Autumn Foliage at Myokenji Temple, a secluded temple in Nishijin, Tokyo

Leaf KYOTO Store Locations Autumn foliage to enjoy at Myokenji, a secret temple in Nishijin

2024.5.26

Autumn foliage to enjoy at Myokenji, a secret temple in Nishijin

About 10 minutes on foot from Imadegawa Station, [Myokenji] is located in a quiet residential area. Because the temple was not open to the public until a few years ago, it is still a little-known spot for autumn foliage.
Founded by Nichizo Shonin in 1321. The temple was recognized as an imperial temple to pray for the protection of the nation and the prosperity of the imperial family by order of Emperor Godaigo, and the imperial family still visits it today. The spacious grounds are rich in nature, and you can feel the beautiful four seasons of Japan, such as cherry blossoms in spring, green maple leaves in early summer, and autumn leaves in autumn. In addition, there are many highlights such as the main hall where many Buddha statues are enshrined and the four gardens, so please take your time to visit them carefully.

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Contents of this article

1.: Pay attention to the arrangement where the autumn leaves stand out

2.: Must see! Two lanterns in front of the temple

3.: 4 gardens with different tastes

4.: A masterpiece collection of family crests

5.: A mother demon who became a guardian deity according to the teachings of Shakyamuni

1.Pay attention to the arrangement where the autumn leaves stand out

The approach to the main hall from the main gate is greeted by autumn leaves and pine trees on both sides. They are arranged alternately, and the contrast between the green of the pine and the red of the autumn leaves is beautiful in autumn.

2.Must see! Two lanterns in front of the temple

A lantern that has been around since Myokenji moved to this area. The lantern on the right is crumbling as a remnant of the damage caused by the Great Fire of Tenmei. There is also a dragon carved on the back of the hat on the left.

3.4 gardens with different tastes

There are four gardens with different tastes, such as the Korin Kokusui no Niwa, which was created based on Ogata Korin's work, and the white sandy Shikai Shodo no Niwa.

4.A masterpiece collection of family crests

In 1975 (Showa 50), when the ceiling of the main hall collapsed due to aging, the family crests of the people who donated were put on it. Some of the crests are rare, and you won't get tired of looking at them for a long time.

5.A mother demon who became a guardian deity according to the teachings of Shakyamuni

A hall dedicated to Kishimojin, the deity that the emperor worshiped. The pomegranate branch held in the hand is a god who protects children and has a wish for the prosperity of descendants, and there is a pomegranate tree in front of the hall.

Autumn leaves season information

Best time to see/usually mid-November to early December
Autumn Special Viewing "2024 Autumn Special Viewing
Period of visitation: November 16 (Sat) - December 8 (Sun), 2024
Visiting hours/10:00-16:30 (Last entry/16:00)
Entrance fee/800 yen (free for elementary school students and younger)
Autumn Special Viewing "Light Up
Period of visitation: November 16 (Sat) - December 8 (Sun), 2024
Hours: 18:00 - 20:30 (last admission at 20:00)
Entrance fee/800 yen (free for elementary school students and younger)

Myokenji Temple

myokenji
514 Myokenji Maecho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
5 minutes on foot from "Horikawa Teranouchi" bus stop
10 minutes walk from Kuramaguchi Subway Station
15 minutes walk from Subway "Imadegawa Station"
Tel.075-414-0808
15 parking lots (paid)
https://www.instagram.com/kyoto_myokenji/
https://shikaishodo-myokenji.org/
[Normal visit]
Visiting hours/10:00-16:30 (Last entry/16:00)
Admission fee/500 yen
*Part of the garden and other areas are closed to visitors due to renovation work currently underway in the shoin (scheduled to last until March 2025). For details, please contactwebsiteUpdated as needed at

PHOTO/Taka Natsumi, TEXT/Maho Nomura

*Please note that the information contained herein is subject to change without notice.
*Since this site uses automatic translation, the translation may differ from the original Japanese content.

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