Discover a Quiet and Peaceful side of Kyoto
Jonangu Shrine features a sacred garden known as “Rakusuien,” where visitors can enjoy flowers that bloom throughout the seasons.
The garden includes the flowers and trees depicted in *The Tale of Genji*, earning it the nickname “The *Tale of Genji* Flower Garden.”
It is also known as the “Heian Garden” and serves as the venue for the famous *Kyokusui no En* (Winding Stream Banquet).
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Jonangu Shrine, located in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, was founded at the time of the capital’s relocation to Heian-kyo and boasts a history spanning 1,200 years.
It is revered as a major shrine for protection against directional misfortune.
The shrine is famous for the “Kyokusui no En” (Winding Stream Banquet) ceremony held in its garden, which recreates a pastime of Heian-period aristocrats; the event revives an elegant tradition where participants float sake cups down a small stream, compose *waka* poetry, and partake of the sake.
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Despite its location in the city, Tennei-ji is a tranquil temple; its main gate is known as the “Picture Frame Gate,” as Mount Hiei, viewed through the opening, appears as if it were set within a frame—a truly beautiful sight.
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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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