【Blue Exorcist】 Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

【Blue Exorcist】(Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture)

“Blue Exorcist” (Ao no Exorcist) is a popular manga series 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, pilgrimage spots, and the deep relationship between the work and Kyoto.

What is Blue Exorcist?

Blue Exorcist tells the story of Rin Okumura, the protagonist born as a demon’s child, growing up to become an “exorcist” (Exorcist) who purifies demons. Centered on Rin and his twin brother Yukio, the work depicts their bonds with comrades, battles, and conflicts with their own identity.

The series has been serialized in “Jump Square” since 2009, and the first television anime season aired in 2011. Later, in 2017, the “Kyoto Impure King Arc” was adapted into anime, captivating many fans.

Overview of the Kyoto Impure King Arc Story

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” in anime form.

The story, after Rin’s birth secret is revealed, shifts the setting from the True Cross Order Japanese Branch to an exorcist school in Kyoto. In Kyoto, a conspiracy to revive a powerful demon called the “Impure King,” once sealed away, is in progress, and Rin and his friends fight to stop it.

In this arc, the “Myoto Sect,” an exorcist family clan in Kyoto, plays an important role, and the family and past of Ryoji Suguro, the son of Hojoiji Temple, are explored in depth. The trials that Rin and his friends’ bonds face make this one of the most important episodes in the series.

Why Kyoto City Was Chosen as the Setting

A City of History and Tradition

Kyoto is an ancient capital of Japan with over a thousand years of history, and numerous temples and shrines exist there. 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.

Spiritual Imagery

Kyoto has long preserved many spiritual legends and yokai stories. The yin-yang philosophy culture continuing from the Heian period, beliefs in vengeful spirits, and various legends passed down in temples—these make Kyoto a perfect setting for the world of Blue Exorcist, which depicts battles with demons and spirits.

Visual Appeal

Kyoto’s beautiful streets, traditional architecture, and nature that changes with the seasons are highly appealing visually in animation. Particularly in the Kyoto Impure King Arc, many backgrounds modeled on real locations appear, providing fans with the pleasure of pilgrimage tourism.

Real Kyoto Spots Appearing in Blue Exorcist

The Kyoto Impure King Arc features many real locations within Kyoto City. Here are the main spots that appear in the work.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

A location that appears as important 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 nationwide and is revered as a deity for prosperous business and abundant harvests.

In the anime, the landscape of these characteristic vermillion torii gates lined up is beautifully depicted, becoming the setting for important scenes in the story. Actually visiting allows you to experience the scenery seen in the anime, making it a popular pilgrimage spot.

Access Information:

• Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchi-cho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
• Transportation: Direct from JR Nara Line “Inari Station,” or 5 minutes walk from Keihan Electric Railway “Fushimi Inari Station”
• Admission: Free
• Hours: Open 24 hours for worship

Around Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s representative tourist attractions, also appears as a background in the work. The view of Kyoto’s streets from the Kiyomizu Stage is depicted impressively in the work.

The atmospheric stone-paved roads of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka leading to Kiyomizu-dera also perfectly match the work’s atmosphere. Many fans visit these places as pilgrimage spots, feeling Kyoto’s traditional townscape.

Access Information:

• Address: 1-chome, Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
• Transportation: 10 minutes walk from “Gojo-zaka” or “Kiyomizu-michi” bus stop
• Admission: 400 yen for general admission, 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students
• Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM (varies by season)

Kyoto Station

Kyoto Station appears in a scene where Rin and his friends arrive in Kyoto at the beginning of the story. Featuring modern glass and steel architecture, Kyoto Station can be said to be a symbol of Kyoto where tradition and modernity fuse.

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 also frequently appears as a background in the work. The scenery along the Kamo River symbolizes Kyoto’s character and is effectively used in scenes where characters have conversations.

The areas around Shijo Bridge and Sanjo Bridge in particular are places of relaxation for local residents and tourists, adding reality to the work’s everyday scenes.

Gion and Hanamikoji

Gion, Kyoto’s traditional geisha district, also plays an important role in creating the work’s atmosphere. The landscape of the stone-paved road of Hanamikoji and traditional townhouses emphasizes the work’s Japanese worldview.

The atmosphere of Gion at night is particularly fantastical, matching the worldview of Blue Exorcist where battles with demons unfold.

Main Characters of the Kyoto Impure King Arc

Rin Okumura

Rin, the protagonist, is born as the son of Satan yet is raised as a human and pursues becoming an exorcist. In the Kyoto Impure King Arc, reconciliation with comrades after his birth secret is revealed becomes a major theme.

Rin’s straightforward personality and courage in facing difficulties remain intact in this arc. Through battles in Kyoto, Rin deepens his bonds with his comrades.

Yukio Okumura

Yukio, Rin’s twin younger brother, is an excellent 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 love for his brother are important elements of the story.

Ryoji Suguro

One of the central figures of the Kyoto Impure King Arc, Suguro is the son of Hojoiji Temple in Kyoto. In this arc, his family, past, and relationship with his father are explored in depth.

Suguro’s growth and feelings toward his family are 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 Hojoiji Temple

The Hojoiji Temple where Suguro’s family lives features unique characters, including his father Daruma Suguro. They belong to the “Myoto Sect,” an exorcist family clan in Kyoto, and use distinctive 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 bonds with comrades. After Rin’s birth secret is revealed, his classmates struggle with how to accept him. However, through fighting together, they learn what true friendship means.

The relationship between Rin and Suguro in particular is central to this arc, and the deepening of their friendship moved many fans.

The Love of Family

The relationship between Suguro and his father, the brotherly love between Rin and Yukio, and feelings toward their adoptive father Shiro Fujimoto—family love is also an important theme. Though imperfect, the family that cares for each other gives the story warmth.

Battle with Oneself

Rin continues an internal battle over how to face the power of Satan within him. In the Kyoto Impure King Arc, this conflict deepens and Rin’s growth is depicted.

Confronting the Past

Many characters, including Shima and Suguro’s father, face their own pasts. The determination to overcome past mistakes and regrets and move forward gives viewers courage.

Characteristics of the Anime “Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Impure King Arc”

Faithful to the Original

The first anime season broadcast in 2011 became original story partway through, but the 2017 Kyoto Impure King Arc follows the original closely. Original fans are satisfied, with the animation faithfully capturing the manga’s appeal.

Beautiful Artwork

The beautiful depiction of Kyoto’s landscape is one of the anime’s great attractions. Backgrounds modeled on real locations are drawn with careful attention to detail, allowing full appreciation of Kyoto’s atmosphere.

Battle scenes have impressive action, particularly Rin’s fire-manipulation ability being visually striking.

Powerful Voice Acting

The stellar voice cast including Nobuhiko Okamoto (as Rin Okumura), Jun Fukuyama (as Yukio Okumura), and Kazuya Nakai (as Ryoji Suguro) bring passionate performances. They richly express character emotions, adding depth to the story.

Music

Impressive music including the opening theme “The Effect of a Drop” (UVERworld) and ending theme elevate the work. The incidental music incorporates Japanese elements, perfectly fitting a story set in Kyoto.

Recommendations for Pilgrimage Tourism

For fans of Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Impure King Arc, Kyoto is a treasure trove of pilgrimage spots. Here are tips for enjoying pilgrimage tourism.

Planning Your Pilgrimage

There are many tourist spots in Kyoto City, making it difficult to visit all in one day. Beforehand, list the places you want to visit and plan an efficient route.

City buses and subways are convenient for moving around Kyoto. Purchasing a one-day pass is economical.

Recommended Pilgrimage Route

Day 1:

• Morning: Fushimi Inari Taisha (enjoy the thousand torii gates)
• Afternoon: Around Kiyomizu-dera (Kiyomizu Temple, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka)
• Evening: Gion and Hanamikoji (enjoy the nighttime atmosphere too)

Day 2:

• Morning: Walk along the Kamo River
• Afternoon: Around Kyoto Station (Kyoto Tower, Station Building)
• Other times: Explore other spots featured in the work

Pilgrimage Tourism Etiquette

• Follow proper conduct: In temples and shrines, worship quietly and refrain from photography where prohibited.
• Respect local residents: In residential areas, avoid speaking loudly or trespassing on private property.
• Take trash with you: For environmental protection, always take trash home.
• Avoid crowded seasons: Cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons are extremely crowded. If possible, visit in the off-season to enjoy pilgrimage tourism at leisure.

Enhancing Your Pilgrimage Tourism Experience

• Rewatch the work: Rewatching the anime or manga before visiting helps identify which scenes were depicted where, making it more enjoyable.
• Take photos: Photographing the same angles as the anime creates an experience of immersion in the work’s world.
• Share on SNS: Using hashtags like “#BlueExorcist” or “#BlueExorcistPilgrimage” allows interaction with other fans.

Kyoto’s Exorcist Culture and Actual History

Blue Exorcist is a fictional story, but Kyoto actually has spiritual traditions and culture deeply rooted.

Yin-Yang Philosophy and Kyoto

During the Heian period, yin-yang philosophy flourished in Kyoto (then Heian-kyo). Yin-yang masters not only managed 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 remains today. The worldview of Blue Exorcist is thought to draw inspiration from such Japanese spiritual traditions.

Kyoto’s Temples, Shrines, and Spiritual Legends

Many of Kyoto’s temples and shrines preserve spiritual legends and yokai stories. For example:

• Kurama-dera: Known for tengu legends; said to be where Minamoto no Yoshitsune trained
• Kifune Shrine: Enshrines the water deity; has legends of romantic connections and severing ties
• Rokudo Chin-noji Temple: Regarded as the boundary between the afterlife and this world; the “Six Paths Crossroads” exist here

These locations are highly suitable as settings for spiritual stories like Blue Exorcist.

Kyoto’s Festivals and Religious Events

Throughout the year, various festivals and religious events are held in Kyoto. The three major festivals—Gion Festival, Aoi Festival, and Jidai Festival—along with events held at individual temples and shrines, embody ancient beliefs and traditions.

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 serialization, with the story showing new developments. Episodes after the Kyoto Impure King Arc continue to be compelling, and future anime adaptations are anticipated.

In 2024, a new anime project was also announced, raising fan expectations. The popularity of episodes set in Kyoto is high, and Kyoto may continue to appear as an important setting in the future.

Conclusion

Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Impure King Arc is a grand story set in Kyoto City, depicting touching themes of bonds with comrades, the love of family, and battles with oneself.

With many real Kyoto locations appearing, it offers fans the pleasure of pilgrimage tourism. Fushimi Inari Taisha’s thousand torii gates, Kiyomizu-dera’s stage, Gion’s atmospheric streets—actually visiting locations featured in the work allows deeper experience of the story’s world.

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 voice cast’s passionate performances, and memorable music, the Kyoto Impure King Arc has become one of the most popular episodes in the Blue Exorcist series.

If you haven’t experienced the work yet, try watching the anime or reading the manga to experience the Kyoto Impure King Arc. And if the opportunity arises, why not visit Kyoto and tour the locations that served as the work’s setting? Surely your love for the work will deepen further.

The combination of Blue Exorcist and Kyoto City is a wonderful example of Japanese pop culture and traditional culture beautifully fusing together. Through this work, may many people rediscover Kyoto’s appeal and develop interest in Japan’s culture and history.