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2024.3.27
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Unryu-in Temple

Enjoy the serenity of autumn foliage at Unryu-in in Higashiyama

It was built in 1372 by the Retired Emperor Gokogon as a separate temple of Sennyu-ji Temple, the family temple of the imperial family. After that, it has a history of more than 600 years as a sutra copying temple since Emperor Goenyu made a request, and the main hall "Ryugeden" designated as an important cultural property is also a sutra copying dojo.
During the autumn foliage season, visitors can enjoy the red-dyed appearance of the painting-like "Shikishi no Mado", as well as the "Enlightenment Mado" and "Moi no Mado" rooms. In addition to the garden and hall, don't miss the fierce-looking running Daikokuten in the kitchen.

1.Is it actually alive? Mysterious dragon impulse

An imposing dragon greets you at the entrance. In fact, this dragon is said to change the length of its face if you compare its face from left to right while looking at its nose area. Let's walk from right to left and left to right to check it out so as not to touch the opposite side of the scale.

2.The main hall is a beautiful copying dojo of Momoyama architecture

Ryukaden is a collection of the best of Momoyama architecture, including the persimmon (kokera) thatched roof. Emperor Gomizunoo gifted over 100 sutra copying tools, and the history of the revival is still passed down to this day.

Unryu-in Temple
Unryu-in Temple

3.Twelve Divine Generals who protect Oyakushi and fight against worldly desires

The main deity, Yakushi Nyorai, is located in the inner sanctuary of the main hall. He removes various illnesses and brings peace of mind and body.

Unryu-in Temple

On either side of the Yakushi are Nikko Bosatsu (Sunlight Bodhisattva) on the day shift and Gakko Bosatsu (Moonlight Bodhisattva) on the night shift. The Twelve Divine Generals on the halo also attract attention.

General Labyrinth of Unryuin

General Mekira with a dragon on his head. Look carefully to find the dragon.

4.The reason why the stone lantern is tilted is...

A stone lantern donated by Yoshinori Tokugawa, erected on the sand crest of the chrysanthemum crest in front of Reimyo-den. It is said that it is slightly tilted to bow to Reimeiden, where the tablets of successive emperors are enshrined.

Unryu-in Temple

5.Imagining landscapes from different eras in the garden

In the large flower room where there is a stone named "Meditation Stone", "If you can put your feet on the stone and meditate." Look for the foundation stone of the Great Buddha Hall of Hokoji Temple in the garden you can see from there.

Unryu-in Temple
Unryu-in Temple

6.Say hello to the mighty Daikoku-san.

Daikokuten, a very unusual running figure, was made in the Kamakura period (1185-1333). The chest is decorated with a peony design in kirikinzaku (faceted goldsmith's work). It is said that he runs to bring good luck, so be sure to pay a visit. There is also a 100 yen fortune with a small Daikoku charm, so check it out.

7."Shikishi no Mado" like a series of paintings

Shikishi no Mado is a place where you can appreciate the lotus flowers. When you sit in the designated area, the four Yukimi shoji screens cut out scenes of camellias, lanterns, maple trees, and pine trees, just like a series of paintings.

Unryu-in Temple

Autumn leaves season information

  • Best time to see/usually mid-November to late November
    Special exhibition of 14 fusuma sliding door paintings "Ssangyong Fuu Rai Zu" (Double Dragon, Wind and Thunder)
    Period of visitation / November 9 (Sat) to December 1 (Sun), 2024
    Visiting hours: 9:00-17:00 (Reception closes at 16:30)
    Admission fee/400 yen
    light up
    Period / Saturday, November 16, 2024 - Saturday, November 23, 2024
    Hours: Sunset - 21:00 (reception closes at 20:30)
    Fee/400 yen

Unryu-in Temple

  • Unryuin
  • 36 Sannaicho, Sennyuji, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
  • 15-minute walk from Sennyuji-michi bus stop
  • Tel.075-541-3916
  • No viewing or sutra chanting on Wednesdays (except November)
  • 5 parking lots (use the Sennyuji parking lot)
  • https://www.unryuin.jp/

  • [Normal visit]
    Visiting hours: 9:00-17:00 (Reception closes at 16:30)
    Admission fee/400 yen

    PHOTO/Taka Natsumi, TEXT/Riho Tachihara
*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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