
Kyoto is the capital of thousand years, so of course there are countless sightseeing spots in this ancient city. But have you noticed that there are some things that are not quite, hot to say it, normal? Like mini torii gates on the walls of buildings? And have you heard of people jumping from the stage of Kiyomizu Temple? And have you heard what ochazuke tells of your personality? Sharing Kyoto’s Vanessa is going to find out, so stay tuned!

There’s a Japanese saying that goes “Do things with the readiness to jump from the stage of Kiyomizu Temple” which is used when you are putting absolutely everything into what you’re doing. It also comes from the belief that if you jump down from the stage and survive, your wish will become true.
It looks very scary when you look up to the stage! But surprisingly, around 85 percent of the 234 people who have jumped from the stage survived. This is said to have been because of the many trees that used to grow below the stage and the soft ground. Jumping from the stage was forbidden in 1872, and after that no one has jumped from the stage.

But this is actually just the way people of Kyoto are being polite. It would be a bit too frank to just say “You should consider going home already” but if you say ochazuke, the implication is understood and everything goes smoothly. But ochazuke in Kyoto is really delicious, so you should still try it somewhere.

The Japanese convenience store chain Lawson’s stores look even more different. They have lost the blue of their logo, and now the convenience store goes pretty well with the traditional surroundings. This store is the one just across from Yasaka Shrine. This is something you can only see in Kyoto!

If you go to subway Shijo Station in Kyoto, you’ll also get to see a small sign with a torii sign on it. This is also there to stop people from peeing at the station.
Are there really people in Kyoto that would do that? Before writing this article, I always wondered why there are so many miniature signs in Kyoto. Now I know!


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Vanessa[ Sharing Kyoto Staff ] |
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