MATSUNOO TAISHA : Guardian Shrine of Western Kyoto

Foreword
Matsuno-o Taisha Shrine was founded by the Hata clan, who came to Japan during the Heian period(794-1185), and has been revered as one of the guardian deities of the capital since the relocation of
the capital to Heian-kyo. It is still revered by many people today. The Matsuo Festival held in spring is
a grand event that attracts many people every year. The shrine is also famous as the god of sake brewing
and is the center of sake brewing culture.
Matsuno-o Taisha Shrine houses a variety of treasures, including Japan’s oldest statues of thethree deities and medieval documents issued by such powerful men as Minamoto no Yoritomo and Oda
Nobunaga.
In this exhibition we will display the various treasures held by Matsuno-o Taisha as well as
related works of art. The history and culture of Matsuno-o Taisha will also be introduced in detail,incorporating the latest research findings. This will be the f irst large-scale exhibition of Matsuo Taisha.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all parties involved for their cooperation inorganizing this exhibition.

April 2024
Organizer

5Foreword
The establishment of Matsuno-o Taisha Shrine predates the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyō byover 90 years, tracing back to the Asuka period. In 701 (Taihō 1) of Emperor Monmu’s reign, Hata-no
Imiki Tori received an imperial decree and enshrined the divine spirit of the deity residing on (the topof Mt.) Mount Matsuo, marking the beginning of the shrine’s history.
After the capital was relocated to Heian-kyō, the shrine was revered as a guardian deity
protecting the capital from the west, alongside the two Kamo Shrines in the east, garnering deep respectfrom people of all social standings up to the present day.
In the Heian period, Sei Shonagon expressed various events in a unique and concise manner.
The book of Makuran no soshi in the beginning of the 272nd paragraph, she wrote, “Kami wa
matsuno-o (The best is Matsuno-o Gods)” which indicates that people at that time widely believed in
Matsuno-o Gods.
Through this exhibition, we could bring together various treasures on the Shrine, including
the three ancient wooden divine images (important cultural properties) from the early Heian period,
numerous ancient documents, recently discovered medieval manuscripts, as well as historical materials,
artworks, and crafts from successive generations. In additionally, we will also exhibit works related tothe history of God of revered for overseeing brewing. We hope that youcould enjoy the long-standing
history, traditions, and beliefs of Matsuno-o Taisha Shrine through this exhibition.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all those who have generously supported andcooperated with us for the successful holding of this exhibition.

April 2024
Matsuno-o Taisha Shrine Chief Priest
Ikushima Tsunekazu

3

List of works
Prologue

6

Inherited Beliefs

Record for Customary Kagura (Shinto Music andDancing) at Matsunoo Shrine
1 bookEdo period
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

Matsuno-o shrine is an ancient shrine thatwas established before the relocation of thecapital Heian-kyo. It was built by the Hataclan, a migratory clan. The deities worshipped
at the shrine are Oyamagui-no-Kami and
Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto. In this chapter,
we will unravel the genealogy and omens of thedeities and clarify the characteristics of theirbeliefs.
1
Genealogy of Japanese Deities
1 scroll
Edo period, the 18th century
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

2
Engishiki, Detailed Rules of the Ritsuryō Legal
Codes: Book about Shijisai Rites (Vol. 1) and theBook with Shimmei, Lists of Shrines (Vol. 1)
2 books
Edo period
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

3
Matsunoo Daimyōjin Engi a Story about the
Buddhist Identity of Matsunoo Daimyōjin
1 piece from a set
Edo period
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

4Matsunoo Kōtaishin Gūki, a Record of Matsunoo
Shrine1 bookEdo period, the 19th century
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

5Genealogy of Matsunoo Shrine and Its Massha(Subordinate Shrines)
1 piece from a set
Edo period
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

189

7
Teisei Kokun Kojiki the Record of Ancient Matters
3 books
Published in Kyōwa 3 (1803)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

Chapter 1

Matsuo-o Shrine as a Place of Scenic
BeautyMatsuno-o shrine, an ancient shrine in Rakusai,
has been revered by many people from ancient
times to the present day. In this exhibition, we
will trace back the period by chapters.
The exhibition will trace the history and cultureof Matsuno-o shrine back through the ages. The
first chapter focuses on Matsuno-o shrine as it
appears in paintings and books. It also traces
the establishment of Matsuno-o shrine as a godof sake brewing.
8
Picture Scrolls of Famous Places in Kyoto
2 scrolls
Edo period, the 18th century
Seitokujoshokan (Murasakino campus library), Bukkyo
University

9
Folding Screen of Views of Kyoto’s Suburbs
A pair of eight-panel folding screens
Edo period, the 17th century
Fukuda Art Museum

10
Folding Screen of the Grand View of Kyoto
A pair of six-panel folding screens
Edo period, the 17th century
Private Collection (Hassenshō Collection)

11

18

List of Buildings in Matsunoo Shrine, Its Massha(Subordinate Shrines), and Tsukiyomi Shrine;
Measurement of Matsunoo Shrine Precincts; and a
Draft of the Report
1 piece from a set
December 4 in Shōhō 2 (1625)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

Kyōgen Mask of Fuku no Kami (Deity of Good
Fortune)
1 mask
Mask: Shōwa 51 (1976)
Frame: Kansei 3 (1791)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

12
Achievements of Matsunoo Shrine
1 bookEdo period
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

13
Why Matsunoo Shrine Is Known To Enshrine theDeity of Sake
1 bookTempō 5 (1834)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

14
Origin of the Relation between Matsunoo Shrine andSake Written by Ankō, a Follower of the Family of
Gon-kannushi (a Priest Position)
1 piece from a set
Edo period, the 18th century
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

15
List of Popular Sake Brands
1 scroll
Meiji period, the 19th century
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

16
Origin of the Relation between Matsunoo Shrine andSake
1 piece from a set
Edo period, the 19th century
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

17
Folding Screen with Labels of Various Sake Brands
2 screens from 4 two-panel folding screens
Shōwa period, the 20th century
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

19
Written Oath of Matsunoo Shrine
1 piece from a set
August 7 in Kan’ei 14 (1637)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

20
Printing Block of Turtle Goōhōin
2 blocks
Edo period, the 19th century
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

21
Stories of the Higashi Family: About Miracles That
Happened to Higashi Sukehide
1 bookGenroku 11 (1697) or later
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

22
Matsunoo Shrine Divine Message
1 piece from a set
Original: Eiwa 2 (1376)
Copy: Edo period
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

23
Swords (Broken) and Black Lacquered Sheaths
2 swords
Sword Blades: Muromachi period
the 15th century
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

24
Journal of Matsunoo Shrine Rites
1 book of 9 books
Kaei 7 (1854)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

25
Of f icial Notice from Jingikan the Department of
Divinities
1 piece from a set
September 17 in Meiji 1 (1868)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

188

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31

Journal of Shrine Administration Meiji 5 (1872)
1 bookJanuary to December of Meiji 5 (1872)
Matsunoo Taisha ShrineRed-sealed Letter Issued by Tokugawa Ietsuna
1 letter
July 11 in Kambun 5 (1665)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

27

32

Edict Issued by Emperor Meiji for an Annual Festival
1 piece from a set
April 19 in Meiji 5 (1872)
Matsunoo Taisha ShrineRed-sealed Letter Issued by Tokugawa Tsunayoshi
1 letterJune 11 in Jōkyō 2 (1685)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

33
Chapter 2

Tenka-bito and Matsuno-o Taisha
ShrineThe Imperial Court, successive shoguns, andthe tenka-bito (rulers of the country) revered
Matsuno-o Shrine. The warriors in particularrespected the Matsuno-no-mikoto as a godof fights. The shrine still contains some olddocuments issued by Minamoto no Yoritomo,
Ashikaga Takauji, Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi
Hideyoshi, and others, and a red seal issued by
the Tokugawa shoguns still exists, along withthe lacquered box in which it was kept. In thischapter, the relationship between the politicalauthorities and the Matsuno-o shrine will beclarified.

Red-sealed Letter Issued by Tokugawa Yoshimune
1 letter
July 11 in Kyōhō 3 (1718)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

34Red-sealed Letter Issued by Tokugawa Ieshige
1 letterAugust 11 in Enkyō 4 (1747)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

35Red-sealed Letter Issued by Tokugawa Ieharu
1 letterAugust 11 in Hōreki 12 (1762)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

36Red-sealed Letter Issued by Tokugawa Ienari

28
Red-sealed Letter Issued by Tokugawa Ieyasu
1 letter
July 27 in Genna 1 (1615)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine29Red-sealed Letter Issued by Tokugawa Hidetada
1 letter
Juny 21 in Genna 3 (1617)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine30Red-sealed Letter Issued by Tokugawa Iemitsu
1 letterNovember 9 in Kan’ei 13 (1636)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

187

1 letter
September 11 in Temmei 8 (1788)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

37Red-sealed Letter Issued by Tokugawa Ieyoshi
1 letter
September 11 in Tempō 10 (1839)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine38
Red-sealed Letter Issued by Tokugawa Iesada
1 letter
September 11 in Ansei 2 (1855)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

39Red-sealed Letter Issued by Tokugawa Iemochi
1 letter
September 11 in Man’en 1 (1860)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

40

49

Boxes for Red-Sealed Letters
3 sets of boxes
Edo period
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

Of f icial Oder Issued by Ashikaga Takauji
1 piece from a set
November 21 in Kannō 1 (1350)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

41Red-sealed Letter Issued by Toyotomi Hideyoshi
1 piece from a set
November 21 in Tenshō 13 (1585)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine42Red-sealed Letter Issued by Oda Nobunaga
1 piece from a set
Nobermber 27 in Tenshō 5 (1577)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

43
Letter Issued by Oda Nobutaka
1 piece from a set
October 14 in Tenshō 10 (1582)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

44
Copy of Rinji (Document of an Imperial Order)
Issued by Emperor Go-yōzei
1 letter
September 26 in Keichō 19 (1614)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

45
Letter from Hosokawa Fujitaka
1 piece from a set
December 23 in Tenshō 3 (1575)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine46Red-sealed Letter Issued by Toyotomi Hideyoshi
1 piece from a set
December 1 in Tenshō 17 (1589)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

47
Ban Issued under Joint Signature of Fukushima
Masanori and Ikeda Terumasa
1 piece from a set
September 19 in Keichō 5 (1600)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

48
Ban Issued by Tokugawa Ieyasu
1 piece from a set
September 21 in Keichō 5 (1600)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

Chapter 3

Territories and Rituals
In medieval times, Matsuno-o Shrine has
maintained its rituals by a number of shrine
fiefdoms, including Tōgō-no-shō in Hōki
Province and Sasaibe-no-shō in Tanba Province.
When the control of these manors became
difficult, the shrine depended on the territories
in the vicinity of its precincts to maintain
rituals. In this chapter, we will examine themanagement of the shrine’s domains and thespecific rituals that were supported by it.
50
Cultural Property Designated by Kyoto City

Pictorial Map of Matsunoo Shrine of Yamashiro
Province and Its Surrounding Area
1 scroll
Kamakura period, the 14th century
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

51
National Treasure

Drawing of the Katsura River Irrigation Canals of
Yamashiro Province (from “Tōji Hyakugō Monjo,” aCollection of Medieval Documents Preserved in Tōji
Temple)1 scrollMeiō 5 (1496)
Kyoto Institute, Library and Archives

52
Picture of a Manor Tōgō no Shō, Kawamura Gun,
Hōki Province (Copy)
1 folded map
Original: November in Shōka 2 (1258)
Copy: Modern period
Historiographical Institute The University of Tokyo

53
Copy of Gechijō (Letter of Command) Issued
by Rokuhara Tandai, a Judicial Agency in Kyoto(From“Matsunoo Sha Kokin Goseihō Nado”)
1 piece from a book
October 19 in Katei 4 (1238)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine
186

54

62

Copy of the Document about the Contribution of a
Manor Ikeda no Shō
1 scroll
February in Kaō 3 (1171)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

Edict from Kebiishichō, the Of f ice of Police andJudicial Chief
1 piece from a set
September 19 in Gen’ō 1 (1320)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

55

63

Edict from Sabenkan, an Oversight Department

Of f icial Order Issued by Kurōdo no Daibu, an
Imperial Secretary
1 piece from a set
December 3 in Ōan 2 (1369)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

1 piece from a set
September 16 in Yōwa 1 (1181)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

56
Letter Issued by Minamoto no Yoritomo
1 piece from a set
June 17 in Bunji 2 (1186)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

57
Conveyance Deed Issued by Shami Shōa
1 piece from a set
February 25 in Kenkyū 8 (1197)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

58
Edict from an Oversight Department
1 piece from a set
March 5 in Genkyū 1 (1204)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

59
National Treasure

Of f icial Order Issued by the Ashikaga Family
1 piece from a set
September 6 in Ōan 2 (1370)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

65
Of f icial Order with Kaō (Stylized Signature) of
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu on the Side
1 piece from a set
October 27 in Ōei 12 (1405)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

66
Of f icial Order Issued by the Ashikaga Family
1 piece from a set
July 13 in Ōei 13 (1406)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

Copy of an Edict from an Oversight Department(from “Tōji Hyakugō Monjo,” a Collection ofMedieval Documents Preserved in Tōji Temple)
1 piece from a set
March 5 in Genkyū 1 (1204)
Kyoto Institute, Library and Archives

67

60

68

Gechijō (Letter of Command) Issued by Rokuhara
Tandai, a Judicial Agency in Kyoto
1 piece from a set
April 26 in Kangi 3 (1231)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

Copy of a Document Issued under the Joint
Signature of Muromachi Shogunate’s Executive
Of f icers
1 piece from a set
June 7 in Bummei 11 (1479)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

61
Edict from Emperor Emeritus Fushimi
1 piece from a set
July 21 in Shōwa 2 (1313)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

185

64

Document Issued under the Joint Signature of
Muromachi Shogunate’s Executive Of f icers
1 piece from a set
December 20 in Chōroku 2 (1458)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

69
Document Issued under the Joint Signature of
Muromachi Shogunate’s Executive Of f icers
1 piece from a set
December 23 in Eishō 16 (1519)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

70

79

Of f icial Order Issued by the Haku Family
1 piece from a set
October 13 in Eishō 9 (1512)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

Genealogy of the Two Priest Families of Matsunoo
Shrine3 pieces
Edo period, the 19th century
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

71
Of f icial Order Issued by the Haku Family
1 letterDecember 24 in Keichō 7 (1602)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

72
Edict from Emperor Emeritus Kameyama
1 piece from a set
August 28 in Kōan 8 (1285)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine73
Edict from Emperor Emeritus Kōgon
1 letterAugust 2 in Kemmu 4 (1337)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

74
Conveyance Deed Issued by Shami Shōa
1 piece from a set
February 25 in Kenkyū 8 (1197)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

75
Conveyance Deed Issued by Hata Sukehisa
1 piece from a set
June 30 in Katei 3 (1237)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

76
Conveyance Deed Issued by Hata Sukesue
1 piece from a set
January 11 in Meitoku 3 (1392)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

77
Copy of a Petition Issued by Oshi (Lower-ranked
Shinto Priest) Hata Sukesato
1 piece from a set
June in Meiō 3 (1494)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

80
Procedures and the Record of Sengū of 1542, an
Installation of a Deity in a New Shrine
1 piece from a set
Tembun 11 (1542)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

81
Procedures Followed by Monks of Jingūji (Shrine
Temple) at the Time of Sengū (Installation of a Deity
in a New Shrine)
1 piece from a set
Muromachi period, the 16th century
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

82
Rules for Priests and Workers at Matsunoo Shrine
1 piece from a set
December in Daiei 7 (1527)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

83
Edict Issued by the Administrative Of f ice ofMatsunoo Shrine Daijingū
1 piece from a set
January 4 in Tembun 16 (1547)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

84
Annual Rites
1 scrollc. Genna 8 (1622)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

85
Record of Annual Shinto Events at Matsunoo Shrine
and Rules for Priests and Workers at Matsunoo
Shrine1 bookDecember 20 in Eiwa 2 (1376)
April in Bummei 1 (1469)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

78
Second Petition Issued by Zasshō (Administrator) of
Saihōji Temple
1 piece from a set
June in Meiō 3 (1494)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine
184

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93

Detailed Record of Costs Incurred by the Shrine’s
Clerical Workers for Annual Shinto Rites
1 bookFebruary 21 in Tembun 6 (1537): Hata Sukemitsu
December in Tenshō 3 (1575): Hata Sukeyori
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

Petition from Matsunoo Kōtaijingū Shrine
1 piece from a set
March 20 in Eiroku 13 (1570)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

87
Record of Annual Shinto Rites and Shinto Prayers at
Annual Rites
1 bookJanuary 11 in c. Eiroku 5 (1562): Hata Sukeyori
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

88
Record of Matsunoo Shrine’s Annual Rites,
Vol. 1
1 bookGenroku 6 (1693) or later: Hata
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

89
Record of Matsunoo Shrine’s Annual Rites,
Vol. 2
1 bookGenroku 6 (1693) or later: Hata
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

90
Record of Matsunoo Shrine’s Annual Rites (Missing
the Last Part)
1 bookDuring Kan’ei period (1624–44) or later
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

91
Records of Documents Associated with Sengu of1434, an Installation of a Deity in a New Shrine
1 bookMuromachi period, the 15th century
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

92
Monthly List of Manors and People in Charge ofContributing Daily Offerings to Matsunoo Shrine
1 piece from a set
Enshō 8 (1511): Attributed to Hata Sukesato
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

94
Pictures of Tools
1 bookEdo period, the 19th century
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

95
Picture of Matsunoo Shrine’s Three Shinto Rites
1 scroll
June 19 in Manji 2 (1659)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

96
Mirror with a Title of a Deity “Matsunoo Ōmiya
Daimyōjin”
1 Mirror
March in Kambun 13 (1673)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

97
Meigetsuki, a Record of a Trouble at a Matsunoo
Rite
1 bookOriginal: Kamakura period, the 13th century
Copy: Kambun 2 (1662)
Kyoto Institute, Library and Archives

98
Answer from Fujiwaraujinonyo, the Owner of Nishi
Shichijo Ishigashi Manor
1 piece from a set
May 19 in Jōji 3 (1364)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

99
Gyokukai (Gyokuyō), a Record of an Incident at
Tabisho, a Temporary Resting Place of a Portable
Shrine1 bookOriginal: Kamakura period, the 12–13 century
Copy: Edo period, the 17th century
Kyoto Institute, Library and Archives

100
Ema (Votive Tablet)
1 tabletGenroku 3 (1690)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine
183

Chapter 4

106

Manifestation of Faith

Cultural Property Designated by Kyoto City

A tangible expression of faith in Matsuno-oShrine is found in the divine images. Believed tohave been crafted in the early Heian period, thedivine images of the elderly male deity, mature
male deity, and female deity are identified withthe deities Oyamagui-no-Kami, his offspringdeity, and Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto,respectively. Additionally, divine images wereenshrined in branch shrines and subordinate
shrines. These divine images, influenced
by syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism,
represent the very concrete form of devotion to
Matsuno-o Shrine.
101
Important Cultural

Property, Male Deity Statue (in Old Age)
1 statue
Heian period, the 9th century
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

102
Important Cultural

Property, Male Deity Statue (in His Prime)
1 statue
Heian period, the 9th century
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

Female Deity Statue, No. 3 (Enshrined at Ichiitani
Shrine and Munakata Shrine)
1 statue
Heian period, the 12th century
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

107
Cultural Property Designated by Kyoto City

Male Deity Statue, No. 8 (Enshrined at Koromode
Shrine)1 statue
Heian period, the 12th century
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

108
Cultural Property Designated by Kyoto City

Statue of a Deity Dressed as a Monk, No. 15
1 statue
Heian period, the 12th century
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

109
Important Cultural Property

Matsunoo Shrine Issaikyo, Complete Buddhist
Scriptures
1 set
Heian period, the 12th century
Head Temple Myōrenji

103
Important Cultural

Property, Female Deity Statue
1 statue
Heian period, the 9th century
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

104
Cultural Property Designated by Kyoto City

Female Deity Statue, No. 1 (Enshrined at Ichiitani
Shrine and Munakata Shrine)
1 statue
Heian period, the 12th century
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine

105
Cultural Property Designated by Kyoto City

Female Deity Statue, No. 2 (Enshrined at Tsukiyomi
Shrine)1 statue
Heian period, the 12th century
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine
182