Category: Seasonal KYOTO

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

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

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.