KIKKA GIN “Seimei”blessed by the Temple of Wisdom
Craft gin is one of the drinks that has attracted quite a lot of attention among drinkers in recent years. New and unique types are being released by distilleries in various regions in the world one after another. Every craft gin of course must be unique and tasty, and one, which is extremely special and auspicious, was born in Nara.
KIKKA GIN “Seimei” was launched in 2021. The name, Seimei, comes from Seimei Abe, a famous yin-yang master of the Heian period (read more below). What makes this gin even more special is the fact that it is distilled only once a year, on the night of the harvest moon in mid-autumn (September 10 in 2022), after which the bottles receive blessings at Abe Monju-in Temple in Nara, one of the oldest and most recognized temples in Japan, known as the Temple of Wisdom.
The gin is produced by Yamato Distillery, the gin-making division of a long-established sake brewery in Nara, Yucho Shuzo. “KIKKA GIN” is their signature item which has been attracting great attention among gin fans and uses juniper berry, an essential gin botanical, and two botanicals unique to Nara, Yamato Tachibana (a kind of citrus which is native to Japan) and Yamato Toki (a medicinal herb).
The pleasant bitterness and flavor of juniper berries, citrus taste of Yamato Tachibana citrus, and the celery-like scent of Yamato Touki – the original KIKKA GIN is already such a wonderful gin. But Seimei was born to be even more special. It also includes the fragrant aroma of red shiso herb, a plant which is believed to ward off bad fortune, and is grown on the temple grounds, and matcha green tea powder from Yamato-cha green tea leaves, which is said to have originated when Kobo Daishi brought back tea seeds from China and planted them in the mountainous area of Nara. The addition of the essence of these two uniquely and historically Nara ingredients completes the perfect harmony of this Japanese gin.
“Seimei” is distilled on the day of the autumn full moon night and then the bottles are blessed at Abe Monju-in Temple to ensure that the wishes of those who sip it come true. Only 1,000 bottles are produced in limited quantities each year – What a truly special drink it is to be blessed like a secret Buddhist statue.
KIKKA GIN “SEIMEI” (700ml) ¥7,700
*Available only for a limited period of time and number of bottles.
Abe Monju-in Temple, the temple of wisdom
Abe Monju-in Temple, founded in 645, is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. It is highly respected as the special head temple of the Todaiji branch of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. Since its foundation, Abe Monju-in Temple has engaged in kito (prayers and practices) to grant believers wisdom and good fortune through the divine power of Monju Bosatsu or the Buddha of Wisdom.
The large statue of Monju Bosatsu (7-meter tall; National Treasure), enshrined in the main hall, was created by Kaikei who was one of Japan’s main sculptors in the 13th century. The Monju Bosatsu, accompanied by four attendants, is represented riding a lion and holding a raised sword in his right hand, symbolizing the cutting away of ignorance. The temple also houses a variety of treasures accumulated for more than 1300 years.
The temple is also famous as the birthplace of Seimei Abe (921-1005), a kind of “holy man” in the Heian period who was said to have psychic powers for calming ghosts. He practiced Onmyo-do, a traditional Japanese esoteric cosmology based on the Chinese philosophies of five elements, and Yin and Yang. Many people come to Abe Monju-in Temple today for protection from bad luck and evil spirits.
In the precinct, there is a small lake with a pavilion dedicated to Benzaiten, deity of good luck and music. The grounds are easy to stroll around, without any steps or slopes. In spring, the lake is ringed with flowering cherry blossom trees, and in early autumn, cosmos flowers bloom.
9:00-17:00; ¥700 for entry to the Main Hall where the statue of Monju Bosatsu is housed; Take Kintestu or JR trains from Kyoto Sta. to Sakurai Sta. and walk for about 20 min. (taxi will be available at the station)