in the evening. Along with the illumination, some large ikebana arrangements including a work by the Headmaster Designate Senko Ikenobo will be displayed outdoors in the temple grounds. The weeping willow tree of the temple is known as a tree that fosters good marriage or relationships. Please enjoy ikebana and the dream-like atmosphere of the Rokkakudo at night, and then why not get a special fortune paper, which will be available during this period only at the temple, and make a wish for finding your own happy relationship!
Willow of Matchmaking of the Rokkakudo Temple
The willow tree called “Rokkaku Yanagi” at the Rokkakudo temple is known as “the willow for matchmaking.” Legend has it that at the beginning of Heian Period (beginning of the 9th century) the Emperor Saga was looking for a woman to be his wife, and that one night he was told in a dream to go to the willow tree at the Rokkakudo Temple. There he found a beautiful woman, who later became his wife. Word spread among people that “by making a wish at the willow of the Rokkakudo temple, one may find a good match,” and the willow began to be called “willow of matchmaking.” It is now believed that tying a paper with one’s fortune written on it to two branches of willow can bring a good match.
Rokkakudo Illumination
From April 7h to 9th, 2017, 18:00 – 21:00
Admission free ※ Ikebana arrangements will be displayed until April 10th.
Ikenobo Ikebana Spring Exhibition
Exhibition sites: Ikenobo Headquarters
From April 7th to 10th, 10:00 – 18:00
(※ Exhibits close at 17:00 on April 8th and 16:00 on April 10th)
Admission fee: 500 yen (Admission free for high school students or younger)
Over 1,000 ikebana arrangements by ikebana teachers and students from all over Japan will be exhibited at the Ikenobo Headquarters, located on the premises of the Rokkakudo temple, birthplace of Ikebana. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience authentic Japanese traditional culture.
Access
- Nearest stations and stops for Rokkakudo / Ikenobo Headquarters
Subway – Karasuma Oike (Exit 5)
Kyoto City Bus – Karasuma Sanjo
Hankyu Railways – Karasuma (Exit 21)
