Gojōzaka
Gojōzaka (五条坂 ごじょうざか Gojōzaka)[1] is a street running from east to west in the vicinity of the Kiyomizu-dera temple, in the city of Kyoto, Japan. The street runs for about 400m from Kiyomizu-zaka Street (east) to the intersection of Gojō and Higashi Ōji Streets (west).[2] According to some local opinions, Gojōzaka actually begins on the east side of the Gojō Ōhashi Bridge and from that point it runs all the way to Kiyomizu-zaka Street.[1] Also, at the northeast corner of the intersection of Gojō Street and Yamato Ōji Street, a stone monument that reads "east from here, Gojōzaka" stands.[3]
History
[edit]In the mid Muromachi period, what would become the famous pottery style of Kiyomizu ware was born in the area. By the year 1643 (Edo period) the name of Kiyomizu-yaki was established and the pottery industry began to flourish in the surroundings.[2]
During WWII, ceramic grenades (Type 4 grenade) and ceramic fuel tanks for rockets were produced using the kilns of the local pottery businesses.[2]
In the decade of the 1960s, the pollution from the smoke of the Noborigama kilns (climbing kilns) used around the street became a problem and as a result, the old style kilns were eventually replaced with electric and gas devices.[2]
Present day
[edit]Kiyomizu ware continues to be produced and sold in the area, being a popular spot for shopping and for learning about this traditional craft, which attracts both local residents and tourists.[3] There are also shops offering Nishijin-ori textiles and folding fans, as well as art galleries located in the vicinity.[4]
Although most of the Noborigama kilns (climbing kilns) of the area were removed, there are still at least 3 of these left, preserved as important cultural and historical assets.[3][5]
Every year in August, the famous Gojozaka Pottery Festival is held along the street.[1][2]
Relevant landmarks along the street
[edit]Source:[1]
- Kyoto Ceramic Center
- Chawanzaka
- Kiyomizu-zaka
- Kiyomizu-dera
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "五条坂 京都通百科事典". 京都通百科事典 (in Japanese). Retrieved 25 September 2020.
- ^ a b c d e "五条坂,Gojo-zaka,Kyotofukoh". kyotofukoh.jp. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
- ^ a b c "清水焼発祥の地「五条坂」 | 伝えたい京都、知りたい京都。Kyoto love Kyoto". kyotolove.kyoto. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
- ^ "About Gojōzaka and Chawanzaka". gojo-chawanzaka.jp. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
- ^ "【京のやきもの歴史遺産】五条坂京焼登り窯（元藤平登り窯）" (in Japanese). Retrieved 25 September 2020.
External links
[edit]- Kyoto Ceramic Center
- Gojozaka Pottery Festival Archived 8 August 2020 at the Wayback Machine