Kyoto

The striking contrast between a white wall and red maple leaves attracts your attention

Dec 1, 2014 - 1 min read

Autumn at Kyoto's Shisendo

Graceful villa at Ichijo Temple in Kyoto

Community writer

On 22nd November 2014, I visited Shisendo Villa at Ichijo-ji Temple, in Rakuhoku Area of Kyoto. Commonly known as Shisendo, the villa's official name is Ooto-Tsuka. Shisendo is just one of the rooms of villa. 'Ooto-Tsuka' means a house built on uneven ground.

Shisendo was built by Ishikawa Jozan. The Ishikawa family were loyal subjects of theTokugawa family, and Jozan himself served in a position close to Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Ishikawa Jozan was also a talented garden designer, who contributed to repair works of Katsura Imperial Villa and Kikoku-Tei (Shosei-En).

When I looked at the garden, I could sense his meticulous attention to detail, as well as his strong passion for this place, and I was mesmerized by the beauty of autumn leaves at Shisendo Villa.

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By Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

The striking contrast between a white wall and red maple leaves attracts your attention

The landmark view of Shisendo! Appreciate the beautiful contrast of red maple leaves and green leaves of azaleas

Jozan, who designed Shisendo, paid meticulous attention to the small details of this place

Visitors appreciating beautiful autumn leaves from the Room of Shisen

Brilliant autumn colors are pleasing to the eyes of the beholders

Autumn leaves hang in front the graceful roof of the villa

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