Arashiyama

Nison-in Temple

 Principal image

Principal image: standing statues of Shaka Nyorai and Amida Nyorai

 The two main statues look like twins and are important cultural properties.

 When you have completed your life, please guide me to the Pure Land.  It is enshrined in the center of the main hall, with a Shaka Nyorai statue on the right and an Amida Nyorai statue on the left.

Arashiyama

Nison-in Temple

 Overview

Nison-in is a temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism that has been around for more than 1,200 years and is surrounded by beautiful scenery.  

 This temple, which spreads out at the foot of Mt. Ogura and is mentioned in “Hyakunin Isshu”, is famous as a famous place for autumn leaves, and the scenery of each season is superb.  

 It is called ‘Nison-in Temple’ because it enshrines two Buddhas, Shaka Nyorai and Amida Nyorai.

 The wide approach to the shrine is called “Autumn Leaves Baba”, and the autumn foliage fascinates the hearts of visitors.

Arashiyama

Autumn leaves

Arashiyama is famous for its autumn leaves.

Arashiyama has been selected as one of the  “100 Best Best Spots for Autumn Leaves in Japan”.

In spring, cherry blossoms bloom in temples, parks, and riverbanks.

In autumn, the trees of Arashiyama turn red, and the Togetsu Bridge with Arashiyama in the background is a magnificent view.

Arashiyama

The bamboo forest path

The bamboo forest path is a narrow road of about 400m that runs from Nonomiya Shrine to the north side of Tenryu-ji Temple to Okochi Sanso Garden.

Around the path, there is a bamboo forest that stretches high in the sky.

Around the bamboo forest path, the lights are lit from about 18:00 to 23:00, and you can enjoy a fantastic night walk.

Arashiyama

Overview

Arashiyama is an area in the western part of Kyoto City.

The mountain named Arashiyama at an altitude of 382 meters in the western part of Kyoto City, the surrounding mountains, and the foot of the mountain are generally called Arashiyama.

At the foot of Arashiyama, there are many historical temples, shrines, and historic sites, making it a famous tourist destination.

Kamigamo Shrine

The Kasagake Ceremony

Kasagake is an ancient Japanese archery event that appears in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan). There are two types of kasagake: tokasagake, in which the archer shoots at a 40-centimeter square target about 5 meters away from the horse, and kokasagake, in which the archer shoots at a 10-centimeter square target set up low on the ground. Female archers also ride on horseback. There will be seats for spectators and English commentary will be provided.

Kamigamo Shrine

Nara no Ogawa (Nara Stream)

 This stream runs through the grounds of the temple. Trees grow thickly along the riverside, creating a beautiful landscape. It is especially beautiful in the autumn season, when the river is covered with a tunnel of autumn leaves.

Kamigamo Shrine

Honden ( The main hall)

The Honden, which enshrines the shrine deity, is designated as a national treasure as it is a typical example of nagare-zukuri, a type of shrine architecture. The “Kage-koma” paintings of komainu (guardian dogs) on the walls of the shrine are also a must-see. It is a valuable picture painted in the Edo period by the Kano school, the largest painting school in the history of Japanese painting. 

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Kamigamo Shrine

History

Kamigamo Shrine has a long history and was founded at the end of the 7th century. This was before the capital was moved to Kyoto.

It was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1994 as “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)”.“Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto” is a registration of 17 temples,shrines, and castles.

Kamigamo Shrine

Overview

Kamigamo Shrine is one of the oldest and largest shrines in Kyoto. It stands about 3.5 km upstream from Shimogamo Shrine. The shrine grounds are vast, extending over an area of about 660,000 square meters and including the mountains behind the shrine. Two sand dunes on the grounds serve a purification function and have been ceremonially created since ancient times.