Every year, I visit the event called "Shishigatani Kabocha-kuyo (鹿ケ谷カボチャ供養)" at Anraku-ji temple (安楽寺) located at the eastward of the Tetsugaku no michi (哲学の道, a street called Philosophers' Path). Anraku-ji is a temple of Jodo sect of Buddhism founded by one of the disciples of St. Honen (法然上人) and is very famous for its beautiful crimson foliage in autumn.
On July 25, the temple offers boiled Kabocha (かぼちゃ, pumpkin) to visitors, since having Kabocha at this temple on this day is said to be beneficial for preventing paralysis. The weather was severely hot this year, but the boild pumpkin was sweet and very delicious. The pumpkin used for this event is one of the Kyoto brand traditional vegitable "Shishigatani Kabocha". Its gourd shape is very unique and humorous.
Looking out the garden, visitors enjoy the pumpkin with a prayer for good health. I found a pretty heart-shaped Chuzubachi (手水鉢, water basin). This annual event is very important to me.
Access:
15 mins. on foot from Shinnyodoh-mae, kyoto city bus
MAP:
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