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The Land of the Rising Sun, Japan is famous for being one of the most ancient civilizations of the world. Japan’s history is rumored to be more than 10000 years old. And if there was ever a city that could be more steeped in the history of Japan it would be the imperial capital of Kyoto. This city’s myriad architectural landmarks like palaces, shrines, temples were built mainly when the Emperor ruled the country from this city. Tanukidani Fudoin is a far cry from Kyoto’s peaceful shrines and tourist filled pavilions though. In fact among all of Kyoto’s temples Tanukidani is something of an oddity.
Tanukidani loosely translated means "raccoon valley" and is a class apart from the other temples of Kyoto. Located halfway up a mountain in Higashiyama, near Ichijyoji, the first part of the Shingon temple complex is a large car-park. Here, drivers can offer prayers for themselves and their vehicles and receive blessings for their (yes! including the automobile’s) longevity and good health. Drivers and car owners can also purchase orange stickers proclaiming that they have received the blessings of Tanukidani Fudoin. If you go higher up the steep hill you will find the main hall where more mystical blessing rituals with fire, clouds of incense and various kinds of percussion beats are conducted. The view from the top of the hill is also something that makes this trip worthwhile even if you are not interested in having you car blessed. In the month of July the popular fire-walking ceremony is celebrated here. This temple is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Another fascinating detail about this temple is the small statues of Tanuki displayed everywhere. Though tanuki is often loosely translated as a raccoon or badger, they are in fact two subspecies of raccoon dogs (Latin name: Nyctereutes procyonoides). These canine species are native to Japan and are of two kinds- the Japanese raccoon dog and the white variety found on Hokkaido. The tanuki figures extensively in ancient Japanese mythology. The mythological figure is believed to be naughty and cheerful, a wizard of disguise and shape-shifting, but somewhat naive and scatter-brained. The various statuettes of this cute impish figure adds to this temples charm and if you are tired of overcrowded temples and shrines buzzing with tourists then Tanukidani Fudoin is the perfect getaway.
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