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Gion Shirakawa represents the quintessential charming streetscape of Kyoto.
The sight of stone pavements, willow trees, and the teahouses nestled beyond captivates the hearts of all visitors.
The area near Tatsumi Daimyojin by the Tatsumi Bridge, in particular, is a concentrated snapshot of classic Kyoto scenery.
However, during a recent visit to this beautiful area, I witnessed a truly regrettable sight.
A section of the orange and black Tamagaki (a fence marking the boundary of a sacred area), located near Tatsumi Daimyojin, was severely damaged.
🚨 The Extent of the Damage
The Tamagaki I observed is structured with wooden posts (renko) where the names of patrons and local contributors are likely inscribed.
The central part of a post was badly split, with the wood splintered and the interior appearing to have been gouged out.
The Tamagaki of a shrine plays a vital role in protecting a sacred space, and it was painful to see part of it in such a state.
The details of the damage are as follows:
- Location: Part of the Tamagaki near Tatsumi Daimyojin in Gion Shirakawa.
- Condition: A wooden post is severely split vertically, exposing the interior structure.
- Severity: This is not merely peeling paint, but significant structural damage to the component.
🤔 What Caused the Damage?
It is impossible for an outsider to definitively determine whether this damage was due to age-related deterioration, a malicious act, or a strong, accidental impact.
However, outdoor wooden structures naturally weaken over time due to exposure.
A crucial force may have been applied to this weakened structure, such as:
- Carelessness by Tourists: Unconscious actions like leaning on the fence for photos or placing heavy bags on it.
- Sudden Accidents: Impact from something blown by strong winds or a collision with a bicycle.
- (Which we hope is not the case) Deliberate vandalism.
Regardless of the reason, it is deeply unfortunate that a part of Kyoto’s cherished scenery, which is protected by the efforts of many people, has been harmed.
⚠️ The Dilemma Between Conservation and Signage
Observing this damage highlights the difficult balance that must always be maintained between scenery preservation and tourist warning signs.
As the number of tourists increases, the need for multilingual signs reading “Please do not touch cultural property” or “Do not enter” also rises.
However, the local community and authorities face a serious dilemma: if too many warning signs are placed within the beautiful scenery, the signs themselves detract from the aesthetic value.
In areas with delicate landscapes like Gion Shirakawa, the belief that “nothing is the most beautiful” is strongly held. Instead of adding signs, a high level of self-regulated consideration is required from every visitor to ensure no burden is placed on the historic structures like the Tamagaki.
🙏 What We Can Do to Protect the Beauty of Kyoto
The Tamagaki at Tatsumi Daimyojin is not just a fence; it is a vital element that forms the history, faith, and landscape of this area.
Instead of relying on more signage, the most effective and scenery-friendly measure is for every single visitor to adopt a mindset of “Respect for Cultural Property and Scenery.”
- 🚷 Do Not Touch or Lean: Refrain from touching, leaning on, or placing luggage on the buildings and structures that constitute the scenery.
- 📸 Strict Photo Etiquette: Even when engrossed in photography, pay attention to surrounding structures to avoid accidental bumps or collisions.
- 📢 Appreciate the Local Efforts: Recognize that these places have been protected by local residents for generations, and show your appreciation by treating the area with respect.
While we hope for prompt restoration, the most important step right now is for all of us visitors to exercise caution to prevent any further damage.
Let us all take action to ensure the beautiful scenery of Kyoto is preserved for future generations.
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