Yanagidani Kannon, also known as Yokokuji Temple, is located in Kyoto Prefecture’s city of Nagaokakyo and has been used as a place of prayer for many people with eye disease since the Heian Period. It is believed that praying at the temple will cure eye disease.
The temple is also famous for its hydrangeas. From June 9 to July 1, it will give life to Kyoto’s biggest area where hydrangeas bloom―almost 5,000―for Yanagidani Kannon Hydrangea Week.
Yanagidani Kannon is also home to a bamboo thicket that was the model for The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. During the month-long event, you’ll get to take in the sight of close up 5,000 hydrangeas. Additionally, the event will include a special public viewing of the Joushoin, or upper study, which is normally open only once a month. From there you can see one of the gardens which was selected as an old garden of the pre-war days. Guests can also receive an original hydrangea goshuin which are available for a limited time only. A special portrait painting will also be held themed on great people in history ahead of their time.
1: “Joushoin” Special Viewing ― Garden of Scenic Beauty ― Kanō Tsunenobu Painting
A special viewing of the Joushoin which is normally open just once a month.
Price: ¥800 (Includes viewing of both the Joushoin and Jihouko)
2: Limited Edition Hydrangea Goshuin Stamp
Limited edition goshuin run out every year due to their popularity. The design this time is a hydrangea, available to the first 800 people at ¥500.
3: Yanagaidani Kannon Special Exhibition – “Great People Ahead of Their Time”
This exhibition taking place during Ajisai Week will be a collection of paintings of great figures considered ahead of their time.
Price: ¥800 (Includes viewing of both the Joushoin and Jihouko)
4: Hydrangea Festival
Organised by Nagaokakyo Kanko and Yanagidani Kannon, the Hydrangea Festival will take place on June 24 from 10am-3:30pm. The ‘Hydrangea Concert’ there will see performances by a singing monk, a koto player, a calligrapher and more. There will also be goods to buy as well as a tea ceremony amongst other things. There’ll also be a chance to make your own rosary bracelet.
5: Yanagidani Kannon Jihou Exhibition ― Hosuke Hashimoto
The contents of Yanagidani Kannon Jihou Exhibition change each month.
6: Make Your Own Pressed Flower Coaster & Postcard
Yoko Nakamura, who creates pressed flower goshuin, will teach you how to make your own coaster using seasonal pressed flowers as well as postcards.
Running: June 24, 2018 @ 10am-3pm
Location: Next to main temple building
Price: From ¥100
7: Make Your Own Rosary Bracelet
Taking place on the same day as the Hydrangea Festival, you’ll learn how to make your own bracelet based on the four seasons.
Running: June 24, 2018 @ 10am-2pm
Participants: 15 max.
Location: Okunoin
Price: ¥2,000
8: Learn How to Make Bamboo Chopsticks
Records state that the bamboo of Nagaokakyo was presented to the imperial family during the Nara Period. Its history and tradition continues to be handed down to this day. Take part in a workshop where you’ll carve this same bamboo to make your very own chopsticks. Kids and adults alike will enjoy themselves here!
Participants: 10
Time: 10am-3pm
Location: Sanrin Jimusho
Price: ¥2,000 (*You’ll make 3 pairs)
9: Aroma Hand
Heal your hands, eyes and stiff shoulders with the well-received Aroma Hand and moxibustion from Gokan + Salon.
*Will be used from your fingertips to your elbows.
Time: 10am-3pm
Location: Joushoin
Price: ¥1,000 for 15 minutes
10: Limited-Edition Bread from ‘Coppedo’
Coppedo is a popular shop that has been picked up by magazines and TV. They will sell their ‘Shinryoku Anpan’ which is made using matcha dough containing bamboo shoots and bean jam.
Enjoy a weekend of flowers and fun with family and friends at Yanagidani Kannon Hydrangea Week.
■Information
Yanagidani Kannon Hydrangea Week
Address: 2 Donotani, Jododani, Nagaokakyo, Kyoto Prefecture
Running: June 9, 2018―July 1, 2018
Time: 9am-4:30pm
Entry Price: ¥200
Viewing Price: ¥800 (Includes viewing of both the Joushoin and Jihouko)
Access:
・Shuttle Bus
Running on June 24 only.
One-Way Trip: Adults ¥300 / Children ¥150
Departure: JR Nagaokakyo Station East Exit / Nishiyama Tennozan Station East Exit via Hankyu Kyoto Main Line
・Car
Go to Nagaokakyo Interchange and head straight through the mountain. You will arrive in about 10 minutes. (There’s also a car park for big-sized buses.)
・Train
Accessible via Nagaoka-Tenjin Station on Hankyu Kyoto Main Line, Nishiyama Tennozan Station on Hankyu Kyoto Main Line, and Nagaokakyo Station on JR Line. A shuttle bus runs every month on the 17th from Nishiyama Tennozan Station and Nagaokakyo Station.
There’s also a bus from Yodo Station (Keihan Line) bound for Nishiyama Tennozan Station (about 10 minutes).
Yanagidani Kannon Official Website: http://yanagidani.jp/
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