Mimurotoji（三室戸寺）

During rainy season in Japan, from Mid June till Early July, you can see many hydrangeas. One of the popular temple, Mimurotoji holds lighting up event.

Mimurotoji is a little far from center of Kyoto, so that mainly local people visit. However,  if you have a chance, this good atmosphere can be recommended. 

<MAP> https://goo.gl/maps/rwaZ3vrcqYB2

Toji (東寺)

 

Toji is the Head temple for shingon shu, founded in A.D.796, one of the world heritage.

It has the five stories pagoda, which is the tallest wooden tower in Japan.

They hold lighting up event, during spring and autumn season.  It was first time for me though, I really like this place with cherry blossoms.

 

<MAP> https://goo.gl/maps/baJ7pjm2F9u

Jonangu (城南宮)

Jonangu is one of the oldest shrine in Kyoto. It was considered to be built by Emperor Shirakawa in 1082, and has a beautiful garden that we can enjoy all seasons. In spring, it is abloom with more than 150 weeping plums and numerous varieties of camellias.

<MAP>https://goo.gl/maps/AbTeuKPh4cK2

Higashiyama Hanatouro and Kodaiji (東山花灯路、高台寺) in Spring 2017

Higashiyama Hanatouro is a lantern event with some temples lighting up.More than 2000 lantern illuminate Higashiyama's roads and lanes. It is usually held in the middle of March. <Web http://www .hanatouro.jp/e/higashiyama/index.html>

      

    

 

 

 

Near Kodaiji




















Koudaiji was built in 1606 by Nene, who is the wife of general Hideyoshi Toyotomi. Recently they provide projection mapping in spring season and autumn season.

Please enjoy the movies below!!

  

Ginkakuji (銀閣寺)

Ginkakuji is a pavilion in Jisho-ji, one of the Zen temple. In 1482, Yoshimasa Ashikaga built in from the idea of Kinkakuji which was built by his grandfather, Yoshimitsu Ashikaga. Many people believe that Ginkakuji is silver colored, in contrast to Kinkakuji (Golden temple ). In fact, Kinkakuji means Kin which is Gold in English. However, the Ginkakuji is not silver as the name suggest Gin which is silver in English.




Therefore, some people are disappointed with it. Yet, in my opinion, Ginkakuji has good points.  I like this temple particularly with the snow covers the roof. Although it was snowing heavliy  when I went there, I hope you feel this good atmosphere.

<Map> https://goo.gl/maps/jsjc4cqvKMq

Unryu-in temple (雲龍院), Imakumano Kannon-ji (今熊野観音寺)

 

Unryu-in temple is located inside of the Sennyu-ji Temple as sub-temple. It was established in 1372 by Emperor Gokogon. There are some interesting points on how viewers see the scenery outside. The concept of windows are related with Zen spirit.

This window is called "Satorino Mado", which describes the achievement of a deep Zen- spiritual awareness, in contrast to "Mayoino Mado" square-shaped window.

<Map> https://goo.gl/maps/6zLJtUE349E2

Imakumano Kannon-ji ,  Kannon-ji in short, is located near Unryu-in. This is also a temple that is surrounded by maple trees where you can see beautiful autumn leaves.

<Map> https://goo.gl/maps/KcYyVmUafsN2

Kitano Tenmangu (北野天満宮) in Aug 2016, Tanabata festival

                                                       

Kitano Tenmangu is one of the shrine, which was built during the era governed by Sugawara no Michizane, more than 1000 years ago. There are approx 1,200 Tenmangus in Japan, and this Kitano Tenmangu is the head of all Tenmangus.  

 

Kitano Tenmangu is famous for plum flower and autumn leaves. However, the Tanabata festival season is also nice to visit.  Tanabata is one of the fairy story that describes milkyway which can be watched only on 7th JULY.(In fact, this story is originally from China, so that the festival usually holds on the time that follows Chinese calendar)

<MAP> https://goo.gl/maps/qt99BoX62582