Discover a Quiet and Peaceful side of Kyoto
Horin-ji Temple in Arashiyama is particularly well-known for the “Jusan-mairi” (Thirteen-Year-Olds’ Pilgrimage), a coming-of-age ritual where boys and girls who have turned thirteen visit the temple to pray for the warding off of misfortune and the granting of wisdom.
Additionally, the Togetsukyo Bridge—a symbol of Arashiyama—was originally built by a monk from Horin-ji during river improvement works; it is said to have once been known as the Horin-ji Bridge.
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Its origins date back to 833 during the Heian period, when Emperor Junna moved to Junna-in (also known as Sai-in) and enshrined a divided spirit of the deity brought from Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara.
It is believed to bestow blessings such as protection against illness and misfortune, recovery from sickness, and safety in travel.
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Seiryo-ji—also known as Saga Shakado—stands on the former site of the mountain villa of Minamoto no Toru, who is said to be the model for Hikaru Genji, the protagonist of *The Tale of Genji*.
The temple’s principal image, a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, is designated as a ational Treasure.
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This was the Hataeda Detached Palace, constructed by Emperor Go-Mizunoo and also known as the Hataeda Kogosho.
The garden, which incorporates Mount Hiei—visible from the front of the guest hall—as “borrowed scenery,” offers a unique charm in every season: *satsuki* azaleas in spring, vibrant foliage in autumn, and snowy landscapes in winter.
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During the Momoyama period, Toyotomi Hideyoshi constructed an earthen rampart known as the “Odoi” to mark the boundary between the city and its outskirts and to provide flood protection.
A section of this rampart still remains on the western side of the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine grounds, preserved as the “Odoi Maple Garden” (a designated historic site).
The view featuring the vermilion bridge spanning the Kamiya River set against the fresh green maple leaves is truly magnificent.
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