Ryoma and Kyoto: Another view from a man who ran through the ages

Sakamoto Ryoma and Kyoto: Another view seen by a man who ran through the ages

~A traveler of freedom and beauty standing on the streets of the late Edo period~

What comes to mind when you hear the name "Sakamoto Ryoma"?

Swords, the Kaien-tai, the Satsuma-Choshu Alliance, or that famous photo pose.

But in fact, it may have been the back alleys of Kyoto where Ryoma truly carved out his "aesthetic sense" and "philosophy."

Kyoto at the end of the Edo period was the political center and a "hot city" where conspiracies and ideals intersected.

Ryoma didn't just wield his sword in this city.

He walked around Kyoto to "show" people how to live.

For example, "Suya" in Kiyamachi.

This was the location of the headquarters of the Kaien-tai, and the space where Ryoma spoke about the future.

It is now open to the public as Gallery Ryoma, where you can quietly follow in his footsteps.

At Teradaya in Fushimi, there is a famous story in which Oryo used her quick wits to save Ryoma, whose life was in danger.

After this incident, Ryoma, although injured, continued to walk the streets of Kyoto once again.

For him, Kyoto was a "path of thought" that he was willing to travel even at the risk of his life.

And then there's Reizan Gokoku Shrine in Higashiyama.

The graves of Ryoma and his patriots are located here, and his soul still rests peacefully.

Climbing the cobblestone slope, you can get a panoramic view of Kyoto's cityscape, and it feels like you're getting a little closer to the scenery that Ryoma saw.

Ryoma's aesthetic sense is not just about appearance.

He was so particular about being seen that he would even pose for photographs.

But this was not out of self-satisfaction, but because he knew that his image would become a symbol of the times.

He walked the streets of Kyoto dressed in Western clothing and boots.

Its appearance is like the embodiment of the "new Japan."

Aesthetic sense was a visualization of ideas and a message for the future.

The relationship between Ryoma and Oryo is also integrated into the Kyoto landscape.

After the Teradaya Incident, Ryoma's life became a target for attack and he continued to live in hiding.

Meanwhile, the opportunity for him to be reunited with Oryo comes when he sees the single character "dragon" carved into the shrine's hawthorn tree.

It was a "silent love letter" from Ryoma.

This quiet drama still lives on in Kyoto.

What I would like to tell young people is that when they walk around Kyoto, they should try to see the scenery through Ryoma's eyes.

Sakamoto Ryoma is not just a historical hero.

He was a traveler who continued to ask himself, "What does it mean to live beautifully?"

As you walk along the cobblestone streets of Kyoto, you may find Ryoma's "gaze towards freedom" lurking in the shadows of the alleys and shrines that catch your eye.

Feel that gaze and embark on a journey to reexamine your own sense of beauty.

Below is a recommended list of Kyoto spots associated with Ryoma, compiled for young people.

These are places that you can enjoy with a modern sensibility while still feeling the history.

[Kyoto spots associated with Ryoma]

place Highlights How to enjoy it now

Vinegar shop (Kiyamachi) Former Kaientai Headquarters and Gallery Ryoma Experience history in a cafe-like atmosphere

Teradaya (Fushimi) The site of the attack on Ryoma Accommodation is also available. Popular as an inn where you can experience the end of the Edo period

Ryozen Gokoku Shrine (Higashiyama) The grave of Ryoma and his patriots Time to quietly join hands

Maruyama Park Bronze statue of Ryoma and Shintaro Nakaoka It's a spectacular spot during the cherry blossom season. It's also great for taking photos.

Sakamoto Ryoma was a man who ran through his time.

He was a traveler who embodied "freedom" and "beauty" in the setting of Kyoto.

By following in his footsteps, we too may be able to reexamine our own way of life.

When you walk through the streets of Kyoto, try to feel Ryoma's gaze on you.

Beyond that, you will begin to see your own "sense of beauty."