Iemoto's Log Vol.24 Inspiring stay in Kyoto's timeless Rituals

May I suddenly ask — do you love Kyoto?

I absolutely adore Kyoto and visit often. Just recently, I returned from there after enjoying the breathtaking fresh greenery of spring.

When many think of Kyoto, they imagine the beautiful autumn leaves, but for me, it’s the vibrant new green leaves of spring that captivate my heart.

Kyoto is more than a beautiful tourist destination to me — it is a very special place. The reason is that Sanzen-in Monzeki Temple, the birthplace of our Kajiinomiya Goryu school of Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement), is located there. Every year, I travel to Kyoto to visit Sanzen-in Monzeki. I have gone in spring and autumn, and until a few years ago, also in the heat of August for special events. Each season offers its own unique joy — it’s truly a place I love deeply.

This year was particularly busy for me, as I stayed in Kyoto several times in February, April, and May.

As I mentioned in March, in February there was the “Hassenka Exhibition,” and in April, I participated in the Ikebana International World Convention held at the Kyoto International Conference Center in Takaragaike. This event gathers ikebana lovers from all over the world, united in wishing for peace through flowers. I watched demonstrations, joined workshops, and shared dinners with many kindred spirits. There were over a thousand participants, and the majority were foreigners — which was very inspiring.

It amazed me to see so many people around the world who love ikebana, and their passion moved me deeply. It reminded me how proud I am of our traditional Japanese art, and how important it is to pass it on to future generations. Those four days were truly inspiring.

I always stay at the same hotel in Kyoto, a familiar and comforting place. This time, I had just finished a commemorative exhibition in Yokohama, so I was able to relax fully during my stay. I also had the honor of attending the memorial service at Sanzen-in, which made the trip even more meaningful.

In May, I performed my most important role as head master of Kajiinomiya Goryu at Sanzen-in — the sacred flower offering ceremony for the annual Osenbōko (御懺法講) ritual. Since taking over as head master, I have never missed this ceremony except during the COVID years. This year, many connected members from across Japan also attended the main ritual the following day.

Interestingly, on the day of the ceremony, there was a 100% chance of rain forecast. From days before, it was expected to pour, yet somehow it did not rain. The head priest of Sanzen-in is known as a lucky “weather man!” Even so, we prepared for rain just in case. After finishing the flower offering on the 29th, the sky looked threatening. But on the morning of the 30th, when I opened the curtains at the hotel, I saw that although it had rained heavily overnight, the skies were clear. It was truly amazing — the power of the priest’s “weather magic”! Many guests wore traditional kimono, so rain would have been very troublesome. Fortunately, the ritual was carried out smoothly with elegant Gagaku court music under a refreshing May breeze.

Visiting Ohara in this season of fresh green leaves and placing flowers at Sanzen-in, the source of our school, is a deeply happy time for me. After completing my duties in May, the busy months from February to May came to a close. Reflecting back on the annual Osenbōko ritual and two special events, I realise I had no rest days — but each moment was fulfilling and joyful.

Now, as life slowly returns to normal, I am focused on cherishing everyday moments with care. The rainy season is coming, and the weather may feel gloomy, but I sincerely hope you all stay healthy and well.

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If you are curious to experience the timeless beauty and deep meaning of ikebana, I warmly invite you to join our Kajiinomiya Goryu Ikebana experience. Through flowers, you can feel the essence of Japanese culture firsthand — a truly special memory of Japan.

梶井宮御流　Kajiinomiya Goryu

第二十一世家元　21st Headmaster

一松斎 藤原素朝　Fujiwara Socho