A pair of mysterious mounds of sand called Tatezuna is found at Kamigamo Shrine in Kyoto.

Kamigamo Shrine, which is registered as a World Heritage Site, has originated from a small shrine built in the current site in the 7th century. Forty-three buildings in the precincts are designated as national treasures or important cultural properties. A building called the Hosodono, which is exclusively used for important people such as the Imperial family, stands on the way to the Honden main building, and a pair of neatly arranged sand mounds conical in shape are found right in front of this building. These two mounds of sand are called Tatezuna, and it is believed that the Holy Spirit of heaven descends to the earth every day using them as signs. Since it is also believed that the Holy Spirit of this shrine originally descended from the two peaks behind the shrine in the 7th century, these sand mounds are made to resemble the two peaks to make it easier for the Holy Spirit to descend into the shrine. There are various theories, but it is believed that the custom of sprinkling sand on the ground for purification, which is practiced at most shrines throughout Japan today, originated from this old custom of making Tatezuna. Because the Holy Spirit purifies Tatezuna every day when it directly descends to it.

Licensed tour guide, travel consultant,

Masahisa Takaki.

全国通訳案内士　高木聖久。