【Strolling through Nishi-ward 16】The Cloistered Flower of Yamato Protects Her Kimono Sleeve from the Alien Rain 【Strolling through Nishi-ward 16】The Cloistered Flower of Yamato Protects Her Kimono Sleeve from the Alien Rain
Spot information
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| Web site | https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/nishi/shokai/kanko/spot/sozoroaruki/ |
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Description
Strolling through Nishi-ward: The Cloistered Flower of Yamato Protects Her Kimono Sleeve from the Alien Rain
When you do down Kamonyama, you will get to Ganki Yokocho Street. There is Ganki Inari at the back of very narrow alley, which might be missed unless you are very careful.
During Ansei Period, there used to be a yukaku (red-light district) called “Gankirou” in Miyozaki-cho in Naka-ward. A very popular prostitute named Kiyu from Gankirou was made sexual advances by a foreigner. She rejected him and killed herself leaving the message “The cloistered flower of Yamato protects her Kimono sleeve from the alien rain”. This story has been told until today but it is said it’s a fiction made by future generations.
When prostitutes from Gankirou got sick, they recuperated at a dormitory located at this area. It is said that those star-crossed ladies worshipped this Inari shrine. The annual festival is held on May 25th every year.
Writing and picture by Tai Hasewaga (Nishi ward Cultural Association/Chairman of Kiko Society)
※This is a sketch and writing published in Yokohama Public Relation Nishi ward edition between November 1997 and April 2004. Please be noted that there’s a possibility that information in the article may be changed.
(Published February in 1999)