Matsunoo Taisha

Matsunoo Taisha（松尾大社） is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto.Within the precincts of the temple are the Shofu-en Garden (Joko no Niwa, Kyokusui no Niwa, and Horai no Niwa) by Mirei Shigemori.Officially, it is called “Matsunoo Taisha,” but locals often call it “Matsuo taisya.

It is also famous as the god of alcohol, and sake brewers are deeply devoted to it, and people who love alcohol as well as those who visit to pray for abstinence from alcohol.There is a Shinsen “Kame-no-i” that is said to prevent spoilage when used for sake.

On February 3, Iwami Kagura is dedicated on Setsubun.On the Sunday after April 20, the Matsuo Festival (oide) and the Kanko Festival (okaeri) are held three weeks later.On the first Sunday of September, during the Hassaku Festival, you can see “Funatogyo,” a female portable shrine crossing the Oigawa River, and the Saga Roksai Nenbutsu Odori dance.

Access from Kyoto Station to Matsunoo Taisha takes about 31 minutes by bus.