At Senbon Shakado (千本釈迦堂) temple in the Nishiijn (西陣) district of Kyoto, there is a statue called “Okame Tuka (おかめ塚)”.

Okame is the name of the wife of a carpenter who was in charge of this temple’s construction. When the carpenter noticed that the size of the columns were wrong, Okame gave him a very clever advice so that the construction was safely completed.

Today, Okame is still referred to as a nice example of a good wife. It is said that her sweet smile gives you a benefit of a happy marriage. In Kyoto, Okame’s mask is used as a decoration for framework completion ceremonies of constructions.

Akane Kibune

URL:

http://www.daihoonji.com/

Access:
5 mins. on foot from Kamishichiken, Kyoto City bus

#Japaneseculture #TemplesinKyoto #japanculture #shrine #kimono