Winter isn't really the time of year you are thinking of visiting gardens. Yet, in December 2011, my friend and I stumbled upon the Shorenin Temple in Kyoto's Higashiyama district. And by that, I literally mean "stumbled", because after numerous temple visits that day and the entrance fee, we almost walked past it. Safe to say I'm glad we decided on visiting it.
The temple has some impressive halls, but the real must-see is the garden. As pictures tell more than a thousand words, I think it's better to let them speak for themselves. Shorenin has a long history that is closely tied to the imperial family; even some head priests were of imperial blood and this relationship is proudly referred to when visiting the halls. Access is easy: we walked there from the Kawaramachi station (Kyoto's main station on the Hankyu line), but the Higashiyama station is even closer.
- 1 min read
Kyoto Shorenin Temple
Beautiful gardens in the heart of Kyoto
Community writer
Join the discussion
Justin Velgus
9 years ago
Wow, autumn colors in December?! Nice.
@Nicole Thank you!
Nicole Bauer
10 years ago
Great find, thanks for sharing. It looks absolutely wonderful!
3 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Mount Omuro
Shizuoka -
2
Anime Museums in Tokyo
Culture -
3
2024 Grand Sumo Tournaments
Culture -
4
Tokyo One of the World's Most Walkable Cities
Transportation -
5
Guide to Golden Week
Planning -
6
Kurobe Unazuki Canyon Route to Link with Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
News -
7
Sapporo Beer Opens New Brewery in Tokyo’s Ebisu
News -
8
Haneda Airport Ranked World's Cleanest
Transportation -
9
Valley of Witches: a New Ghibli Park Attraction
Aichi -
10
Tokyo Takes 2nd Place on Top Coffee Cities List
Food
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
3
Guide to Golden Week
Planning -
4
Hachiko Statue in Shibuya
Tokyo -
5
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
6
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Shibuya Crossing
Tokyo -
9
Guide to Suica Cards
Transportation -
10
Sanja Matsuri
Tokyo