Blue Exorcist Kyoto Impure King Arc: The Charm of a Story Set in Kyoto and a Sacred Site Pilgrimage Guide
“Blue Exorcist” (Ao no Exorcist) is a popular manga work by Kazue Kato that has also been adapted into anime and theatrical films. Among these, the “Kyoto Impure King Arc” set in Kyoto City is particularly popular. This article provides a detailed explanation of the appeal of Blue Exorcist set in Kyoto, the real locations that appear in the work, sacred site pilgrimage spots, and the deep relationship between the work and Kyoto.
What is Blue Exorcist?
Blue Exorcist is the story of Rin Okumura, the protagonist born as the child of a demon, growing up as an “exorcist” who exorcises demons. Centered on Rin and Yukio, his twin brother, the work depicts the bonds between comrades, battles, and the struggle with one’s own identity.
The work has been serialized in “Jump Square” since 2009, and the first TV anime series was broadcast in 2011. Later, in 2017, the “Kyoto Impure King Arc” was adapted into anime, captivating many fans.
Story Overview of the Kyoto Impure King Arc
The Kyoto Impure King Arc is an episode depicted across volumes 4-9 of the original manga, and was broadcast in 2017 as “Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Impure King Arc.”
The story shifts its stage from the Japanese branch of the True Cross Order to the exorcist academy in Kyoto after Rin’s secret of birth is revealed. In Kyoto, a conspiracy to resurrect a powerful demon called the “Impure King” that was once sealed is in progress, and Rin and his companions fight to prevent this.
In this arc, the “Myoda Sect,” a family of exorcists in Kyoto, plays an important role, and particularly the family and past of Ryuji Suguro, the son of the head of Hojoji Temple, are explored in depth. This becomes one of the most important episodes in the series where the bonds between Rin and his companions are tested.
Why Kyoto City Was Chosen as the Setting
A City of History and Tradition
Kyoto is Japan’s ancient capital with over a thousand years of history and is home to countless temples and shrines. The profession of exorcist is closely related to Japan’s traditional religious views and spiritual worldview, and Kyoto’s historical background adds depth to the story.
A Spiritual Image
Kyoto has preserved many spiritual legends and tales of supernatural creatures from ancient times. The yin-yang philosophy culture continuing from the Heian period, beliefs in vengeful spirits, and various legends passed down in temples make Kyoto a perfect setting for Blue Exorcist’s worldview of battles with demons and spirits.
Visual Appeal
Kyoto’s beautiful streetscapes, traditional architecture, and nature in all seasons are visually extremely appealing in animation. Particularly in the Kyoto Impure King Arc, many backgrounds modeled after real locations appear, providing fans with the joy of sacred site pilgrimages.
Real Kyoto Spots Appearing in Blue Exorcist
The Kyoto Impure King Arc features numerous real locations in Kyoto City. Here, we introduce the major spots that appear in the work.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
An important location in the story is Fushimi Inari Taisha. This shrine, famous for its thousand vermillion torii gates, is the head shrine of approximately 30,000 Inari shrines throughout Japan and is worshipped as a deity of commercial prosperity and abundant harvests.
In the anime, the landscape of the distinctive vermillion torii gates lined up is beautifully depicted and becomes the stage for important scenes in the story. When actually visiting, you can experience the scenery seen in the anime—a popular sacred site pilgrimage spot.
Access Information:
- Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Transportation: Get off at Inari Station on the JR Nara Line, or a 5-minute walk from Fushimi Inari Station on the Keihan Electric Railway
- Admission: Free
- Visiting Hours: Open 24 hours for worship
Around Kiyomizu-dera Temple
The area around Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a representative tourist destination in Kyoto, also appears as a background in the work. The view of Kyoto’s cityscape from the Kiyomizu Stage is depicted impressively in the story.
The atmospheric stone-paved roads of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka leading to Kiyomizu-dera are also perfect for the atmosphere of the work. These places are frequently visited by fans on sacred site pilgrimages who want to feel Kyoto’s traditional townscape.
Access Information:
- Address: 294 Kiyomizu 1-chome, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Transportation: Get off at “Gojo-zaka” or “Kiyomizu-michi” on the Kyoto City Bus, 10-minute walk
- Admission: General 400 yen, elementary and junior high school students 200 yen
- Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (varies by season)
Kyoto Station
Kyoto Station appears in the opening scene where Rin and his companions arrive in Kyoto. Kyoto Station, characterized by its modern glass and steel architecture, can be said to be a symbol of Kyoto where tradition and modernity are fused.
The grand staircase of Kyoto Station Building and Kyoto Tower in front of the station also appear in the work, playing an important role as the gateway when visiting Kyoto.
Kamo River
The Kamo River flowing through Kyoto City also frequently appears as a background in the work. The scenery along the Kamo River symbolizes Kyoto’s essence and is used effectively in scenes where characters have conversations.
Particularly the area around Shijo Ohashi and Sanjo Ohashi bridges are places of relaxation for locals and tourists alike, adding realism to the everyday scenes in the work.
Gion and Hanamikoji Street
Gion, Kyoto’s traditional geisha district, also plays an important role in creating the work’s atmosphere. The stone-paved road of Hanamikoji Street and the scenery of traditional wooden machiya houses lining the street emphasize the work’s Japanese worldview.
The nighttime atmosphere of Gion is particularly fantastical, matching the worldview of Blue Exorcist where battles with demons unfold.
Main Characters of the Kyoto Impure King Arc
Rin Okumura
The protagonist Rin is born as the son of Satan but is raised as a human and aspires to be an exorcist. In the Kyoto Impure King Arc, a major theme is the reconciliation with his companions after the secret of his birth is revealed.
Rin’s straightforward personality and courage to face difficulties remain evident in this arc. Through battles in Kyoto, Rin deepens his bonds with his companions.
Yukio Okumura
Yukio, Rin’s twin younger brother, is a talented exorcist and also a teacher at the True Cross Academy. In the Kyoto Impure King Arc, he struggles between the desire to protect his older brother Rin and his mission as an exorcist.
Yukio’s calm judgment and deep affection for his brother become important elements of the story.
Ryuji Suguro
One of the central figures in the Kyoto Impure King Arc, Ryuji is the son of Hojoji Temple, a Buddhist temple in Kyoto. In this arc, his family, past, and relationship with his father are explored in depth.
Ryuji’s growth and feelings toward his family become one of the touching themes of the Kyoto Impure King Arc. His friendship with Rin also deepens through this arc.
Renzou Shima
Renzou Shima, a senior exorcist of the True Cross Order, plays an important role in the Kyoto Impure King Arc. His past and connection with the Impure King are revealed, adding depth to the story.
The People of Hojoji Temple
Hojoji Temple, where Ryuji’s family lives, features various individual characters, starting with his father Daruma Suguro. They belong to the Myoda Sect, a Kyoto exorcist family, and use unique exorcism techniques.
Themes and Appeal of the Kyoto Impure King Arc
Bonds with Comrades
The most important theme of the Kyoto Impure King Arc is the bonds with comrades. After Rin’s secret of birth is revealed, classmates struggle with how to accept him. However, through fighting together, they learn what true friendship means.
Particularly, the relationship with Ryuji is the central theme of this arc, and the deepening of the two’s friendship moved many fans.
Family Love
The relationship between Ryuji and his father, the brotherhood between Rin and Yukio, and the feelings toward Shiro Fujimoto, their adoptive father, are also important themes. Although imperfect, the family’s mutual care adds warmth to the story.
Fighting Oneself
Rin continues an internal battle of how to face the power of Satan within him. In the Kyoto Impure King Arc, this conflict deepens further, and Rin’s growth is depicted.
Confronting the Past
Many characters, such as Shima and Ryuji’s father, confront their own pasts. The way they overcome past mistakes and regrets and move forward gives courage to viewers.
Characteristics of the Anime “Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Impure King Arc”
Faithful to the Original
While the first anime series that aired in 2011 became original story halfway through, the 2017 Kyoto Impure King Arc is faithful to the original. Original fans can be satisfied with the content, bringing the manga’s charm to the screen without any loss.
Beautiful Artwork
The artwork beautifully depicting Kyoto’s scenery is one of the anime’s major appeals. Backgrounds modeled after real locations are carefully drawn down to the smallest details, allowing viewers to fully savor Kyoto’s atmosphere.
The action in combat scenes is also powerful, and Rin’s ability to manipulate flames in particular is visually impressive.
Stellar Voice Cast
The passionate performances of the stellar voice cast, including Nobuhiko Okamoto (voice of Rin Okumura), Jun Fukuyama (voice of Yukio Okumura), and Kazuya Nakai (voice of Ryuji Suguro), are also charms of the work. They richly express characters’ emotions, adding depth to the story.
Music
Impressive music such as the opening theme “A Single Drop’s Influence” (UVERworld) and ending theme also elevate the work. The incidental music incorporates Japanese elements in many pieces, perfectly matching the story set in Kyoto.
Recommendations for Sacred Site Pilgrimages
For fans of Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Impure King Arc, Kyoto is a treasure trove of sacred site pilgrimages. Here, we introduce points for enjoying sacred site pilgrimages.
Planning Your Pilgrimage
Kyoto City has many tourist spots, and it’s difficult to visit them all in one day. List the places you want to visit in advance and plan an efficient route.
City buses and subways are convenient for getting around Kyoto. Purchasing a one-day pass allows for affordable travel.
Recommended Pilgrimage Route
Day 1:
- Morning: Fushimi Inari Taisha (enjoy the thousand torii gates)
- Afternoon: Around Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka)
- Evening: Gion and Hanamikoji Street (you can also enjoy the nighttime atmosphere)
Day 2:
- Morning: Stroll along the Kamo River
- Afternoon: Around Kyoto Station (Kyoto Tower, Station Building)
- Other times: Explore other spots appearing in the work
Notes for Sacred Site Pilgrimages
- Follow proper etiquette: Visit temples and shrines quietly, and refrain from taking photos in places where photography is prohibited.
- Be considerate of locals: In residential areas, avoid speaking loudly or entering private property.
- Take your trash with you: For environmental protection, always take your trash with you.
- Avoid peak seasons: Spring cherry blossom and autumn leaf-viewing seasons are extremely crowded. If possible, visit during the off-season to enjoy your pilgrimage leisurely.
Making Sacred Site Pilgrimages More Enjoyable
- Rewatch the work: Rewatching anime or manga before your visit helps you understand which scenes were depicted where, making it more enjoyable.
- Take photos: Taking photos at the same angles as the anime allows you to experience feeling immersed in the work’s world.
- Share on SNS: Sharing on SNS using hashtags like “#Blue Exorcist” or “#Blue Exorcist Pilgrimage” allows you to interact with other fans.
Kyoto’s Exorcist Culture and Actual History
Blue Exorcist is a fictional story, but Kyoto actually has spiritual traditions and culture rooted in it.
Yin-Yang Philosophy and Kyoto
During the Heian period, yin-yang philosophy was popular in Kyoto (the Heian Capital at the time). Yin-yang masters managed not only astronomy and calendars but also performed sorcery and divination, serving as important advisors to the nobility.
The famous yin-yang master Abe no Seimei was active in Kyoto, and Seimei Shrine still stands today. Blue Exorcist’s worldview is believed to draw inspiration from Japan’s spiritual traditions.
Kyoto Temples, Shrines, and Spiritual Legends
Many temples and shrines in Kyoto have preserved spiritual legends and tales of supernatural creatures. For example:
- Kurama-dera Temple: Known for tengu legends, a place where Minamoto no Yoshitsune is said to have trained
- Kifune Shrine: Dedicated to the water deity, with legends of matchmaking and matchbreaking
- Rokudou Chinnouji Temple: Considered the boundary between the world of the dead and the living, with the “Rokudou Crossroads”
These places are extremely suitable as stages for spiritual stories like Blue Exorcist.
Kyoto’s Festivals and Religious Events
Throughout the year, various festivals and religious events are held in Kyoto. From the three major festivals—Gion Festival, Aoi Festival, and Jidai Festival—to events held at individual temples and shrines, ancient faith and tradition are alive in them.
This cultural background adds depth to Blue Exorcist’s worldview.
The Future of Blue Exorcist and Kyoto
The original Blue Exorcist manga is currently ongoing, and the story is entering new developments. After the Kyoto Impure King Arc, engaging stories continue to unfold, and future anime adaptations are anticipated. In 2024, a new anime project was announced, and fan expectations are high. The popularity of episodes set in Kyoto is high, and there is a possibility that Kyoto will continue to be an important setting in the future.
Summary
Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Impure King Arc is a grand story set in Kyoto City and is a touching work depicting bonds with comrades, family love, and battles with oneself.
With numerous real Kyoto locations appearing in the work, fans have the joy of sacred site pilgrimages. By actually visiting places featured in the story—such as the thousand torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha, the stage of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and the atmospheric streets of Gion—you can experience the world of the story more deeply.
Kyoto, a city of history and tradition, is a perfect setting for the exorcist premise, enriching the work’s worldview. Combined with the anime’s beautiful artwork, the stellar voice cast’s passionate performances, and impressive music, the Kyoto Impure King Arc is a particularly popular episode in the Blue Exorcist series.
If you have never seen the work before, please experience the Kyoto Impure King Arc through anime or manga. And if you have the opportunity, why not visit Kyoto and tour the locations that served as the stages for the work? It will surely deepen your love for the work.
The combination of Blue Exorcist and Kyoto City is a wonderful example of Japanese pop culture and traditional culture merging beautifully. Through this work, we hope many people will rediscover the appeal of Kyoto and become interested in Japan’s culture and history.
