Woodblock print of a 'rubbed Buddha', a statue of Buddha intended to be rubbed by the faithful as an act of faith. Image thanks - https://ukiyo-e.org/

The approach to the temple was once so filled with worshippers on their way to pray to 'Tako Yakushi' (蛸薬師) that the road's name was changed to 'Takoyakushi-dōri' (蛸薬師道)...and the name stuck.

#Kyoto #京都 #Japan #寺町 #Teramachi #新京極 #Shinkyōgoku #蛸薬師道 #TakoYakushi