Last updated: December 2025

Highlights & Nearby Spots

Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺 / Silver Pavilion)

Ginkaku-ji, also known as the Silver Pavilion, is one of Kyoto’s most iconic Zen temples. It was originally built in 1482 as the mountain villa of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, who intended to coat the building in silver foil—though the project was never completed. Despite its name, the pavilion remains unadorned, and its subtle aesthetic came to symbolize the wabi-sabi (refined simplicity) ideals of Japanese culture. The temple complex includes a beautifully manicured kare-sansui (dry landscape garden), a moss garden with winding paths, and scenic views of Kyoto from the hillside.

Honen-in (法然院)

Honen-in is a small, serene temple tucked away just off the Philosopher’s Path. Its thatched-roof gate, flanked by mossy stone walls and shaded by tall trees, offers a peaceful entrance to one of Kyoto’s hidden gems. Inside, you’ll find sand patterns (known as byakusadan) that are raked into symbolic shapes and refreshed regularly. The tranquil grounds also feature seasonal flowers and a moss garden that reflect the changing moods of nature.

Anraku-ji (安楽寺)

Anraku-ji is a historic temple with strong ties to the Jodo Buddhist sect, originally founded in the 13th century. Its wooden buildings sit on a hillside surrounded by cherry trees and maples, making it especially beautiful in spring and autumn. While it’s usually closed to the public, Anraku-ji opens its gates during special events, like seasonal flower viewings or cultural exhibitions.

Kyoto Modern Terrace & Shops near Nanzen-ji

Near the southern end of the path, modern cafés and artisan shops await—like Kyoto Modern Terrace (inside the Kyoto International Community House). A great spot for a break with scenic terrace views and local craft goods.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to walk the Philosopher’s Path is early April, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. It’s the most iconic season, with petals floating in the canal and soft pinks lining the trail—though it’s also the most crowded.
Other seasonal highlights:

• Summer: Lush green trees and a quieter atmosphere, great for a shaded stroll.
• Autumn (mid–late November): Gorgeous red and orange foliage with fewer crowds than spring.
• Winter: Peaceful and quiet, especially on snowy mornings—but less scenic.

Last updated: December 2025

Ninna-ji History

Ninna-ji temple was founded in 888 by Emperor Uda (867-931). He became a monk at the end of his reign and retired to Ninna-ji temple. Since then, this temple was run by one of the members of the Imperial Family until 1869.

Most of the temple was lost during the Onin War in 1467. About 160 years later, in 1634, the reconstruction of the temple was finally authorized by the 3rd shogun of the Tokugawa family. Noteworthy buildings including the Kondo building and the Mie-do. These buildings were moved from the Imperial Palace and the reconstruction was completed in 1646.

Palace and Temple

As the function of the ‘grand monk’ was occupied by one of the members of the Imperial Family and he lived there, the temple was called Omuro Palace. Since the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the Imperial Family no longer lives there and it is now called Old Omuro Palace.

The temple area is considered to be divided into 2: the Goten old palace part (御殿) and the Garan (伽藍) temple part.

Goten (御殿): This was the residential part of the emperor in the temple. Here we can admire the well-worked gardens and the imposing halls.

Garan (伽藍): After passing through the vermilion gate, the middle gate -Nakamon (中門), we come to the temple part. On the right is the 5-story pagoda that was built in 1644. And at the back is the most important building for the temple, the Kondo (金堂) which houses the 3 most important statues of Ninna-ji Temple. The Kondo was moved from the Imperial Palace in the 17th century and this building, called Shishin-den (紫宸殿), was used for official ceremonies when it was still in the Palace. It is the oldest existing Shishin-den and has been classified as a national treasure as a building reflecting the palace architecture of the time.

The temple garden is famous for its cherry trees, Omuro-zakura (御室桜). It is one of the cherry blossom varieties besides Somei-Yoshino, the most common variety in Japan. Each flower is composed of 5 white petals and it is a little larger than Somei-Yoshino. The Omuro-zakura trees do not become very tall.

In autumn, we can admire the red maple leaves in the garden.

Access Information

Access: 3-minute walk from Omuro Ninna-ji station (Araden, Keifuku dentetsu)
Entrance (palace): 500 yen for high school students and above, 300 yen for middle school and high school students.
Entrance (garden): Charged only during cherry blossom season, 500 yen for adults, free for high school students and younger
Opening hours: 8.30 am – 5.30 pm. The opening hours change according to the season.

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Ninna-ji Area Map

Byodo-in Temple (平等院)

Founded in 1052 by Fujiwarano Yorimichi, who was a regent at the time, in the area where his father’s villa Fujiwarano Michinaga was located. The symbol of this temple, the Phoenix Pavilion (Hou Ou Do, 鳳凰堂), and the garden that surrounds it transmit to us its beautiful structure from the time of its construction. The Palace of Paradise was taken as a model for the design of the Phoenix Pavilion.

The Phoenix Pavilion is famous, because it is depicted on Japan’s 10 yen coins, and the Phoenix on the roof of the pavilion is on the 10,000 yen banknotes. In the building next to the Phoenix Pavilion is the Hoshokan Museum which displays the treasures of the temple such as the bell, the Phoenixes, sculptures of the Hunchbacked deity, and so on. They date from the time of the temple’s construction and it is a small museum that is a must-visit.

Access: 15-minute walk from Uji JR station.
Entrance fee (museum + garden): 600 yen over 18 years old/400 yen college and high school students/300 yen school children
Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm

Ujigami Shrine (宇治上神社)

Starting from the Byodo-in Temple, on the other side of the Uji River, is the Ujigami shrine. We do not know its date of construction but the name of Ujigami jinja is already quoted in a collection dating from 927. It is a very simple and small sanctuary. This shrine mainly worships Ujino wara Iratsuko, the son of Emperor Ojin Tenno, who is supposed to have existed in the 5th century. Legend has it that this prince, a favorite of his father, committed suicide to give up the throne to his older brother, who became the 16th emperor.

After passing through the entrance portico, the oratory that was built at the beginning of the Kamakura period (12th century) appears. Behind the oratory is the Honden, the main building, built in the Heian period (794-1192) and considered the oldest construction of the shrine. In the name of “Ujino wara Iratsuko” you can find the character of the rabbit. In front of the shrine office, there are several rabbit trinkets in which a spell is found. You can get your spell by buying one of the trinkets.

Access: 10 min walk from the Byodo-in temple.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 9 am – 4.30 pm

The Museum of The Tale of Genji (源氏物語ミュージアム)

The Tale of Genji (源氏物語, Genji Monogatari) was written by Murasaki Shikibu (紫式部), a court lady of the Heian period in the 11th century. It is a very long novel composed of 54 chapters (books) that tell the life of one of the emperor’s sons, Genji. The latter is a handsome man, intelligent and loved by everyone and he had many love affairs with women. The last 10 books are called Uji jyu jo (宇治十帖, literally 10 books from Uji), and these stories take place mainly in Uji after Genji’s death. These last 10 books tell the stories of Genji’s son and grandson.

This small museum is the only museum on the Tale of Genji, and it shows some scenes from The Tale of Genji.

Access: 5-minute walk from Uji kami Jinja Shrine
Admission fee: Adults 600 yen/under 18 years old 300 yen
Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm, closed on Mondays

Tea from Uji (宇治茶)

The city of Uji is known for its production of green tea. Uji has been producing green tea since the 13th century. Its climate and topography are conducive to the production of good quality green tea, and there are many tea plantations in the area.

All along the way to Byodo-in Temple, you can smell the nice aroma of green tea. Many restaurants and cafes offer dishes and cakes with the flavor of green tea. There are also multiple places that offer green tea workshops during which you can pluck, grind, and drink your own cup of matcha tea.

My Personal Experience in Uji

I visited the city of Uji on Saturday, November 28, 2020. As I am a lover of The Tale of the Genji, I had wanted to visit Uji for a long time. This year, the change of maple leave colors in Kyoto was a bit early compared to previous years, so many maple leaves had already fallen on the ground but we were still able to admire some of the season’s last beautiful colors.

We arrived in Uji around 11 am and we first had lunch in a restaurant that served dishes using green tea. We ordered the wheat flour noodles (udon). The udon was served with tempura that was sprinkled with green tea salt.

When we arrived at Uji Bridge, I took pictures of the statue of the author of Tale of Genji, Murasaki Shikibu, and then we went to the Byodo-in Temple. Unfortunately, as it was the high season, there was a 3-hour wait to visit the Phoenix Pavilion so we only visited the garden and its museum (to preserve the heritage, the number of visitors per day is limited). The Phoenix Pavilion is really imposing and magnificent like a phoenix beating its wings. The museum next door is small but exhibits several national treasures. I would definitely advise you to visit it.

Tale of Genji Museum

Then we crossed the Uji River (I thought the river was much smaller according to The Tale of Genji) and we arrived at the other side of the river. We rested in the coffee shop of Fukuju-en, one of the biggest green tea producers in Uji, and tasted Japanese pastry with a green tea flavor.

After this short break, we went to the Ujigami shrine. Rabbits are considered to be messengers of Shinto deity so in Uji Jinja Shrine there are several rabbit statuettes. On the way between the Ujigami shrine and Genji Shrine Museum, there are monuments on which the excerpts from the novel are inscribed and we can feel a little bit of the atmosphere of the Heian period.

Access: About 30 min by local JR train from Kyoto station

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Area Map

It has become a very popular spot in Kyoto because of the quiet atmosphere and beautiful trees surrounded that make the path very colorful in spring and autumn. The Philosopher’s Path is designated as one of the top 100 most beautiful streets in Japan.

History of the Canal

The canal water comes from Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. Lake Biwa is the biggest lake in Japan with a surface of 670 km2. The first canal was constructed in 1890, then the second construction was done in 1920. Kyoto used to be the capital of Japan where the Emperor lived for more than 1,000 years, but Emperor Meiji moved to Tokyo after the Meiji Restoration in 1868. This made the governor of Kyoto feel a sense of crisis because the city might lose its prosperity by losing the title of ‘capital city’.

This is why he made a policy to industrialize Kyoto. The governor ordered the construction of the canal because he thought that water would be essential to develop new industries. He turned out to be right, and his quest to industrialize Kyoto was successful. Water power plants, the first tram in Japan, the water transportation system, and many other industries have developed in Kyoto ever since.

The Origin of the Name “Philosopher’s Path”

The apt name of this street came from the famous philosopher Kitaro Nishida (1870-1945). He was a Philosophy professor at Kyoto University and used to live in this area. He often walked along the canal while thinking deeply, as he felt that the tranquil environment made that very easy. One of his famous sayings is “Live and let live, I go my own way”. You can find a stone monument on the path with this saying engraved. Then local people made an effort to preserve this nice walkway and chose the name Philosopher’s Path.

Location

The Philosopher’s Path is located in the Higashiyama area. If you start walking from the north, there is a famous Buddhist temple, Ginkakuji, also known as the Silver Pavilion. There is also the entrance to Mt. Daimonji (465 meters high) which will be lit up during the summer fire festival. The view of Japan’s old capital from the fireplace is amazing.

You will find several temples and shrines while walking the path. You can visit these places for a quiet atmosphere, these temples and shrines are a lot less crowded than Kyoto’s most famous highlights and give a different type of enjoyment. For example, Honenin Temple is very beautiful with its old gate covered with moss. Anrakuji Temple has a coffee shop on its precinct. You can have a quiet relaxing time while enjoying your coffee.

There are a lot of small fancy souvenir shops, coffee shops, and restaurants along the canal. Near the southern end, there is a Japanese tea house owned by a sweets company called Kanou Shoujuan. You can experience a Ryurei style tea ceremony for which they prepare a table and chair, so you don’t need to sit on your heels on the tatami (straw mat) floor if you would prefer that. You can buy their delicious sweets, too.

At the southern end of the path, there is a Shinto shrine, Kumano-Nyakuoji. If you walk further down south, you will find famous temples such as Eikando and Nanzenji. Eikando (the actual name is Zenrinji Temple) is famous for the autumn leaves. Nanzenji is a Zen Buddhist temple famous for its dry landscape garden. In a dry landscape garden, the architect expressed water with the pattern of the gravel without using actual water.

Seasonal Changes

The beautiful seasonal changes of the cherry blossoms in spring, lush green leaves in summer, colorful maple leaves in autumn, and the quiet but energizing air of winter make this a great spot to enjoy the 4 seasons in Kyoto. This path is one of the top cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto. There are 300 cherry trees along the canal which was donated by the Japanese painter Kansetsu Hashimoto (1883-1945) in 1922. He had his workshop nearby which was turned into a restaurant and a museum called Hakusa-Sonso. The place also has a beautiful Japanese garden. If you visit the museum or have lunch or dinner there, you can enjoy walking in the garden.

The path is beautiful with green leaves in summer. Then the maple leaves and cherry leaves turn yellow and red in autumn. Not many colors in winter, but it is the quietest season. You can walk and do some philosophical thinking without other tourists. As the path is only 1.5 km long,  if you just walk through, it will take only about 30 minutes to go from start to finish. But if you walk slowly while appreciating the trees and flowers, visit some temples, shrines, souvenir shops, and a coffee shop along the way, you can easily spend half a day here.

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As seasoned Japan experts, we can help you create your perfect Japan tour including guides who can tell you all about the sites around the Philosopher’s Path. The guide can, of course, explain all the other attractive places in beautiful Kyoto. Contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Philosopher’s Path Information

Access :
North end: From Kyoto Station, take a local bus to Ginkakuji-Michi bus stop and walk 5 minutes.
South end: From Kyoto Station, take a local bus to Miyanomae-cho bus stop and walk 5 minutes.
Entrance: You can walk freely on the path along the canal. You need to pay an entrance fee for some of the temples.
Hours :
There are not many street lights along the canal, so please be careful if you walk in the evening.

Philosopher’s Path Area Map

Kyoto Station Building

The station was opened in 1877 by Japan National Railways, which has now become private company JR (Japan Railways). Emperor Meiji attended the opening ceremony. Later, the Kintetsu Line and Kyoto Subway were added to the network. In front of the station, there is a big bus terminal. About 700,000 people use this station every day.

The new Kyoto Station building was reconstructed in 1997. This 60 meter-high modern construction was designed by Hiroshi Hara who won a design competition, beating 6 famous architects. The enormous atrium on the north side is an amazing spot with 4,000 glass windows.

Kyoto Station boasts plenty of options for shopping, dining, entertainment, and staying overnight. Department store Isetan is a great store to check out for those who are looking for high-end clothing or slightly more expensive and special souvenirs. Hotels Granvia and Miyako City are directly connected to the station, making them very convenient hotels to stay for those who spend only a short time in Kyoto or need to catch a train early in the morning.

Kyoto Station Facilities

Furthermore, there is a plethora of souvenir shops, clothing shops, and restaurants. One of the most popular ramen chains that actually resembles a ramen ‘theme park’ where you can try many different types of ramen noodles, Ramen Koji, can also be found in Kyoto station. In Kyoto Station, facilities are not only on the ground floor. Make sure to also check out the huge underground shopping mall called Porta. There are more than 100 shops and restaurants in this maze-like shopping paradise.

To top it all off, Kyoto Station also has a theater, museum, and, of course, a tourist information center. The museum is called Eki, and you can find it on the 7th floor of the station building connecting to the Isetan Department Store. They exhibit a wide variety of artworks, for example, paintings, photographic art, picture storybooks for children, crafts, animations, and fashion. It is open from 10 am to 8 pm (it is closed when Isetan Department Store is closed and between the exhibitions for the preparation.) The entrance fee depends on the exhibition.

Visual Art and a View

If you stay overnight in Kyoto, don’t forget to see the Big Stairs Graphical Illumination in the evening. There is a huge open-air staircase with 171 steps from the 4th floor to the rooftop. They create an animated design using 15,000 LED lights in the evening, and this design changes by the season. Cherry blossoms in spring, festival floats in July, and colored leaves in autumn, and you can see the image of popular spots in Kyoto throughout the year.

You can enjoy this amazing light show for free between 5 pm and 10 pm without any break. In addition, they install a big Christmas tree on the 4th floor just in front of the staircase from mid-November until Christmas day. During the Christmas season, the area around the staircase is really beautiful.

Fountain Show

Then there is another wonderful evening event: the illuminated fountain show accompanied by music called Aqua Fantasy. You can see it just outside of the north exit between the bus terminal and the taxi terminal. The schedule differs by the season, but you can see the show 2 to 4 times every day. For example, the first show starts at 6 pm in winter, but it starts at 8 pm in summer because it gets dark at a later time. The duration is 15 minutes per show, and there is no entrance fee.

If you go to the rooftop floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto from 60 meters above the ground. There is a height limit for all buildings in the city center in order to preserve the beautiful townscape and atmosphere of the old capital city. The maximum height is only 31 meters (and even 15 meters in some areas). Kyoto Station and Kyoto Tower are the exceptions. This means there is nothing to prevent a great view from the rooftop.

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Kyoto Station Information

Access: From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen. It takes 2 hours and 15 minutes.
From Shin-Osaka, take the Shinkansen. It takes 15 minutes.

Area Map

History of Nijo Castle

Nijo-jo Castle in Kyoto has witnessed some of the most important events in Japanese history in the 400 years since it was built. The castle was completed in 1603 on the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu. He was the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate (1603-1867). Tokugawa Ieyasu unified Japan after a long period of civil war and started an era of 260 years of peace and prosperity.

The castle was the Kyoto residence of the shogun when he visited the Imperial Capital, which only rarely happened. When the Shogun was staying in the castle, the Nijo Zaiban samurai guards were staying there.

In 1867, the 15th shogun returned the political control to the Emperor. The Meiji Period started, during which Japan developed very rapidly from a feudal society into a modern country. Japan was modeled after countries in the West as we know it today. The Nijo-jo Castle was there for the opening and closing ceremonies of the last period of feudal rule, as well as being the starting point of the creation of the modern Japanese state.

In 1940 the palace was first opened to the public. Today it is one of the most important tourist spots in the city of Kyoto.

Kara-mon Gate

>The Kara-mon Gate stands at the entrance to the Ninomaru-goten Palace. Gate architecture is used to indicate status, with the Kara-mon gate representing the highest status, indicated by the cusp gable to the front and back of the roof, and the use of cypress bark rather than copper or tile for the roofing.

Ninomaru-goten Palace

The Palace consists of six connected buildings arranged in a diagonal line from the southeast to the northwest. The Palace has 33 rooms and over 800 tatami mats and is decorated with paintings by the Kano School (replicas). Subjects include the Matsutaka-zu (pine and hawk), tigers, and leopards, all of which stress the authority of the Shogun, as well as cherry blossoms and other flowers representing the four seasons.

Ninomaru Garden

The Ninomaru Garden was redesigned by Kobori Enshu, the commissioner of works for the 1626 Imperial Visit. It is a classical Shoin-zukuri style garden, with a large Horai-jima island (symbolizing Paradise) flanked by a crane island and a turtle island, both metaphors for longevity.

Base of the Keep Tower

A five-storied keep tower with 6 floors inside used to stand at the south-west corner of the Honmaru. In 1750, the tower was struck by lightning and burned down. It was not rebuilt, but the stone ramparts on which it previously stood still remain and provide expansive views of the Honmaru-goten Palace, Honmaru Gardens, and the city of Kyoto.

The Gardens

There are several gardens at the Nijo-jo Castle where you can enjoy seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms and plum blossoms. In autumn, you can see the beautifully colored maple leaves.

The 400-year-old buildings of the Ninomaru-goten Palace, the Kara-mon Gate, and the Ninomaru Garden are unique survivors of one of the golden ages of Japanese architecture and design, the early Edo period, known for its ornate architecture and magnificent interiors. If you are interested in the history of Japan and especially like the Edo period, it is highly recommended to visit this castle while traveling through Kyoto.

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Nijo Castle Information

Access: From Nijojo-mae (Kyoto Subway) Station or Nijojo-mae Bus Stop

Entrance Fee: Ninomaru Goten & Garden: Adult 1,030 yen, High school student 350 yen, Elementary student 200 yen
Only Garden: Adult 620 yen, free of charge for High school and elementary student

Hours: From 8:45 to 17:00 (last entry 16:00)
July and August: From 8:00 to 18:00 (last entry 17:00)
September: From 8:00 to 17:00 (last entry 16:00)

Nijo Castle Area Map

History of the Temple

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, commissioned the construction of Kinkaku-ji as a retreat for his retirement. After his death, the site was transformed into a Zen temple in accordance with his will.

The building embodies Kitayama culture, a refined lifestyle that blended aristocratic taste with Zen ideals. Over the centuries, Kinkaku-ji endured multiple fires, with the most devastating occurring in 1950 when a novice monk set it ablaze. Thanks to preserved architectural plans, the temple was faithfully reconstructed in 1955 and remains a stunning tribute to its original design.

Temple Highlights & Garden Features

Each floor of the three-story Golden Pavilion showcases a distinct architectural style:

• First Floor (Shinden-zukuri): Modeled after Heian-period palace architecture. This floor features white plaster walls and wooden pillars. Inside are statues of the historical Buddha and Yoshimitsu himself—visible from across the pond.
• Second Floor (Buke-zukuri): Covered entirely in gold leaf, this samurai-style level houses a statue of Kannon Bodhisattva surrounded by the Four Heavenly Kings (not viewable to the public).
• Third Floor (Karayō): Built in Chinese Zen temple style and gilded both inside and out. A golden phoenix perches atop the roof, watching over the grounds.
• Kyōkochi Pond (Mirror Pond): Surrounds the temple, creating breathtaking reflections, especially in autumn and winter. Small islands and pine trees add visual balance and symbolic meaning.

Kinkaku-ji is part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto,” a UNESCO World Heritage designation since 1994.

Last updated: December 2025

History and Religious Significance

Kiyomizu-dera was founded in 778 during the Nara period, making it one of the oldest temples in Kyoto. Its roots are tied to the monk Enchin, who was guided to the site by a vision and discovered the sacred Otowa Waterfall. Soon after, a temple was established and dedicated to Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Mercy.

The temple complex flourished under imperial patronage and has long been revered as a sacred site for Kannon worship. Over the centuries, Kiyomizu-dera endured multiple fires and reconstructions. The present buildings date back to 1633, rebuilt by order of Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun of the Tokugawa dynasty.

One of the temple’s most famous features is its wooden stage, or “Kiyomizu Stage,” which extends out from the main hall, 13 meters above the hillside. The structure is built using traditional Japanese techniques without nails and offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city and surrounding forested slopes.

The temple’s long-standing connection to Kannon reflects the enduring values of mercy, healing, and spiritual salvation. For centuries, pilgrims have come here to pray for personal blessings, health, and romantic success. This deep religious resonance still permeates the temple today.

Temple Highlights – What to See at Kiyomizu-dera

Main Hall (Hondō) and the Wooden Stage

This is the heart of Kiyomizu-dera and home to the temple’s principal deity, the Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva.
The iconic wooden stage, built without nails, juts out over the hillside and offers sweeping views of Kyoto. During cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, the scenery is breathtaking.

Otowa Waterfall

Located just below the main hall, this sacred spring is the source of the temple’s name—“Kiyomizu” means “pure water.”
Visitors can drink from three separate streams said to grant success in love, academic achievement, and long life. But be warned—drinking from all three is considered greedy!

Jishu Shrine

A small shrine behind the main hall, dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking.
Test your romantic fate by walking with eyes closed between two “love stones” placed 18 meters apart. If you reach the other stone unaided, your wish for love may come true.

Okunoin Hall

Just uphill from the main stage, this smaller hall has its own elevated wooden terrace, offering a perfect vantage point to admire the main hall from a distance.
It’s one of the best photo spots in the entire complex.

Zuigu Hall & Tainai Meguri

This hall enshrines Daizuigu Bosatsu, a hidden Buddha associated with childbirth and wishes.
Inside, you can experience the symbolic “womb journey” of Tainai Meguri—a pitch-black corridor representing rebirth and introspection.

Jojuin and the Moon Garden (Limited Opening)

Originally the residence of a head priest, Jojuin is famous for its exquisitely landscaped Moon Garden, designed to reflect the moonlight.
The garden is only open to the public during special viewing periods in spring and autumn.

Last updated: December 2025