Mystery novel “Kyoto Teramachi Sanjo no Holmes” written by Mai Mochizuki
Kura is an antique store located in the Teramachi Sanjo shopping street. The store owner’s son, Kiyotaka Iegashira, is nicknamed ”Holmes” because he has an eye for discerning the value of things and a keen intuition. Aoi Mashiro, a high school girl, meets Kiyotaka by chance and ends up working part-time at the storehouse. The two solve requests related to antiques brought into the store one after another. Based on the comic version of this novel that takes place in the streets of Kyoto, it was made into an anime in July 2018, and is currently being broadcast on TV.
We will introduce the scenery of Kyoto that appears in the anime in several parts, as if following the TV broadcast.

In episode 5, Kiyotaka and Akihito visited Nanzenji. The two of them first climb the Sanmon Gate. The Sanmon Gate of Nanzen-ji Temple is designated as an important cultural property and is counted as one of Japan’s three great gates. As Kiyotaka said, the view from the top of the Sanmon tower is said to be “A spectacular view, a spectacular view” in the Kabuki play “Romon Gosan Kiri”. You can enjoy the view from the top of the tower by paying an admission fee (500 yen for adults, 400 yen for high school students, 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students).

▲In Episode 5, many views of Nanzenji Temple appear.

▲This is the Sanmon Gate of Nanzenji Temple, where you can see how big it is when you compare it to the worshipers. The height is a whopping 22m!

▲This is the view from the top of the tower that Akihito was impressed with “It’s amazing!”.
You can find heritage places in Kyoto such as Heian Shrine’s Otorii and Kinkakuji Temple.

▲It is necessary to go up and down steep stairs　to reach the top of the tower.
There are many cobblestone streets within the temple grounds, so please wear clothes that are easy to move around in.

Next, the two visit Suirokaku, a brick structure within the grounds of Nanzenji Temple. Suirokaku was built in 1898 to draw water from Lake Biwa into Kyoto City. The nostalgic Suirokaku, located in the midst of beautiful greenery, has a somewhat extraordinary atmosphere. The reason why Kiyotaka revealed her own views on love to Akihito, saying, “It’s not an impressive story…” may have been due to the mysterious atmosphere that Suirokaku has.

▲The arched piers give it a retro feel. It is also a popular tourist spot.

The two head to Nanzenji’s main temple. Ensei will greet you at the entrance. Guided by Ensei, the two of them tour around the cultural properties owned by Nanzenji Temple. You can actually see the sliding door painting “Mizunomi no Tora,” which is said to have been written by Tanyu Kano, and the “Kanzan Jittoku Statue,” where a letter from the criminal was left, in the Hojo, a national treasure. Additionally, Hodo’s painting “Unryuzu” by Keitoshi Imao can be viewed from outside the building.

▲The entrance to the main temple of Nanzenji. Kiyotaka was more excited than usual as he looked around at Nanzenji’s wonderful temple treasures.

▲This is the law hall of Nanzenji Temple.

▲Nanzen-ji Temple is famous for its autumn leaves, but also in the summer you can enjoy the beautiful blue autumn leaves.

Episode 6 was about the birthday party of Seiji Iegashira, the owner of the storehouse. “Philosopher’s Path” appeared as the meeting place for Kiyotaka and Aoi. It was given this name because the philosopher Kitaro Nishida used to stroll through it while lost in thought. The approximately 1.5km path that runs along the canal from Wakaoji Shrine to Ginkakuji Temple has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 best roads. In spring, the cherry blossoms on both banks of the river bloom beautifully, building a tunnel of cherry blossoms. Philosopher’s Path is famous as a popular tourist spot due to its atmospheric scenery. Even in the work, many tourists were depicted.

▲ The Philosopher’s Path is approximately 1.5km long. The meeting place for the two is near the intersection of Imadegawa-dori and Shirakawa-dori at the northwest end of the Philosopher’s Path.

▲The beautiful row of cherry blossom trees turns into a lush green arch in the summer.

In episodes 5 and 6, I felt that the story was going to take a big turn with the appearance of Ensei, whose future direction I was curious about, and Rikyu, who is like a younger brother. It was also an episode where we got a glimpse of a new side of Kiyotaka. The Nanzenji Temple and Philosopher’s Path that we introduced this time can be explored on foot. Both are rich in nature, and you can feel the cool sound of the murmuring of Lake Biwa Canal. Please come and visit there.
Look forward to the next article!

TV anime “Kyoto Teramachi Sanjo no Holmes ” official website:

©Mai Mochizuki and Ichiha Akizuki/DEF STUDIOS
©Kyoto Teramachi Sanjo no Holmes ” Production Committee

翻訳者：Mei G.