Viewing Autumn Leaves and Ancient Trick Art at Bishamondō Hall in Yamashina, Kanagawa Prefecture

Leaf KYOTO Appreciate autumn leaves and old trick art at [Bishamondo] in Yamashina

2025.7.10

Appreciate autumn leaves and old trick art at [Bishamondo] in Yamashina

Its predecessor was Izumo-ji Temple, which was built north of the Kyoto Imperial Palace in 703 (Taiho 3), at the request of Emperor Tenmu. Repeatedly burned down and relocated due to repeated wars, it was moved to Yamashina in 1665 (Kanbun 5). It has a long history as a monzeki temple where the Cloistered Imperial Prince serves as the head priest.

Contents of this article

1.: The charm of Bishamondo

2.: Just fixed! Cypress bark-roofed imperial gate and maple floor

3.: The Niomon Gate that watches over the Yamashina area

4.: Benzaiten on a vermilion hill that appears beyond the torii gate

5.: Is Shinden's "Torimazu no Ma" an Ikezu no Ma?

6.: Get in touch with fresh greenery at Bansuien, a circuit-style garden

1.The charm of Bishamondo

御本尊は秘仏の毘沙門天像。霊殿や宸殿では、どこから見ても目が合う「天井龍」、狩野益信筆の襖画「九老の図」、圓山応挙の「板戸の衝立」など、見る人が動くと絵も変化して見える、古の現代アートを鑑賞。また、色とりどりのハンコを手押しした季節の御朱印も楽しく、6月はあじさい、7月は七夕飾りが御朱印帳を彩ってくれる。秋に勅使坂が真っ赤に染まる光景は圧巻。坂の先に見えるのは、後西天皇より拝領し、1693(元禄6)年に移築完了した勅使門。

2.Just fixed! Cypress bark-roofed imperial gate and maple floor

Imperial messenger gate relocated from the Kyoto Imperial Palace. It is a gate for messengers called emperors and imperial messengers, and is not open to the general public. Let's observe the cypress bark roof that was just repaired in January 2020.

The sight of Chokushizaka turning red in autumn is a masterpiece. At the end of the slope is the Imperial Envoy Gate, which was given by Emperor Gosai and was completely relocated in 1693.

3.The Niomon Gate that watches over the Yamashina area

As you walk up the approach, you will see the Niomon Gate, which is the front gate to the main hall, which is protected by the two statues of Aun. I have watched over the Yamashina area, which spreads beyond the large lanterns, and the activities of the people who live there.

Yakuimon

Deva Gate

4.Benzaiten on a vermilion hill that appears beyond the torii gate

Benzaiten is said to have been enshrined in Osaka Castle and Kodaiji Temple by Omandokoro, the mother of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. In summer, the contrast between the blue maple leaves and the vermilion Benzaiten on the hill is attractive. It's also a must-see when the autumn leaves look like they're on fire.

5.Is Shinden's "Torimazu no Ma" an Ikezu no Ma?

The correct combination is a bush warbler on plum blossoms and a sparrow on bamboo. However, the combination of birds and trees in this room, which depicts a mountain crow on a plum tree and a striped chickadee on a bamboo tree, is not as the theory goes. Please visit and think about the "mystery" of this room.

Filmed with special permission

6.Get in touch with fresh greenery at Bansuien, a circuit-style garden

A circuit-style garden in which the garden, which was created in the early Edo period by drawing water from the valley river, and the new buildings, such as the Benten-do hall, which was built after the Meiji period, are connected by maple trees and azaleas. Find your favorite scenery.

［Cherry blossom viewing information]
Best time to visit: Late March - early April *Varies depending on the weather.
拝観時間／3月～11月月末9：00～16：00（最終受付／16：30）
Admission: Adults 700 yen, High school students 400 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 300 yen

［Autumn Foliage Season Information]
見頃／例年11月中旬～12月上旬 ※気候によって変動あり
Visiting hours/Admission fee: Same as regular visit

Bishamondo

bishamondo
18, Azu Inariyama-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
JR「山科駅」から徒歩15分
Tel.075-581-0328
駐車場有（詳細はホームページ内の交通案内を参照）
http://bishamon.or.jp/
[Normal visit]
入山時間／9：00〜17：00 ※御朱印終了16：00頃まで、拝観終了16：30
※ 冬季（12月～ 2月末）は9：00 ～ 16：30 ※御朱印終了15：30頃まで、拝観終了16：00
Admission fee/700 yen

PHOTO / Emi Masuda, Katsuyuki Hatanaka
TEXT / Riho Tachihara

The information is subject to change. Please contact each store or facility directly for the latest information.
All prices include tax.
※内容の誤りや閉店情報などお気づきの点がございましたら、info@leafkyoto.co.jp までお知らせください。
*Since this site uses automatic translation, the translation may differ from the original Japanese content.

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