Place of worship • 27 Saganisonin Monzen Chōjinchō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8425, Japan
Nison-in stands in the picturesque Arashiyama in the northwest of Kyoto. This ancient temple is one of the representative sightseeing spots in Kyoto as a famous spot for autumn leaves. The vermilion Chokushimon gate is visible from the approach, and beyond it, a vast precinct spreads out.
As you pass through the entrance to the approach, a scenery as if transcending time and space unfolds. The splendid autumn leaves on both sides color the long path, and the straight road invites you into a tranquil world. With each step, the clamor of the city fades, and the anticipation for the serene precincts increases.
As you approach the main hall, you can see the garden. In spring, the weeping cherry blossoms bloom, and in autumn, the colorful autumn leaves dye the trees. The contrast of each season's colors paints a beautiful scenery throughout the year.
It is said to have been built in the mid-Heian period, and wooden buildings from the Muromachi period still remain. In the vast precincts, there is also the Senteiryo, where the bones of the Emperors are enshrined, evoking the weight of history. The main hall enshrines 25 welcoming Buddhist statues, and you can quietly pay your respects.
Nison-in is a famous temple that remains the atmosphere of a bygone era, standing in the beautiful natural surroundings. When visiting Kyoto, why not take a stroll in this tranquil world? You will leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind, and time etched in your heart will flow.