When arranging a 5-6 day maple viewing trip in Kyoto, Katsurinji Temple is a scenic spot worth visiting. Under good weather, the colors of the red leaves become even more colorful. Today's surprise discovery is that the auspicious red leaves in Bishamonto Shorinji Temple are in full bloom. People can't help but follow the footsteps of the red leaves and deeply explore the autumn secrets at the top of Tofukuji Temple.
How to get to Bishamonto Shorinji Temple?
This trip starts from Tofukuji Temple, passes by the main tomb of Kanemiko in Gekrinden Hall along the way, and then prepares to go to Nanzen-in Temple and Tensho-an Temple to enjoy the night maple. After visiting the three famous places for red leaves, I felt very satisfied. However, the charm of Kyoto’s autumn leaves season lies not only in the beautiful scenery, but also in admiring their exquisite event promotion. Just in the alley, I happened to see a poster on Bishamontang Shorinji Temple at the top of Tofukuji Temple, announcing that it was open to visit the Bishamonten Statue at this time. This attraction was on my way, and it looked quite attractive, so I couldn’t help but want to go in and check it out.
▲ The poster of Shenglin Temple's autumn worship at that time, indicating the time, cost and night maple time.
▲ Shenglin Temple is not a temple of the famous mountain giant Buddha type. It is hidden in the alleys of Dongshan District.
▲ Come to the Tofuku Temple Pagoda Bishamontang Shrinji Temple, follow us!
A brief introduction to Bishamonto Shorinji Temple
Bishamonto Shorinji Temple was originally the pagoda temple of Tofukuji Temple. It was founded in 1550 by Zen Master Takatake Reimatsu, the abbot at the time, as the guardian of the north (Kimen) of Tofukuji Temple. The temple houses a seated statue of Mahavairocana and a standing statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva from the Heian period. It is especially famous for the Bishamonten mandala (standing wooden statue). The history of Katsurinji Temple is further enhanced by the visit of Emperor Gosakura (the last female emperor of Japan), who planted the "Imperial Sakura". The red leaves in the temple are also called "Auspicious Red Leaves" because they are associated with the goddess Ji Xiangten.
Jishouten is the protector of Buddhism and the sister of Bishamonten. She is regarded as the guardian of happiness and wealth. Because of her beautiful appearance, she is also known as the "Patron of Beauty". After visiting the temple, tourists often buy special "Meishu" amulets, which are blessings from the auspicious heaven. Although Shenglin Temple is small in size, it is full of exquisite beauty. The whole visit takes about 40 minutes. It is a scenic spot worth visiting.
In addition, Shorinji Temple also provides a zazen experience, from the introduction, zazen explanation, to two 15-minute actual experiences, a total of about 60 minutes. Advance reservation is required and the cost is 1000 yen per person. At the end, you can also choose to enjoy matcha and Japanese desserts for a fee, which adds a touch of tranquility and Zen to the entire trip. It is a very unique Japanese cultural experience.
▲ The cold water in autumn makes me afraid to touch it at all>///
▲ This plant is called Jixiang Hongye.
▲ This is the Bishamonten mandala provided by the official website (the military god of the Heian period, "Mysterious Bishamonten").
▲ "Tiger of Bishamon Temple", the source of the picture is the official Facebook.
▲ After the Zen meditation experience, you can choose two different courses and enjoy matcha and wagashi.
▲ Mamori is so special that I bought a purple Mimori as a souvenir.
Bishamontang Shrinji Temple
- Address: 15-795 Honmachi, Higashiyama District, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Phone: +81 7556 14311
- Autumn visit: 10:00～19:30
- Autumn visit fee: 700 yen for adults, 300 yen for students
- Official website: http://shourin-ji.org/
