Kyoto’s Famous Buddhist Temple With Heart Window Holds Wind Chime Festival

27.July.2019 | FEATURES / SPOT

The ancient city of Kyoto enjoys flurries of tourists and sightseers from around the world throughout the year. It is particularly hot during the summertime because it’s located in a valley.

 

Shojuin is a Buddhist Temple located in a summer retreat that was erected nearly 800 years ago. Hidden at the temple is the 11-faced Buddha statue of Kannon Bosatsu which is open to the public only once every 50 years.

 

The temple has a long history, and today it is used as a site for yoga, copying the sutras, and other activities when booked in advance. It’s enjoyed by people of all ages.

 

Today, we are joined by Macchan, an Instagrammer who tours the many sightseeing spots of Kyoto. They have provided photographs of the must-see parts of this ancient temple.

Shojuin is famous for its beautiful heart-shaped window located in the reception hall as well as its 160 pieces of ceiling art. The decorative window has been around for nearly 1,400 years and has survived disasters. It stands as a symbol of happiness.

From outside the heart window visitors can enjoy the different flowers through the four seasons. Right now during summer the view is a green spectacle. At nighttime the outdoor garden is lit up beautifully as shown in the photo.

 

Shojuin is famous for its summer Wind Chime Festival which is currently running until September 18.

2,000 colourful wind chimes gently sway around the temple with the summer breeze. The chimes are there for their sound and appearance and to elicit that sense of refreshing coolness.

Even the wind chimes are illuminated in the evenings. They are lit up on weekends only (except August 1 to 18) from 18:00-20:00.

 

The hypnotic ring of the wind chimes sounds they are calling the wind. If you’re travelling to Kyoto this hot summer, why not plan a trip to Shojuin?

 

Macchan has lots of other photos on their Instagram where you can feel the vibe of Kyoto. Use it as reference when you’re planning your Kyoto sightseeing.

RECOMMENDED ENTRIES

  • 3 Kyoto Tourist Spots to Visit and Cool Down at This Summer

    17.July.2019 | SPOT

    The bustling Kyoto Prefecture is located in the Kansai region of Japan, adored for its historical architecture and richness in traditional Japanese culture for which it brings in tourists every year both Japanese and foreign.

     

    Summertime in Kyoto is renowned for being very hot. We’ve compiled a list of 3 must-visit locations where you can cool down during the summer heat―each of which have beautiful sights―and how to get to them.

     

    Explore the Caverns of Shizushi Limestone Cave Park

    The only limestone caves in Kyoto Prefecture, Shizushi Limestone Cave Park offers an exciting mix of outdoor activities from cave exploration to camping, bird watching and much more. The caves are a designated national monument of Kyoto Prefecture. Many fossils have been collected from the caves that date back to before the Permian period (which ended 252.2 million years ago) including fusulinida and crinoids. The temperature of the caves sits between 12℃-15℃ throughout the year making it a very popular spot for cooling off during times of hot weather.

     

    ▼Shizushi Limestone Cave Park
    Address: Shizushi, Kyotamba, Funai District, Kyoto

    Access: Board a JR bus from Sonobe Station (JR Sagano Line) bound for Enpuku (園福線) and get off at Hinokiyama (桧山). Change onto a Choei (町営) bus. Get off at the Shizushi Limestone Cave entrance (鐘乳洞口) and walk for 5 minutes.

    Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00

    Website: http://www.kyotamba.org/質志鐘乳洞公園/

     

     

    Beach Swings and Sunsets at Yuhigaura

    Yuhigaura sits on the coast of Kyoto’s Tango area and is known for its iconic sunsets. Every year during summertime, giant swings made from driftwood and other materials are placed onto the beaches. Sitting on these during the evening sunset make for an incredibly picturesque scene.

    And this year they’re serving an original drink called the “Magic Hour” for a limited time.

     

    ▼Yuhigaura
    Address, 390 Aminocho Hamazume, Kyotango, Kyoto Prefecture

    Access: Board the Limited Express Hashidate (特急はしだて号) train at Kyoto Station and get off at Yūhigaura-Kitsu-onsen Station (夕日ヶ浦木津温泉)

    Homepage: http://yuukan.com/news/17/?view_oft=0

     

     

    Amanohashidate Sandbar Illuminations

    Last year’s illuminations at the Amanohashidate sandbar brought in over 30,000 people. The sandbar is one of Japan’s three scenic views. The illumination event is held annually with this year’s running from July 13 to September 1. The lights turn the sandbar into a truly magical spectacle.

    A special bar is also open for the light-up where you can get drinks along with several other exciting events surrounding it.

     

    ▼Amanohashidate Light-Up
    Address: Monju, Miyazu, Kyoto

    Running: July 13, 2019 – September 1, 2019
    Event Details:  https://www.facebook.com/amanohashidate.machiakari/

     

     

    Stay cool this summer in Kyoto by hitting up one of these tourist hot spots!

  • Visit the Abandoned Hotel, Tenjō-ji Temple & More at Mount Maya in Kobe

    11.June.2019 | SPOT

    A new category added to the Cool Japan Award―which is run by the Cool Japan Association―is “National Park,” which was claimed by Mount Maya in Kobe in May this year for its nighttime scenery.

     

    Mount Maya is one of the major peaks of the Rokkō Mountains in Nada, Kobe and stands at a towering 702m high. Located close to the main city of Kobe, those who reach its apex will be able to see many different sights such as Kobe, Osaka, the Kii Peninsula, and Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge. Maya is popular not just with tourists and sightseers, but Kobe locals too who visit it with families to eat bento, or those who take their special somebodies to observe the nightscape.

     

    Located on Mount Maya is Tenjō-ji, a temple which the mountain’s name has its origins in. This year marks the run of a special event which is held at the temple once every 33 years. Visitors can also go on a guide walk to an abandoned hotel which is normally off limits to the public.

     

    Let’s take an in-depth look at all the exciting things one can do at Mount Maya.

     

    Tenjō-ji Temple, Mount Maya

    The originator of Mount Maya’s name

    Tenjō-ji can be found wrapped in nature at the peak of Mount Maya in its National Park. Visitors can enjoy all weathers atop the mountain as the seasons change, but if you go on a clear day, you’ll be able to observe as far as Awaji Island, Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, and Shōdoshima. The history of this temple―the only one in Japan to have been built by Maya-bunin―dates back to the year 646 when the high priest of India accepted Emperor Kōtoku’s request to build it. Maya-bunin, the mother of Buddha, is prayed to as a guardian of safe childbirth and child rearing. This is where Mount Maya gets its name.

    The door to three hidden Buddhist statues opened once every 33 years

    Once every 33 years, a door is opened at the palace to reveal three hidden Buddhist idols: the Eleven-Faced Avalokitesvara, Acala, and Vaiśravaṇa. For the duration of its opening this August, Buddhist sermons will be given three times a day (10:30/12:00/14:00), and visitors will be able to obtain an exclusive goshuin stamp.

     

    Running: August 1, 2019 – August 15, 2019

    Time: 10:00-16:00 (Until 17:00 for this event)

     

    Tour guide walk to Mount Maya’s historic ruins

    ~Stroll around and trace the history of Mount Yama~

    As well as the temple, Mount Yama formerly bustled with people looking to dine and as well as stay in the accommodation there. After the war and earthquake disasters, a campaign began to restore life to Mount Maya, one part of which is a tour guide walk to the historic ruins.

    This includes a trip to the former Tenjō-ji temple site as well as the abandoned hotel which is off limits to the general public.

     

    Mount Maya’s Nightscape

    ~An internationally recognised landscape~

    Mount Maya has been awarded the Cool Japan Award 2019 in the new National Park category for its gorgeous evening view from which one can see Kobe’s streets, the port and more.

     

    If you’re planning a trip to Kobe be sure to use this article as reference!

  • New Gift Shop Ginkakudou Opens at Ginkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto

    25.June.2019 | SPOT

    A new gift shop called Ginkakudou has opened after undergoing renovations in the area around Ginkaku-ji Temple in Sakyō, Kyoto.

     

    “The Changing Seasons” is the concept of the newly-opened store which will offer lifestyle items to decorate visiting guests’ lives. The shop’s interior decor takes on a Japanese-modern aesthetic with carefully selected high-quality handmade products from all across Japan chosen to line the shelves.

     

    The store also has its own eating space called Ginkakudou Eatery where they will serve coffee, pastries and fried snacks catered to the current season.

    Ginkakudou’s interior design was conceived by Takuma Inoue, the creative director and an interior designer at y gion. It features grey as its base colour which is plastered with tiles, black mortar, tatami, sheet copper counter tops, oak wood, and various other materials to create a neutral, chic appearance. Its simple design serves to highlight the shop’s products, food and drinks.

     

    Be sure to stop by the new Ginkakudou if you’re paying a visit to Ginkaku-ji Temple.

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  • Final Fantasy Artist Yoshitaka Amano Holds Art Exhibition at Myoshin-ji in Kyoto

    30.November.2022 | FASHION / SPOT

    Yoshitaka Amano, known by international fans as the artist behind the legendary Final Fantasy video game series, is celebrating his 70th birthday with a unique art project from November 23 until December 8 at Myoshin-ji in Kyoto. 

    On the first day of the event, the venue, decorated with autumn leaves, was crowded with visitors including foreign tourists, who marveled at the fantastic space filled harmoniously with gold and blue. The exhibition will be held at Myoshin-ji, the head temple of the associated branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. This collection of works was designed to question visitors’ sensibilities and provide a new kind of art exhibition for fans to enjoy.

     

    After the exhibition, the main art piece by Yoshitaka himself will be converted to 3DCG, and a Virtual Golden World will be developed in collaboration with the Yoshitaka Amano VR Museum. By integrating traditional and modern art methods, guests will be able to engage more deeply in the art by enjoying digital works, the metaverse, and NFTs.

     

    Don’t miss this curious exhibition!

  • Collaboration NFTs Highlight Drafts of Kyoto’s Traditional Painted Silk

    28.November.2022 | FASHION

    The NFT marketplace HINATA will start selling collaborative pieces on November 25, combining classical drafts of Kyoto printed silk images with modern art pieces by up-and-coming creators.

     

    Kyoto Printed Silk Draft x Modern Ukiyo-e Artist Ono Tako

    Draft (Left) and Spring Dreamland – Sunshine by Ono Tako

     

    Ono Tako is a modern-day ukiyo-e artist who creates unique paintings combining Eastern and Western elements.

     

    A beautiful woman stands in front of lush spring scenery in this gorgeous piece.

     

    Although this is clearly an ukiyo-e piece, it has a more modern flare, expressing a more universal standard of beauty while also infusing traditional elements.

     

    A total of six works will be available in two variations: the soft and warm Sun and the calm and tranquil Shade. 



    Ono Tako: https://twitter.com/ono800

     

    Kyoto Printed Silk Draft x Illustrator Omulettomato

    Draft (Left) and Full Moon by Omulettomato

     

    Omulettomato is an illustrator who is rapidly gaining popularity for their feminine portraits.

     

    Three different drafts depicting beautiful Japanese nature have been combined and transformed into a modern lady with moe elements.

     


    A total of eight works will be available in three variations: Daybreak, Sunrise, and Full Moon.


    Omulettomato: http://omutoma.tumblr.com

     

    Enjoy this curious collaboration and own a piece of classical and modern Japanese culture.

  • NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO to be Held at Ninna-ji, a World Heritage Site

    22.November.2022 | FASHION / SPOT

    From December 10 until December 18, 2022, creative company NAKED will hold NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO at Ninna-ji! The event is part of a larger next-generation art project being held around Kyoto until Christmas Day.

     

    This exhibition marks the first metaverse-centered event at Ninna-ji, and guests will be able to enjoy a virtual fashion show in collaboration with Jotaro Saito, a kimono designer from Kyoto. Participants will begin by creating their own avatar by snapping a photo of their face. After that, they will be able to choose a kimono by Saito to use as clothing for their avatar before taking to the runway with other visitors from all around Japan.

     

    NAKED’s goal is to bring traditional Japanese kimono culture into the digital space, and the company believes that this is only the beginning. In the future, NAKED hopes to bring other artists into the metaverse as well.
     

     

    NAKED Distanced Lanterns


    NAKED Tsukubai

    Five-Storied Pagoda Projection Mapping


    DANDELION PROJECT

    Virtual Fashion Show


    Limited Edition Paper Goshuin

    This year’s event also includes the DANDELION PROJECT, popular with art fans around the world. Created by Ryotaro Muramatsu, the art project has appeared in a number of towns and cities around the world, inviting participants to create flowers and send them around the globe digitally as a hope for peace. Visitors can use their smartphones to send dandelion fluff digitally to other participants around the world, sharing a wish for world peace. 

     

    This year, the participatory art piece was installed in the main temple. Why not visit this stunning exhibition in Kyoto this winter? 

  • monopo Collaborates with Kyoto-Based Brand Shokuraku Asano to Share Traditional Japanese Textiles with the World

    21.November.2022 | FASHION

    Global creative agency monopo is teaming up with Shokuraku Asano, a 100-year-old obi maker from Kyoto! The company is working to create a digital experience for interested viewers, sharing each artisan’s personal story. Those who love Japanese culture are welcome to enjoy traditional Japanese crafts in an entirely new way!

     

    Using a one-of-a-kind QR obi, a new storytelling method is showing off the hard work and love that goes into the company’s textiles. A special website and video allow interested viewers to experience the process of making an obi digitally, simply by using their smartphone. Even those unable to visit Japan to see these obi in person can dive into the history of the area’s textiles and become more acquainted with one part of Kyoto’s manufacturing culture. 

    Kyoto was the ancient capital of Japan. The city is known for its history and preservation of Japanese culture, and prior to the pandemic, the city was constantly filled with visitors from around the world anxious to learn more about the country’s traditional culture. When the pandemic hit the world in 2020, it changed the city forever–tourists disappeared and the city became much quieter. Now that Japan has opened its borders, however, tourists are returning in droves.

    While Shokuraku Asano upholds tradition, it also seeks to leave a mark on new generations by embracing new technology. This unique project is worth noting, so get your smartphone out and start learning!

     

    We applaud monopo’s attempt to share this incredible traditional Japanese craftsmanship with people around the world. 

  • Special Jujutsu Kaisen Exhibition Highlights Attractions and Products from Kyoto

    16.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT

    From November 11 until December 8, a series of Kyoto-inspired Jujutsu Kaisen goods will be on sale outside the West Gate at JR Kyoto Station! Along with the merchandise, fans will also be able to snag local foods at the exhibition. 

     

    Collaborative Packaging: Local Products from Kyoto

    *The products shown are under development and may change slightly. 

     

    Purchase Bonus: Limited Edition Kyoto Postcard

    *The postcard’s design will change during the first and second halves of the exhibition.

    *Postcards from the Sendai venue will not be available.

    *Postcards will only be available while supplies last.

     

    Be sure to grab some of these Jujutsu Kaisen products packed with Kyoto charm!

     

    ©芥見下々/集英社・呪術廻戦製作委員会

  • Kyoto National Museum Decorated by NAKED and Kojima Shouten’s Famous Lanterns for Special Event

    14.November.2022 | FASHION / SPOT

    From December 10 until December 25, the Light and Food Ensemble event will be held in the garden of the Kyoto National Museum.

     

    A new projection mapping show featuring enormous flowers will be shown on the wall of the Meiji Kotokan Hall, unchanged since its opening in 1897. The history of Kyoto will take center stage, however–NAKED is only there to make it all the more impressive.

     

    NAKED will also collaborate with Kojima Shouten for the first time, decorating the venue with the local company’s famous lanterns.

     

    At the venue, local shops from Kyoto will be selling sweets to guests. Come enjoy Kyoto in a whole new way during this exclusive winter event!

  • Final Fantasy Artist Yoshitaka Amano Holds Art Exhibition at Myoshin-ji in Kyoto

    10.November.2022 | FASHION

    Yoshitaka Amano, known by international fans as the artist behind the legendary Final Fantasy video game series, is celebrating his 70th birthday with a unique art project in Kyoto. 

     

    The exhibition will be held at Myoshin-ji, the head temple of the associated branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. Stepping into the temple, guests will be met with colorful autumn leaves and a sea of gold and blue art pieces.


    “I want people to enter this world of light and experience being part of it,” Amano said. “Rather than art being something flat on a wall, I want to present something new and unique.” This collection of works was designed to question visitors’ sensibilities and provide a new kind of art exhibition for fans to enjoy.

     

    The main art piece, newly painted by Amano himself, will be on display in the Dharma Hall, which was decorated by one of Kano Tan’yu’s masterpieces. Tan’yu was an Edo-period painter. 

     

    The three meter tall column features Amano’s own interpretation of Hiten, part of Mount Meru, a part of Buddhism cosmology considered to be the centre of all the physical, metaphysical and spiritual universes. Four smaller pieces will be displayed on all four sides to create a three-dimensional mandala. 

  • NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO Night Walk Project Invites Guests to Stroll Through the Tale of Genji

    28.October.2022 | SPOT

    From November 11 until December 4, NAKED will hold the unique NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO event in Uji. The one-of-a-kind art project is being produced through a partnership with Kyoto City, Uji City, and Otsu City in Shiga Prefecture. Several events and art exhibitions will appear in the Kyoto area until December 25, 2022.

     

    The project first began on September 15 at Kyoto City Hall, and it will move to Uji on November 11. NAKED’s unique digital art will bring color to Uji, a place steeped in Japanese history and the heart of Japanese tea culture. The Asagiri Bridge, appearing in The Tale of Genji, will be illuminated, and the Zen temple Kosho-ji will be offering tea ceremonies and a digital teamaking experience for guests to enjoy. NAKED’s popular Distance Lanterns will return, allowing visitors to explore Uji at night while properly socially distancing. 

     

    At Kosho-ji, guests can enjoy the renewed DANDELION PROJECT. Created by Ryotaro Muramatsu, the art project has appeared in a number of towns and cities around the world, inviting participants to create flowers and send them around the globe digitally as a hope for peace. Visitors can use their smartphones to send dandelion fluff with their name on it to the metaverse version of Kosho-ji and beyond, eventually causing a digital flower to bloom. 

     

    Why not come take a quiet walk through the streets of Uji, Kyoto? 

     

     

    Works

     

    Urasenke Tea Ceremony and Digital Teamaking Experience

     

    『DANDELION PROJECT』by RYOTARO MURAMATSU / NAKED

     

    NAKED Distance Lantern®︎

     

    Asagiri Bridge and Kotosaka Interactive Illuminations

     

    NAKED Tsukubai®︎

     

    Chazuna’s New Mobility C⁺walkT Experience

  • Sanrio Characters, Representatives of Japanese Pop Culture, Gather in Kyoto

    09.October.2022 | SPOT

    The 60th Anniversary Sanrio Exhibition: The Beginning of Kawaii will be held at the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art from October 7 until December 11, 2022. Cinnamoroll, the grand prize winner of the 2022 Sanrio Character Awards, visited the event on opening day, and second place winner Pompompurin visited on October 8. 

     

    The exhibition itself traces the long and storied history of Sanrio, as the company celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2020. Guests will be able to learn more about ‘kawaii culture,’ something that has since garnered worldwide attention and become massively popular with audiences around the globe. Fans of specific Sanrio characters will be able to see how each was designed, and rare drawings and products will be on display.


    Visitors will be able to trace how Sanrio developed each character’s personality and style over time, and will surely see how the company placed major importance on communication with audiences. Sanrio’s characters continue to transcend time, popular with people of all ages.

  • Attack on Titan Playing Cards Win Big at the Ani-Monozukuri Awards 2022

    02.October.2022 | ANIME&GAME

    At the 5th annual Kyoto Ani-Monozukuri Awards 2022, a collection of Attack on Titan playing cards made in traditional Japanese style took the Gold Prize in the Craft Design category. In Japanese, monozukuri means ‘to make something by hand.’

     

    The Kyoto Ani-Monozukuri Awards aims to revitalize business between the anime industry and local companies and organizations. It honors outstanding collaborative products, inviting those with a creative streak to try their luck at designing something uniquely anime-inspired. This year’s awards show saw 157 total entries, with one winning the grand prize, seven winning both gold and silver, and six winning bronze.

     

    Charaditional Toys was launched this year, and the company aims to create items for adults who love anime characters. The Gold Award was granted to the company after judges were inspired by the traditional Japanese craftsmanship and high quality shown in the final product. Made by Oishi Tengudo, a company founded in Kyoto in 1800, the cards were made using classic methods. These 48 original playing cards are like nothing fans of Attack on Titan have seen before. 

     

    A second project is scheduled for release in winter 2022, so stay tuned!

     

    ©諫山創・講談社/「進撃の巨人」The Final Season製作委員会

  • Sound! Euphonium Collaboration Cafe Opens at Kyoto’s Hotel Keihan

    27.September.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT

    Fans of the Sound! Euphonium anime will want to visit Hotel Keihan Kyoto Grande from September 23 until November 20, 2022! The second-floor restaurant Octava will be holding a special collaboration cafe with the series in conjunction with the Keihan Electric Railway. The project is part of the collaboration between the series and the local railway that began in August, and fans will be able to order food and drink items inspired by their favorite characters.

     

    Collaboration Menu

    Kumiko’s Omurice

    Reina’s Pasta with Sweet and Spicy Tomato Sauce

    Hazuki’s Matcha Ice Cream & Sapphire’s Macarons

    Mr. Taki’s Spicy Curry Pizza

    Sound! Tuba-kun’s Fruit Cake

     

    Drink Menu

    Kumiko’s Strawberry Milk

    Reina’s Butterfly Pea

    Hazuki’s Blue Soda

    Sapphire’s Orange Juice

    Band President & Vice President’s Matcha au Lait

    Straw Tags

    Bonuses

    Bonus for Dining In-store: Lunch Mat

    Drink Order Bonus: Coaster (5 varieties, 1 secret)

    *Coasters will be given at random.

    Life-size Panels

     

    From omurice and pasta to fruit cake and spicy curry pizza, there is certainly a dish perfect for everyone at the cafe. Guests can also enjoy five different types of drinks, and a coaster will be handed out at random for each order. Those dining at the cafe will enjoy their meal on a special lunch mat, and life-size character panels will be perfect for snapping some photos for social media. Music from the series will be played on-site, so come enjoy while you can!

  • Kyoto’s Itohkyuemon Offering Uji Green Tea Mont Blanc Parfait & Chestnut Sweets Plate for a Limited Time

    08.September.2022 | FOOD / SPOT

    Uji, Kyoto is known for its tasty matcha. Founded in 1832, Itohkyuemon offers up some of the most delicious green tea sweets in Japan. Starting on September 1, several locations are serving up an Uji Green Tea Mont Blanc Parfait and a tasty Chestnut Sweets Plate!

    Uji Green Tea Mont Blanc Parfait and Chestnut Sweets Plate

     

    The Uji Green Tea Mont Blanc Parfait is decorated with a beautiful chestnut skin on top and served with yellow candied chestnuts and baked meringue with a dazzling white color. The inside includes cookie dough, homemade Uji green tea jelly, crunchy agar, two kinds of ice cream, and Uji green tea honey. This autumn-only parfait allows guests to enjoy the taste of Uji green tea while also sampling the delicate flavor of Japanese chestnuts. The Chestnut Sweets Plate offers eight kinds of sweets in one go, including the autumn-only Chestnut Green Tea Roll Cake and Chestnut Green Tea Daifuku, Uji Hojicha Cheesecake, Uji Green Tea & Hojicha Raw Chocolate, Uji Green Tea Mini Parfait, and Uji Green Tea & Chestnut Ice Cream.

    Uji Green Tea Mont Blanc Parfait

    Chestnut Sweets Plate

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