The Mikado, a national treasure, enshrines the image (=wooden statue) of Honen Shonin. The building we see today was built by Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa Shogun.

Under the eaves at the upper right side of the front, there is a "forgotten umbrella," one of the Seven Wonders of Chion-in, so keep your eyes peeled for it.

The main statue of the seated Amida Nyorai, which stands 2.7 meters tall, is enshrined in the Amida Hall. The face faces the east, and people worship in the direction of the west, which leads to the Paradise of the West. A solemn Buddhist wedding ceremony can be held here.

Gobyo and Seishi-do are located further up the stone steps than Mikage-do and Amida-do.

In the hall of worship in front of the mausoleum where Honen Shonin's ashes are enshrined, wooden fish are placed and visitors are free to chant sutras.

In the hall behind the Seishi Hall, visitors can experience sutra copying while overlooking the view of Kyoto.

This pond garden is said to have been created by the monk Gyokuchu, who was related to Kobori Enshu. Walking around the small and large hojo, visitors can enjoy the harmony of Higashiyama and plants.

The Garden of Twenty-five Bodhisattvas, located at the far end of the garden, is planted with raigo-yun, and Amida Nyorai and Twenty-five Bodhisattvas are represented by stones.

The temple is 24 meters high and 50 meters wide! After passing through the Sanmon Gate, the symbol of Chion-in, which has been used as a location for movies such as "The Last Samurai" and "Maiko is Lady," you will see a path called Otokozaka, which is a slope for worshippers.

It can also be climbed from the gently sloping women's hill on the side.

The Gyoten Lectures, which began in 1967, are a summer tradition where visitors can listen to a variety of lecturers in the Mikado Hall.

This year's event will be held July 21-23, 6:00 a.m.-7:00 a.m. Visitors may observe from the 5:10 a.m. memorial service. After the lecture and meditation, sweet potato porridge will be served.