Kyoto Winter Special 2010

Higashiyama Area

Jojuin, sub-temple of Kiyomizu-dera Temple

The main temple of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a World Heritage Site, was home to a Buddhist priest who wanted to start a revolution at the end of Edo era (1603-1868) together with the samurai in Western Japan. The pond in the temple garden created at the beginning of Edo era is well known for its beautiful reflections of the moon.
•World Heritage site Kiyomizu-dera Temple
•Honbo Garden (scenic location) Tsuki no niwa Garden (Moon Garden)
Location 1-Chome, Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku

Konkai Komyo-ji Temple

Founded in 1175. A feudal lord under the Tokugawa Shogunate was stationed at the temple with nearly 1,000 Samurai in order to maintain the security of Kyoto towards the end of Tokugawa Shogunate era.
Paintings on the sliding doors in the Hojo, "Red and White Plum Trees" folding screen painting
Location Kurodani-cho, Sakyo-ku

Gozasho Hall/ Reimei-den Hall, Sennyuji Temple

Ancestors of the Royal Family rest in this temple. The temple is also known for the Gozasho Hall where early emperors lived and the Reimeiden Hall where Buddhist mortuary tablets (wooden tablets inscribed with Buddhist names given following their death) of past emperors are enshrined.
Wall paintings by the Kano School of Painting, Reimeiden Hall
Location Sennyuji-Yamanouchi-cho, Higashiyama-ku

Sanmon Gate, Chion-in Temple

This temple was the Kyoto base for the greatest feudal lord in Western Japan. The majestic Sanmon Gate built in 1621 is the world's largest wooden gate.
Interior of Sanmon Gate (National Treasure), Houkan Shaka Nyoraizazo sculpture (Sculpture of a seated Buddha with a jeweled crown) •Sixteen Arhats sculpture
Location Rinka-cho, Higashiyama-ku

Sokushuin Temple, Tofuku-ji Temple

The greatest feudal lord in Western Japan enshrined his ancestors in this temple. His men formulated a plan to defeat the Tokugawa Shogunate in this Temple. This temple is also known for its tranquil garden.
•"Monument for the samurai casualties of the Satsuma Clan at the battle of Toba Fushimi (1868) and Boshin War (1868-1869)" founded by Takamori Saigo, a famous samurai, designated as a scenic garden by the city.
Location Honmachi 15-chome, Higashiyama-ku

Taikoan, Tofuku-ji Temple

This temple was founded in 1346 and is connected to Ono no Komachi, a famous Japanese female poet. There are Japanese-style gardens located in both the south and north of the premises.
•"Shinnintei Garden", representative of the dry garden style • Statue of Ono no Komachi at 100 years of age
Location Honmachi 15-chome, Higashiyama-ku

Rakunan Area

Reihokan Hall, Daigoji Temple

Usually this temple is open to the public only in the spring and autumn, however a special opening this winter will be held for the first time. Approximately 40,000 items of national treasures/important cultural properties are stored at this temple. The total number of items in addition to designated cultural properties is approximately 150,000 items.
•Sculptures of Yakushi Nyorai and Two Attendants •Sculptures of Five Great Gods
Location Higashioji-cho, Daigo, Fushimi-ku

Goju no to (Five-Storied Pagoda), Toji Temple

The approximately 55m ancient pagoda is the highest wooden building in Japan. The graceful appearance of the pagoda, designated as a national treasure, is familiar to people as a symbol of Kyoto.
•Interior of the first floor of Goju no to (Five-Storied Pagoda)
Location Kujo-cho, Minami-ku

Koshibo Room, Toji Temple

This temple was rebuilt in 1934 using the finest Japanese kiso cypress trees. 6 rooms inside of the temple are decorated with sliding door paintings by renowned modern Japanese artist Insho Domoto.
•Sliding door painting by Insho Domoto •Garden designed by Jihei Ogawa the 7th, a famous Japanese landscape designer
Location Kujo-cho, Minami-ku

Rakusei Area

Kondo Hall/Reihokan Hall, Ninnaji Temple

Prestigious ｔemple built in 888 which housed priests from the Royal Family for 1,000 years. The elegant taste and style of palace architecture can be enjoyed in this World Heritage site.
•Kondo Main Hall (national treasure) •Richly colored wall painting "Painting of Paradise"
Location Omuro Ouchi, Ukyo-ku

Mibu-dera Temple Main Hall

Historic temple founded in 991. Training in the art of war for the Shinsengumi, a famous police force loyal to the Tokugawa Shogunate, was held here at the end of Tokugawa Shogunate and the grave sites of Shinsengumi members still reside in the premises. Open to public in winter for the first time.
•Standing figure of Jizo Bosatsu (important cultural asset)　•Wall paintings in the Yuzen painting technique
Location Mibu Naginomiya-cho, Nakagyo-ku

Rakuchu/Rakuhoku Area

Jotenkaku Museum, Shokoku-ji Temple

Museum belonging to Shokoku-ji Temple which governs the World Heritage Sites of Kinkaku-ji Temple and Ginkaku-ji Temple. In addition to art works stored by each temple, paintings by the world famous artist Jakuchu Ito will be on display.
•Treasures of Kinkaku-ji Temple and Gingaku-ji Temple •"Chicken and Plum Trees" by Jakuchu Ito
Location Shokokuji Monzen-cho, Kamigyo-ku

Hokyoji Imperial Convent

Temple for nuns founded in the 14th century. Princesses of emperors took position as the head nuns for generations. The temple is also famous as a temple of dolls because of the many dolls donated by previous emperors.
•Gosho dolls donated by emperors •Tsuru Kame no niwa garden (Garden of Cranes and Turtles )
Location Dodo-cho, Kamigyo-ku

Jissoin Temple

This temple was founded in 1229. Since Tomomi Iwakura who contributed to the restoration at the end of Tokugawa Shogunate once lived in this temple, precious materials from that era are stored here.
•Jodan no ma room, guest room which once a former residence of the Emperor Higashiyama's empress donated to the temple •Sliding door paintings by Kano School of Painting
Location wakura Agura-cho, Sakyo-ku