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歌枕 (うたまくら) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
noun
famous poetic place ; utamakura
A place name that appears frequently in classical waka poetry, often carrying established poetic associations (e.g., 吉野 for cherry blossoms, 竜田川 for autumn leaves).
2
noun
poetic epithet ; conventional poetic phrase
A set phrase or descriptive epithet used repeatedly in classical poetry, often linked to a specific place or thing (e.g., あしひきの for 山, ちはやぶる for 神).
Similar words 枕まくら 詞ことば 枕詞 is a specific type of 歌枕 (sense 2): a fixed epithet that modifies a following word, often for sound or rhythm, while 歌枕 can also refer to famous poetic places (sense 1).
名めい 所しょ 名所 is a general term for a famous or scenic place, while 歌枕 (sense 1) specifically refers to places celebrated in classical waka poetry.
Etymology Compound of 歌 (uta, 'poem') and 枕 (makura, 'pillow'), possibly from the idea of a 'pillow' of words or a foundation for poetic composition. The exact origin is uncertain.
「 あしひき の 」 は 「 山やま 」 に かかる 歌うた 枕まくら だ 。
Ashihikino is an utamakura that modifies 'mountain'.
