The Leaning Pagoda of Kyoto八坂の塔
Long, long ago, there occurred a very strange incident in the capital. One day, Yasaka Pagoda was seen to be leaning at an angle. And what's more, it appeared to be pointing northwest, towards the Imperial Palace. Needless to say, the incident caused a great commotion among the citizenry.
It is said that the Emperor called on the services of a monk who drew on the divine law of the Dharma to set the pagoda straight again, a feat he achieved in the span of a single night.
What in the world is going on out there!? A fire? A fight in the street? I'd better go and take a look.
Hey you! What's all this commotion about? ...What? Yasaka Pagoda, you say? Are you serious?
...It can't be! Why, it's crooked! And just look at the direction it's leaning in! This isn't good...
なんだなんだ、外が騒がしいな。火事か？ 喧嘩か？ ちょっくら見てみるか。 やあ、そこのお前さん。この騒ぎは何事だ？ え？ 八坂の塔が…？ ……おいおい！ こいつはえらいことだ！ 八坂の塔が…斜めになっちまってる！ しかも傾いているあの方角には…！
It seems that Yasaka Pagoda is leaning precariously, and it is pointing this way, towards us here in the Imperial Palace... This is a most ominous sign indeed, and His Majesty is beside himself with worry.
We must remedy this dire situation without delay, and there is only one man for the job.
I see. Thank you for explaining your predicament. Firstly, please inform His Majesty that he has naught to fear.
I may be but a humble monk, but if you grant me one night, I shall set the pagoda right once more.
Well, I'll be! I swear that when I went to bed, Yasaka Pagoda was leaning towards the Imperial Palace, and today it's standing as straight as ever!
Could I have dreamed it? No, of course not! The whole city witnessed it! Ah well, it just goes to show—not everything in this world can be explained.
- Where
- Yasaka Pagoda district
- Map
- Eastern Kyoto
- Region
- Eastern Kyoto
- Hand in to
- Lady Murasaki, Yasaka Shrine
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