About
In the heart of Kyoto, where the ancient and the modern intertwine seamlessly, there lies a bridge that whispers tales of the supernatural and the profound. This is the Ichijō Modori-bashi, a modest stone structure arching over the gentle flow of the Horikawa River. Its unassuming presence belies the rich tapestry of legends and history that have unfolded upon its span.
As dawn's first light caresses the city, the bridge stands as a silent sentinel, its stones imbued with the echoes of countless footsteps from eras long past. The air is thick with the scent of cherry blossoms in spring, their petals occasionally drifting down to kiss the river's surface, creating ripples that dance like fleeting memories.
The name "Modori-bashi" translates to "Returning Bridge," a moniker steeped in lore. One such tale speaks of a devoted son, Jōzō, who, upon hearing of his father's demise, rushed back from his spiritual retreat. Arriving at the bridge just as the funeral procession crossed, he clung to the casket, his heart heavy with grief. Moved by his profound sorrow, the heavens responded, and his father was momentarily restored to life, allowing them a final, poignant reunion. From that day, the bridge became a symbol of miraculous returns and the thin veil between life and death.
Another legend tells of Watanabe no Tsuna, a valiant warrior who, while crossing the bridge one moonlit night, encountered a beautiful woman seeking escort. As they traversed the bridge, she revealed her true form—a fearsome demon. With swift precision, Tsuna severed her arm, saving himself from her grasp. This tale adds a layer of mystique to the bridge, painting it as a crossroads where the mundane meets the otherworldly.
The renowned onmyōji, Abe no Seimei, whose residence once stood nearby, is said to have concealed his shikigami—spiritual familiars—beneath this very bridge. To spare his wife from their unsettling appearances, he commanded them to reside under the bridge, summoning them only when their services were required. This connection to Seimei further cements the bridge's reputation as a nexus of mystical energies.
In times of war, soldiers would cross the Modori-bashi, their hearts heavy with the uncertainty of return. Families would stand at its edge, praying for their loved ones' safe passage and eventual homecoming. Conversely, brides were cautioned against crossing the bridge on their wedding day, lest they "return" to their parental homes, symbolizing a failed marriage.
Today, the Ichijō Modori-bashi stands resilient, a testament to Kyoto's enduring spirit. The Horikawa River beneath flows serenely, reflecting the ever-changing sky and the timeless stories that the bridge holds. Visitors pause, some aware of its storied past, others simply drawn to its quiet beauty. The bridge remains a place of contemplation, where one can feel the pulse of history and the whispers of legends carried on the wind.
As the sun sets, casting a golden hue over the city, the bridge becomes a silhouette against the twilight, a reminder of Kyoto's rich heritage and the delicate balance between the seen and the unseen. The Ichijō Modori-bashi is not merely a crossing over water; it is a passage through time, a bridge between worlds, inviting all who tread upon it to ponder the mysteries that lie just beyond the veil of the ordinary.