Feb 11, 2014 - 1 min read

New Year at Bishamondo Temple

A Kyoto temple with real hatsumode hospitality

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

There is a pond on one side of the hall

Calligraphy of 'yume' (dream) on display

A bonfire to warm visitors

Hot amazake for visitors (a sweet drink made from sake lees)

New Year offerings of sake and apples to the temple

Well worn pull rope for ringing the bell above the offering box

One of the buildings is being rebuilt, and this is the roof decoration

Roof tiles awaiting recycling

Small Shinto fox shrine demonstrates the inclusive nature of Japanese Buddhism

Pine boughs contrast with vermilion paint

Freshly painted details gleam on the recently renewed hall

The main hall was recently renovated

Most Japanese pay visits to temples and shrines during the first few days of the New Year. This custom is known as 'hatsumode'. Bishamondo Temple in Kyoto is famous for autumn foliage, but actually it's a wonderful place to visit at any time of year. At New Year they have a bonfire in the temple grounds, and offer all visitors a delicious hot sweet drink called 'amazake'. If you visit Kyoto over New Year, try to drop in at Bishamondo.

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Cathy Cawood

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

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