| DATE: | March 15-17, 2007 | |
| PLACE: | 1 Kiyomizu Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto |
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| DIRECTION: | City Bus #206 or #100 to Gojozaka | |
| TEL: | 81-75-551-1234 | |
| ADMISSION: | Free | |
| TEXT: | Many Kyoto people still believe in Shijin-so-o (the gods of the four directions). Seiryu governs the East (the land of running water), Sujaku the South (the howe), Byakko the West (the thoroughfare), and Genbu the North (the hill). Kiyomizu Temple is located within the land of Seiryu in the eastern mountains known as Higashiyama. The legend has it that a dragon, the avatar of the Kannon goddess, flies to the Otowa waterfall each night to drink the "Kiyomizu,” or “pure water.” The dragon, also known as Seiryu, is protected by Yashajin, a guardian god. Yashajin is worshipped as the protector of Kiyomizu Temple and Kyoto, and is believed to drive away bad luck and attract good fortune. During the Seiryu-e event, a giant dragon dance and parade depict the gods around Seiryu, and wishes happiness for all who witness it. With the sounds of horns fashioned from conch shells, the giant dragon protected by the gods, marches along with full of vigor and divinity. |