The streets of Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan
A doll is displayed at the entrance of an old house.
That's called Mr. Shoki
Roughly speaking, the reason why it is placed is to ward off evil spirits.
In Kyoto City, ``Shoki-san'' began to be placed on the eaves of the large and small roofs of private houses...
Around the end of the Edo period, when a pharmacy in Sanjo, Kyoto, was roofed with splendid ogre roof tiles, a resident of the house opposite suddenly fell ill with an unknown cause. Thinking that this was caused by bad things that were bounced off the pharmacy's onigawara tile and entered the house across the street, he had a tiler make a doll of 'Shoki', who is said to be stronger than the demon, and put it on the roof. It is said that the resident's illness was completely cured immediately.
Since then, in Kyoto, it seems that 'Shoki-san' has been placed opposite the tiled roof. The reason Shoki-san has become so popular in central Kyoto seems to be related to the Kyoto people's tendency to silently bring Shoki-san to their own house when the house opposite them picks up Shoki-san. There is also Mr. Shoki who is not facing the front so as not to get in trouble.
Best place to see
Gion area
There are many in the area where maiko live.
Please look for it when you come to Kyoto for a trip.
thank you