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Top ＞ Special Night Visits

the Lighting-up of the Shijoko Nyorai

We, at Shoren-in temple, hold special night visits and light shows every year in spring and autumn. Provided below is a brief introduction to the history ad origin of this event.

Shorenin temple is dedicated to the Shijoko Nyorai (Buddha).
The Shijoko Nyorai signifies Light itself, and Fudomyo-o, one of his embodiments, is followed by fire.
Thus, we particularly regard Light as being divine.

The scenic light show is artistically elaborated with various lighting implements.Since Shorenin temple served as a temporary Gosho (Imperial Palace) in the Edo period, the temple is also known as Awata-Gosho.

At the light show, one can view the relics of the graceful and elegant history of the Shorenin temple. For instance, the circular pond-garden, which is known for its elegance, is magnificently lit up.
During the show, one can also visit the interiors of the temple, followed by a leisurely walk in the lit-up garden.

At night, during the light show, the place appears to transform into a mysterious world-trees and flowers fading in the darkness, the five grand camphor trees (national natural monuments) majestically lit up, and a mandala of light, projected on the moss garden.
It appears as if the pure and sacred land comes to life. We hope that all our visitors are able to enjoy the goodness of this holy environment.

During this event, we also hold a special night visit at the Shogunzuka mound and the Dainichi temple.
However, its opening hours and admission fees are different from that of the Shorenin temple. Please check details provided below.

The observatory guarantees a million dollar view, with a 270 degree wide visibility from Mt. Hiei to Osaka that stretches below.
In spring, the magnificent scenery includes cherry blossoms, azaleas, wisterias, and peach trees, and in autumn, the scenic beauty is set aflame with the red leaves that lit up at night.

There are two observatories at the Shogunzuka mound; both are located atop Mt. Higashiyama (at the end of the Higashiyama driveway). The observatories offer a breathtaking view of the entire city of Kyoto. (It should be noted that the view from the public parking area just before the mound does not encompass everything.)

The view from the observatory includes the Kamo River flowing through the middle of Kyoto and Mts. Hiei, Kita-yama, and Nishiyama.
At Dainichi Temple Garden, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of the Kyoto basin, which makes you feel as if you are walking on air.
In the open park where you can enjoy leisurely walks, spring flowers such as cherry blossoms, azaleas, wisterias, and peach trees bloom from April to May.
The place is also famous for the Shogunzuka mound. It is here that Emperor Kanmu buried a statue of a Shogun (general), wishing for the peace of Kyoto city, when he relocated his capital to Heian-Kyo, now known as Kyoto.

*The word Kyo means "city of emperor"and Shogunzuka means "the mound of the general."