Ancient Temple Ginkgo Golden Romance

Kyoto's off-the-beaten-path Zen journey🍂, for less than 500 yen you can check in at a stunning Zen temple maple viewing spot. This time, discover a hidden garden favored even by Japanese literary masters—Kennin-ji Temple, where two Zen windows dazzle the entire autumn~

🏯 Window of Enlightenment · Window of Bewilderment
This ancient temple, founded in 1202, houses a breathtaking famous scene: next to the northern garden "Chōon-tei," the round "Window of Enlightenment" and the square "Window of Bewilderment" stand opposite each other. It’s recommended to come right when it opens at 9 AM; when the morning light filters through the ginkgo leaves casting flowing light spots on the tatami mats, sitting under the corridor of the abbot’s study is the best way to experience this Zen feeling (Abbot’s garden admission fee 500 yen/person). From late October to early December during ginkgo season, golden leaves will cover the entire approach in front of the Sanmon gate like scattered gold🌿

📸 Top Photo Spots
1️⃣ Ginkgo path in front of the Chokushi Gate: use a wide-angle lens to shoot upward, capturing golden leaves and the karahafu-style roof eaves in one frame
2️⃣ Tea house "Toyo-bo": kneel on the wooden floor in a kimono, with red maples outside forming a natural picture frame
3️⃣ Dragon painting on the Dharma Hall ceiling: the oldest existing ink dragon painting in Japan; remember to bring coins to light it up so you can see the details clearly

🚶‍♀️ Nearby Walking Route
Kennin-ji Temple → Hanamikoji Street (12 minutes) → Yasaka Shrine (20 minutes) → Kodaiji Temple (25 minutes). This route condenses the three essences of Kyoto: gardens, tea ceremony, and geisha culture. Highly recommend stopping by "Higashiyama Marukyu" next to the temple around 3 PM. This 260-year-old traditional Japanese confectionery shop’s freshly made matcha warabi mochi paired with sencha tea is exquisite (571 Komatsu-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City)

🙏 Practical Tips
• Abbot’s garden opening hours: March–October 9:00–16:30 / November–February 9:00–16:00
• Avoid Wednesdays (Dharma Hall maintenance day)
• The dry landscape garden at "Ryōsoku-in" next to the south gate is a hidden gem
• Bring small change! Each garden requires a separate coin deposit of 100–300 yen for maintenance fees

Post by Nova_Skyfall_42 | Oct 27, 2025