Category: Hidden Spots

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Syorinin Temple（勝林院）

After leaving Sanzen-in Temple in Ohara and crossing the bridge over the Ritsu River, you will find Shorin-in Temple.
This temple is the birthplace of *Tendai Shomyo* (Buddhist chanting), which is considered the origin of Japanese music; it was established as a training ground for the Tendai sect’s *Nembutsu* practices involving this chanting. In the main hall, you can listen to *Shomyo* by pressing a button.
Nearby, there is also a stone known as the “Sitting Stone” of the priest Honen.

Location

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Mansyuin Temple（曼殊院）

Located in the Ichijoji area of ​​Kyoto’s Sakyo Ward, this Tendai sect temple traces its origins to a foundation established at the summit of Mount Hiei by Saicho, the founder of the sect.
It is a prestigious *monzeki* temple—one with a history of having members of the Imperial family serve as its head priests.
The temple offers many highlights, including gardens and sliding door paintings (*fusuma-e*) created by renowned artists.

Location

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Myoukakuji-Temple (妙覚寺)

Myokaku-ji temple is a Nichiren-sect temple located in Kamigyo Ward; the Sengoku-period warlord Oda Nobunaga frequently stayed there when visiting Kyoto, and tea ceremonies hosted by Sen no Rikyu were also held on the premises.
It is a place where one can quietly experience the changing seasons, despite its location in the city.

Location

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Myoumanji-Temple　（妙満寺）

Myoman-ji Temple is located in the Iwakura area of ​​Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, and is famous for its “Snow Garden” (*Yuki no Niwa*). This is a dry landscape garden designed by Matsunaga Teitoku—considered the father of *haikai* poetry—and it offers a beautiful view that incorporates the snow-capped Mount Hiei as “borrowed scenery.”

Location

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Ninna-ji Temple（仁和寺）2

Ninna-ji Temple is famous for its late-blooming “Omuro cherry blossoms,” but the fresh greenery of early summer is also stunningly beautiful.
The temple grounds offer a serene atmosphere, with the fresh foliage and the five-story pagoda creating a truly beautiful scene.
On this particular day, special effects—such as the use of smoke—added an even more mystical air to the setting.