DATE:		February 11, 2007  From 10:00 to 16:00
PLACE:		Jonan-gu Shrine, 7 Toba Rikyu-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto
DIRECTION:		Karasuma Subway Line to Takeda Station
TEL:		81-75-623-0846
ADMISSION:		Nanakusagayu Rice Porridge 450 yen per bowl
TEXT:		Jonan-gu Shrine is said to have been founded as the tutelary shrine of the country upon relocation of the Heian capital.  The shrine is renowned for its power to ward off misfortune according to feng shui.  The shrine celebrates Jonan-gu Shrine Nanakusagayu Day annually on February 11, a day close to New Year’s Day in the lunar calendar.  Seven spring herbs, such as Japanese parsley, shepherd’s purse, turnip and radish are offered to the deity.  Bowls of hot rice porridge flavored with the same herbs are served to visitors.  Nourished by the herbs, people pray for longevity and good health for the rest of the year.  The custom of sending vegetable shoots to acquaintances at the beginning of spring to wish them good health is depicted in the Wakana chapter of the Tale of Genji and is said to be rooted in the simple belief of the Japanese, who once lived in harmony with nature and the four seasons.  Why not try a bowl of fresh nanakusagayu and pray for good health throughout the year?