Photo= The Azure Dragon proceeding through the precincts of Kiyomizu-dera Temple under the blue sky (September 14, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto)

On September 14, Sei-ryu-e, or a parade with the Azure Dragon, which is considered to be a guardian deity of Kyoto, was held in Kiyomizu-dera Temple and its neighborhood in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto. Under the blue autumn sky, many worshippers observed the procession, where prayers for the happiness of people are offered.

The procession has been carried out since 2000, based upon "Shijinso-o," an ideal topography for the four gods ruling over the four directions, in which the Azure Dragon is recognized as the guardian deity to dominate the east of Kyoto. This Azure Dragon is 18 meters long, and sutra papers are pasted on its head and on the back of each of some 8,000 scales.

Led by Tenpo-shu members blowing conch horns, the Azura Dragon along with "Ebugyo," "Yashajin," and "Shiten-no" proceeded through the main hall and Otowa Waterfall in Kiyomizu-dera Temple into the neighborhood. As the Azure Dragon stopped on the stone steps in front of the gate, the men carrying it howled "Ho!," leading to huge cheers from the gathered crowds.