投稿タイプ：sightseeing

Zenporitsuji Temple (The Maple Tree Temple)

Zenporitsuji Temple, located in the southeast of Iwashimizu Hachimangu, was founded in the mid-thirteenth century, as Zenpoji Kyusei, the top administrative official of Iwashimizu Hachimangu at that time, donated his residence to establish a bodaiji (family memorial temple). Upon its founding, Jisso Shonin, a high priest of Todai-ji Temple in Nara, was invited.
Ki no Yoshiko, a great-granddaughter of Zenpoji Kyusei, married Ashikaga Yoshiakira and gave birth to Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun (military ruler) of the Ashikaga shogunate, which deepened the temple’s ties to the Ashikaga family. Ki no Yoshiko donated many momiji (Japanese maple) trees to the temple, and they were planted on the precincts. Even now, the leaves of about 100 momiji trees turn red, creating a beautiful view in the fall. This stunning autumn display earned the temple the fascinating nickname of Momijidera (the maple tree temple).
The temple’s main hall and main gate are designated as Cultural Properties of Kyoto Prefecture. In addition, the temple has 9 Cultural Properties of Yawata City, such as a statue of the deity Hachiman, large statues of Buddhist Wisdom Kings Fudo Myo-o (Acala) and Aizen Myo-o (Rāgarāja), and a statue with a jeweled crown Amida Nyorai (Amida Buddha). (Reservations are required to view the interior of the main hall.)

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Mt. Kasagi / Kasagiyama Nature Park

Kasagiyama Nature Park, located in Kasagi Town, is an area rich in nature, including Mt. Kasagi. The mountain, on the south bank of the Kizu River, is about 288 meters tall and known for its mystical, gigantic rock formations, earning it the nickname of the “Theme Park of Giant Rocks.” It is a nationally designated Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty. The mountain paths offer a challenging yet rewarding climb with spectacular views from the summit. Most people with average physical fitness can reach the top.
If you're lucky, you also might see a sea of clouds from the top of the mountain in the cold season. The fantastic sight creates the sensation of being on an island floating in the sky. The mountaintop was also a renowned spot for moon gazing in the Edo Period (around 1603-1868). Today, the mountain is famous for its fall foliage, with about 3,000 sq. meter Kasagi-yama Momiji Park transforming into a breathtaking tapestry of crimson leaves of Japanese maple trees.
The mountain holds great historical significance. It has long been home to a temple of the Chisan school of Shingon Buddhism, Kasagidera Temple, which has ties to Todaiji Temple in Nara. The place also served as a residence for prominent monks like Jokei (1155-1213), as well as a training ground for yamabushi (Japanese mountain ascetic hermits who are believed to possess supernatural powers). The weight of the history including these solidified the place in Japanese Buddhism. Furthermore, at the end of Kamakura Period (1185-1333), it played a pivotal role as a location of the 96th emperor Godaigo's foiled plan to overthrow the Kamakura shogunate.

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Sarumaru-jinja

The Sarumaru-jinja shrine is dedicated to Sarumaru Dayu, who was a renowned waka (Japanese poem) poet. He is even featured in the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu (an anthology of one hundred waka) with the famous poem as follows: “Through mountain depths, where crimson leaves scattered, a buck's cry longing for a doe echoes. Hearing this, I feel most keenly the sorrow of autumn.” As the shrine's principal deity, Sarumaru Dayu is now widely worshipped for removing bumps from the body, as well as offering protection against cancer.
The shrine's monthly festival is held on the 13th of each month, with the grand spring festival on April 13th, and the grand fall festival on September 13th. Also, there is the fire ritual on June 13th and December 13th.
The forest path from the first torii (a traditional gate of a Japanese shrine) to the main hall is ablaze with the vibrant colors of Japanese maple leaves from November to December. You can experience the scenery that inspired that poem.

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Shokado Garden and Art Museum

Shokado Garden and Art Museum is associated with Shokado Shojo (1584-1639), a Buddhist priest of Takimotobo, one of the small temples that comprised Iwashimizu Hachimangu at that time.
The garden spans over 20,000 square meters and includes the Shokado hermitage, where Shojo lived after his retirement. (Please note that as of February 2025, the hermitage is generally not open to the public except on special opening days.) The garden also features three chashitsu (houses for tea ceremony): Shoin, Chikuin, and Baiin. With over 40 species of bamboo, more than 300 camellia trees, and a variety of other plants such as hydrangeas, plum, cherry, and maple trees, the garden offers beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons.
Inside the museum, visitors can enjoy works by Shojo and other artists. Special exhibitions are held in spring and fall every year, and exhibitions focusing on the museum’s collection are presented about three times a year.

投稿タイプ：sightseeing

Jindoji Temple

Jindoji Temple is located in the mountains of Kizugawa City, in the southern part of the Kyoto Tea Country region. The temple houses numerous Important Cultural Properties, which can be viewed through a guided tour led by the priest. In spring, the precincts transform into a vibrant spectacle of pink and reddish purple hues, as cherry blossoms and azaleas form a flower tunnel over the stone steps leading up to the bell tower.
The temple is said to have been built by Prince Shotoku (around 574-622) and later prospered as a training ground for Shugendo, a mountain asceticism. The mountain where the temple stands was once home to many temple buildings, but they were all burned down in a fire. The current main hall, Zao-do Hall, dates back to 1406, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property. It enshrines a statue of the temple’s principal deity, Zao Gongen, which is from the Muromachi Period (around 1336-1573). Legend has it that the original statue of Zao Gongen created at this temple was carved by En no Gyoja during his ascetic training, who is said to be the founder of Shugendo.
In addition to the main hall, there are many other Important Cultural Properties, including six wooden statues in the repository: Seated Aizen Myo-o (Rāgarāja, one of the Buddhist Wisdom Kings), Standing Fudo Myo-o (Acala, one of the Buddhist Wisdom Kings), Seated Amida Nyorai (Amida Buddha), Standing Nikko (Sunlight) and Gakko (Moonlight) Bodhisattvas, and Standing Bishamonten (Vaiśravaṇa, one of the Four Heavenly Kings).
If you walk to the temple from Tanakura Station on the JR Nara Line, you can enjoy the scenery of the tea plantations and refreshing mountain air.

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Ikkyuji Temple

In ancient times, there was a Zen training monastery here, but it was destroyed in a war. In the Muromachi Period (1336-1573), the Buddhist priest and Zen master Ikkyu Sojun restored it. He is widely known in Japan for his wit and wisdom, and is the subject of various fun stories.
The temple is also known for its beautiful Shuon’an Rock Gardens that are designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty. It includes the Hojo Garden that consists of the north, east, and south gardens. Each garden has its own distinctive features and is a superb example of karesansui (traditional Japanese Zen rock garden). Also, the temple houses 9 Important Cultural Properties such as the main hall, the abbot’s hall and the seated Ikkyu Osho statue.
At the temple, visitors can enjoy traditional Shojin Ryori (Buddhist Vegetarian Cuisine), as Japanese Buddhist monks have had for centuries. There are options from tenshin (a light meal) to Makunouchi (a popular type of Japanese boxed meals) and Honzen (a classic multi-course meal). This temple’s signature, fermented soybeans called Ikkyuji Natto, is interesting, too. It is popular for its rich, unique flavor, and many visitors purchase it to bring home. Traditionally, making Ikkyuji Natto is one of the tasks for the temple’s incumbent chief priest.

投稿タイプ：sightseeing

Shoho-ji Temple (Wazuka Town)

It is said that a Buddhist monk Gyoki established Shoho-ji Temple to pray for the repose of Prince Asaka, one of Emperor Shomu's sons, in the Nara Period (710-794). The temple was devastated by war at the end of Kamakura Period (1185-1333), and moved to its present location in the Edo Period (around 1603-1868).
In the fall, you can see the temple precincts adorned with brilliant ginkgo and Japanese maple trees. The approach is amazing with vibrant fall colors as well. Furthermore, the temple's architecture adds the unique atmosphere to the beautiful place. You can also enjoy a wonderful view of tea fields, a reminder that Wazuka is a fascinating place called Chagenkyo (Teatopia).

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Kaijusenji Temple

Legend has it that Fujioyama Kannonji Temple was founded in 735 when Emperor Shomu ordered the Buddhist monk Roben to build a hall and enshrined the Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva to pray for the safe construction of the Great Buddha statue of Todai-ji Temple.
Unfortunately, the temple was burnt down in 1137. In 1208, Jokei, a monk of Kasagidera Temple, moved to the ruins, and built a hermitage for Buddhist practice. The place was renamed Fudarakusan Kaijusenji Temple and revived.
The five-storied pagoda is designated as a National Treasure. The vermilion pagoda, standing 17.7 meters tall, is a precious relic completed in 1214. The temple houses many other treasures. For example, there are many Important Cultural Properties, including the principal image of the Standing Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva, the Monjudo hall, a Mandala (a sacred geometric design) of the Lotus Sutra painted in color on silk, and documents about the temple.
The temple precincts offer much more to see. The eggplant-shaped bench is believed to fulfill wishes when sitting on it. You can also see a huge Yamamomo (Japanese Bayberry) tree that is one of the “200 Selected Nature Sites of Kyoto.”
Moreover, nestled in the mountains at a height of approximately 200 meters, the temple offers a great view of the Mikanohara area, where the “phantom capital” of Kunikyo was located. On a clear day, you can even see the ruins of Heijo Palace in Nara. The scenery is even more beautiful when viewed with the fall foliage. The temple is also amazing in spring, with cherry blossoms in bloom.

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“The Tale Of Genji Museum, UJI”

The Tale of Genji is a worldwide-known masterpiece of classical Japanese literature written by Murasaki Shikibu in the Heian Period (794-1185). It depicts the romantic entanglements of a fictional character Hikaru Genji, an extraordinarily handsome nobleman. The final 10 chapters of the tale, after his death, are set in Uji. At this museum, there is a touchscreen display with comprehensive English explanations, a fun interactive game in English, and various other attractions, such as colorful exhibits and animated movies, allowing you to experience the glamorous world of The Tale of Genji. The museum offers fascinating glimpses into various aspects of Japanese culture in the Heian Period, including fashion, architecture, and vehicles.

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Cherry Blossoms Along Maekawa Dike

Maekawa Dike in Higashi-Imoarai is a beloved destination for hanami (cherry-blossom viewing), drawing crowds of all ages each spring. As one of the “200 Selected Nature Sites of Kyoto,” the beautiful promenades offer a quintessential Japanese spring scene. Mainly somei-yoshino (the most popular variety of sakura) trees line both banks of the river. When the petals fall, they float on the water, creating a picturesque sight. The reflection of the blossoms in the river adds to the enchanting ambiance. In the evening, the trees are illuminated, which creates a magical spectacle.
After immersing yourself in the beauty of the spring, consider visiting The Original Yamada Residence nearby. Its imposing appearance reminiscent of a Buke-Yashiki (samurai house) is amazing. Also, you can rent an electric bike at Machinoeki Crosspeer Kumiyama, and enjoy cycling. It only takes about 10 minutes to arrive at Maekawa Dike. After viewing the cherry blossoms, you can explore the town at your own pace.
As a side note, "Higashi-imoarai (東一口)" is an interesting name that many Japanese people struggle to read its simple kanji (Chinese characters).

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Jinnoji Temple

This temple was established by the monk Gyokyo, in 860. The main hall enshrines a statue of Yakushi Nyorai (the Medicine Buddha). The Gyokyo statue (an Important Cultural Property) originally was enshrined in the Iwashimizu Hachimangu shrine when it was still a shrine-temple complex. The statue was removed from there when the government ordered the separation of Shinto and Buddhist religious practice in 1868, and it was transferred to the main hall of Jinnoji Temple in 1873.
Also, this temple offers a brilliant display of fall foliage along the approach and in the precincts. A majestic ginkgo tree graces the temple precincts as well.
Please note that advance reservations are required to view the interior of the main hall.

投稿タイプ：sightseeing

Gansenji Temple

Gansenji Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple in Kamo-cho, Kizugawa City, the southernmost part of Kyoto Prefecture. It’s located in the tea-producing region of Kyoto. The temple was founded in 729. The name "Gansenji" translates literally to "Rock Boat Temple," and near the entrance of the temple is a boat-shaped rock, where legend has it that monks used it for sacred cleansing rituals. In the temple precincts, the Three-storied Pagoda, the Important Cultural Property, stands surrounded by nature. It looks dignified and mystic, and its wooden demon carvings are very interesting. The temple is famous for its hydrangeas that are beautiful around June. After the hydrangeas, water lilies and crape myrtle blossoms follow, and fall foliage is impressive as well. In the cold season, you can see vivid camellia flowers and pretty plum blossoms, and in the spring, cherry blossoms are amazing. The temple is also adorned by a variety of other flowers, and is truly a sight to see in any of the four seasons. Gansenji Temple’s wooden statue of Seated Amida Nyorai is about three meters tall, and the gentle, sublime expression brings comfort to viewers. You’ll be overwhelmed as you imagine the original appearance from the whole statue’s golden glow and the faint vermilion paint remaining on the clothes even after a thousand years. The serene aura of the enlightened Amida Nyorai is captivating, and there is another awesome statue, Fugen (Samantabhadra) Bodhisattva riding a white elephant. This statue was restored in December 2024 for the first time in 113 years. As a side note, paths connecting Gansenji Temple and Joruriji Temple called Sekibutsu no Michi (paths with stone Buddhas) are a great place for hiking through history where you can meet many stone Buddhas.