Jonan-gu Shrine

Jonangu Shrine is a shrine in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, enshrining Yachihoko-no-Kami, Okinaga-Tarashihime-no-Mikoto, and Kunitokotachi-no-Kami. The exact founding date is unknown, but it is said to have been revered since the establishment of Heian-kyo as a guardian shrine protecting the southern direction of the capital. It is especially famous for “Hōyoke” (directional protection), believed effective for construction, renovations, moving, travel, and traffic safety. Access is about a 15-minute walk from Takeda Station (Kyoto Municipal Subway / Kintetsu). Jonangu is known as one of Kyoto’s best plum-blossom spots; within the shrine garden (Shinen), the area called “Haru-no-Yama” features around 150 weeping plum trees in bloom. The scenery is described in phases—“Tanbai” (seeking plums), “Kanbai” (viewing plums), and “Sekibai” (reluctantly parting from plums). The “Kyokusui-no-en” held in spring and autumn is an elegant court-style event. The area was also a major battlefield of the Battle of Toba–Fushimi during the turmoil at the end of the Edo period, where the new government forces fought under the Imperial brocade banner.