Tsukiyomi Shrine (Kyoto)

While it is known that the shrine hosts a moon god named Tsukiyomi, due to the scarce documentations, the exact identity of the god is unclear. It is believed to be one of the following deities: === Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto === Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto (月読命), the moon god in traditional Japanese mythology, is generally known as the brother of the sun god Amaterasu , as noted in both Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. However, the legend passed down in Tsukiyomi Shrine is different from the version found in Kojiki. According to Nihon Shoki, which recorded the shrine's founding in the February article of the 3rd year of Emperor Kenzō, "Tsukigami", the decedent of Takamimusubi , is said to have been enshrined by the Iki no Agatanushi (壱岐県主, lit. "Lord of the Iki Prefecture"). In addition, in Sendai Kuji Hongi , the deity appeared to be the ancestor of Iki Prefecture with the divine name of "Amagetsu no Mikoto" . From these, it is presumed that the deity enshrined at Tsukiyomi is the moon god who also governs the tides of the sea, and is enshrined by the Iki clan. == History ==

Founding According to Nihon Shoki, in the 3rd year of the reign of Emperor Kenzo (The 23rd Emperor of Japan), Ahenomikotoshiro (阿閉臣事代), a messenger to Mimana (任那へ), received an oracle from the god of the moon, demanding the construction of a new shrine dedicated to him. The Imperial Court chose to offer the land of "Utaarasuda" (歌荒樔田) in Kadono County of Yamashiro Province to the moon god, and it is said that Oshimi Sukune (押見宿禰), the founder of Iki Prefecture, had performed service in the shrine. It is generally believed that the article above refers to the founding of the Tsukiyomi Shrine. This Shrine here was originally a branch of another Tsukiyomi Shrine in Iki Province. , Nagasaki. As mentioned above, the article in the 3rd year of Emperor Kenzo's reign is considered to have been passed down by the Iki clan, and it is said to be a bunrei (分霊, lit. "Dividing spirit") of the Tsukiyomi Shrine on Iki island, the homeland of the Iki clan. Brief history In the year 701 (Taihō 1), the rice sacrificed for Tsukiyomi no Kami (月読神), along with those of other deities in Kadono-gun (葛野郡), were given to the Nakatomi clan. The Matsumuro clan is said to have originated from Oshimi Sukune, as recorded in the 3rd year articles of Emperor Kenzo in Nihon Shoki. Matsumuro is also said to be a descendant of the Iki clan. Regarding the Iki clan, the ancient genealogical record Shinsen Shōjiroku described them as "the descendant of Ikatuomi (雷大臣), (who was in turn) the 9th generation grandson of Ame-no-Koyane (天児屋命)". Interestingly, this description matched the lineage of the Nakatomi clan, whom were also recorded as the descendant of Ame-no-Koyane. It is believed that when Iki clan were enshrined in the Imperial Court as oracles, they were led by the Nakatomi clan, thus receiving a similar lineage. This kind of a close relationship with the Nakatomi clan can also be seen in the article in which the shrine land was given to the Nakatomi clan in the year 701 (Taihō 1). According to the genealogy of Matsunoo Taisha and Tsukiyomi Shrine, the family of Tsukiyomi Shrine was featured on the maternal side of Matsuo Taisha family (Hata clan) during the Genpei (源平) period. The "Matsumuro" name can be seen in old documents from the Muromachi (室町) period. Since then, theyr were referred to as "Matsumuro clan". == Interior ==

The shrine is said to be located at the current site since the year 856. It is believed that the families involved with the shrine, especially the Hata clan, migrated to Kyoto along with it. The precincts of the shrine are designated as a historic site by the Kyoto City Government, as the shrine is important in examining the rituals and culture of immigrants in ancient Kyoto. In addition, according to the "Map of Matsuo Shrine precincts" from the Muromachi period, the shrine once had a main hall, worship hall, as well as a palace, government office, lecture hall, and sacrificial hall. The details of the old shrine were as follows: • Main hall: Built in Nagare-zukuri style, with cypress bark roofing； • Worship hall: Built in EIrimoya-zukuri style, with copper-plated roofing; • Onmyoji (陰陽石) for wishing; • Tsuki-no-Beishi (月延石), also known as "Safe Delivery Stone" (安産石), which is believed to be from the god of child birth (安産の神). According to the legend of "Yoshufushi" (雍州府志), the stone was originally located in Tsukushi Province. When Empress Jingū gave birth to Emperor Ojin in the year 201, she rubbed her belly with this stone to ensure a safe delivery. Later during the reign of Emperor Jomei, it was dedicated to Tsukiyomi Shrine. • Shrine Office • Shrine Gate File:Tsukuyomi-jinja2.jpg|Shrine Gate File:Tsukiyomi-jinja (Kyoto, Kyoto) torii.JPG|Torii of Tsukiyomi Shrine File:Tsukiyomi-jinja (Kyoto, Kyoto) honden.JPG|Main Hall File:Tsukuyomi-jinja musubinoki+tsukinobeishi.jpg|Tsuki-no-Beishi == Auxiliary Shrines ==

• Mifune Shrine (御船社), which is dedicated to Amatorifune-no-Mikoto (天鳥舟命). It also belongs to Matsuoo Taisha's subordinate Shrine. During the Matsunoo Taisha Shinko Festival, a ceremony to pray for safe passage is held at the Mifune Shrine. • Shotoku Taishi Shrine, which is dedicated to Prince Shōtoku. It is said that during the prince's lifetime he revered Tsukiyomi, thus his spirit is enshrined here after his death. File:Tsukiyomi-jinja (Kyoto, Kyoto) Mifune-sha.JPG|Mifune Shrine File:Tsukiyomi-jinja (Kyoto, Kyoto) Shotokutaishi-sha.JPG|Shotoku Taishi Shrine == Festival ==

• Annual Festival (October 3) • Mifune Shrine Festival: On the day before Matsunoo Taisha Shinko Festival. ==See also==