Read, reflect, pray
On this journey: waka
このたびは
Sugawara no Michizane
Poem and reading aid
このたびは
konotabiha
ぬさもとりあへず
nusamotoriahezu
たむけ山
tamuke yama
紅葉の錦
momijino nishiki
神のまにまに
kaminomanimani
How to use the Roman letters
Roman letters follow the kana displayed in this site’s Japanese reader; some readings are editorial additions documented on the Japanese page. These are a reading aid, not restored Sanskrit or a recording of a temple’s chanting. Historical spellings (such as wo, wi, we and ha used as a particle) are kept. Double vowels and repeated vowels mark the written kana; rhythm and pronunciation can differ by tradition.
You can simply read the meaning or sit quietly. No recitation is required. For a temple or shrine’s own recitation, follow that tradition’s published guidance.
Meaning in English
On this journey I could not prepare the ritual offerings. I offer instead the brocade of autumn leaves on Mount Tamuke: receive them as you will, O kami.
Background and attribution
The headnote places the poem on a journey to Nara accompanying the retired Emperor Uda. The autumn leaves become a metaphorical offering. The kami addressed is distinct from the poet Michizane.
The English meaning and explanation are this site’s own rendering. The poem’s speaker, author and object of devotion are not necessarily the same.
Connected figures
Sources and edition (4)
- 国際日本文化研究センター — 和歌データベース・古今集 420番
- 東蕗田天満社 — 天神様和歌御朱印・紅葉の和歌
- 九州国立博物館 — いにしえの旅 No.04:北野天神縁起絵巻
- 日蓮宗 光瑞山本立寺 — 三十番神堂
English explanations on this page were prepared by Inori no Mori from the cited text and its Japanese explanations. They are not an official translation or a prescribed liturgy.