Tengu Festival in Arashiyama

  

Today was a fantastic initiation into the Japan outside of Osaka, our new home town. We took a combination of local trains to a part of Kyoto called Arashiyama, which is famous for its gardens and temples.

  Our introduction to the Japanese train system was itself an exciting experience! Taking local trains is cheaper than taking private trains and the price is determined by the distance you will be travelling. It is all very smart and efficient – and cheap! We managed to get to Arashiyama and back to our home in Osaka for 1400 yen: approximately £9. The trains run on time, connect easily and are surprisingly spacious.

  Arriving in Arashiyama, a leafy suburb in Western Kyoto, was incredibly peaceful. It was originally a place for imperial relaxation, and although the palaces have been turned into temples the air of peace still remains. I could feel my muscles relaxing and the volume of our voices lowering from breathing the fresh, mountainous air.

  We took a bus to Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple as it is far from the central town – but definitely worth the excursion.

A kind Japanese man offered to take a photo for the two of us and surprisingly knew the expression ‘cheese’! 

Around the temple are1200 carved stone figures of Rakan, which seem to be watching your every move. 

We rang the bells before entering.

  The reason we came to Otagi Nenbutsuji specifically was because of the annual Tengu Festival. The magical Japanese characters come down from Mt. Atago to ward off evil spirits from the ground. They shoot lucky arrows into the crowd, and walk throughout the grounds to ensure the evilness is gone.

This was an incredible event to witness, and it turns out the men behind the mask probably have an average age of 80+! Look at the athleticism for an old man!

You could choose to be blessed by the Tengu, and although we didn't we were still given some cookies! That's very Japan - imagine an English church giving foreigners cute cookies?

  Beforehand, we saw a traditional taiko drumming performance, with children performing intricate routines of dance and drumming with blocks. The adults provided amazing pipe and drum playing as a backdrop.

  Such a phenomenal experience and it is very humbling to sit shoeless on the temple floor. I can't wait to go back to Arashiyama and explore some more.