Located in the scenic area of Arashiyama, Hogon-in Temple has a history of over 500 years as a sub-temple of Tenryu-ji Temple, but is a mysterious presence that only appears during special opening periods in the spring and autumn.
The strolling garden, known as the “Shishiku Garden,” incorporates the natural beauty of Arashiyama as a backdrop, inviting visitors into a world of meditation that transcends time and space.
The moss-covered Lion Rock, vibrant autumn foliage, and refreshing green maples – this garden, which shows different faces through the seasons, is truly the epitome of the beauty that Kyoto has nurtured.
In this article, we will explain in detail about Hogon-in Temple.
What kind of place is Hogon-in Temple?
Hogon-in is a sub-temple of the Tenryu-ji school of the Rinzai sect, located in Arashiyama, Kyoto.
It was founded in 1461 and has since been relocated several times before being rebuilt in its current location in 2002.
What’s unique about it is that it is usually closed to the public and can only be visited during special opening periods in spring and autumn.
The highlight is the stroll-style garden known as “Shishiku Garden,” which skillfully incorporates the scenery of Arashiyama.
Within the garden is a lion-shaped rock called “Shishiiwa,” and the rock formations are arranged to symbolize the teachings of Zen.
In the main hall, artist Noriko Tamura’s sliding door painting “Fuuka Sansan San Jizai” is on display, and the beauty of the moss and autumn leaves also captivates visitors.
Especially during the autumn foliage season, the area is lit up, creating a fantastical view.
History of Hogon-in Temple
Hogon-in Temple is a temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto with over 500 years of history.
Since its founding, it has undergone many changes to arrive at its current form, and its history overlaps with the rise and fall of Kyoto.
The history of Japanese temples, having overcome numerous hardships such as burning down during the Onin War and being destroyed by war at the end of the Edo period, and then repeatedly rebuilt, is symbolic of the strong vitality that Japanese temples possess.
Now, let me introduce the history of Hogon-in Temple, divided into three periods.
Founding in the Muromachi Period and Early Trials
The founding of Hogon-in Temple dates back to 1461 (the second year of the Kansho era) during the Muromachi period.
It was founded by Zen Master Seichu Eiko, a Dharma grandson of Tenryu-ji Temple’s founder Muso Soseki, and is said to have been financially supported by Hosokawa Yoriyuki, the shogunate’s regent .
However, since Hosokawa Yoriyuki died 69 years before the temple’s founding, it is possible that his descendants and associates were involved in its construction based on his will and legacy.
When Hogon-in Temple was first built, it was not located in its current location in Arashiyama, but in Zenshoin-cho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City.
However, just six years after its construction, in 1467, it was burned down in the fires of the Onin War.
During this period, many temples and cultural assets were lost, and Hogon-in was no exception.
Revival and development in the Momoyama and Edo periods
Approximately 100 years after it was burned down during the Onin War, Hogon-in was rebuilt during the Tensho era (1573-1591) of the Azuchi-Momoyama period.
It is said that during this period the temple received assistance from Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who donated land equivalent to 32 koku of rice harvest as temple land.
The reconstruction of the temple required the patronage of those in power at the time.
During the Edo period, Hogon-in Temple received support from the Tokugawa shogunate and achieved stable development.
It is believed that the garden that would become the Shishiku Garden was also developed during this period.
The “Illustrated Guide to Famous Places in the Capital”, published in the late Edo period, features the gardens of Myochi-in, which was located where Hogon-in is now, showing that it was highly regarded as a fine garden even back then.
Hogon-in Temple overcame this period of change and became an established part of Kyoto’s cultural landscape.
Relocation after the Meiji period and modern revival
Entering the Meiji period, Hogon-in Temple underwent further changes.
There are records that the temple grounds were purchased for river construction work, and in 1972, the temple was moved to the grounds of Kogenji Temple, another sub-temple of Tenryu-ji Temple.
A major turning point came when we moved to our current location in January 2002.
The new location was the former site of Myochi-in, a sub-temple of Tenryu-ji Temple, and as a result, Hogon-in inherited the historical significance of the former site and its famous gardens.
The “Lion’s Roar Garden,” which characterizes the current Hogon-in Temple, is based on the garden created by Zen Master Sakehiko Shuryo for Myochi-in Temple during the Muromachi period, and was renovated by the Donkan school in the Meiji period.It can be said to be a garden with a multi-layered history that has been revived in modern times.
Highlights of Hogon-in Temple
Hogon-in Temple, which is only open to the public during special periods in spring and autumn, has many attractions that captivate visitors.
The space is a perfect blend of old and new, with a garden that blends in with the natural beauty of Arashiyama, stones that speak in silence, and sliding door paintings painted with a modern sensibility.
Its beauty changes with the seasons, and no matter how many times you visit there is always something new to discover.
Now, let us introduce three main highlights of Hogon-in Temple.
Shishiku Garden
The greatest attraction of Hogon-in Temple is the Shishiku Garden, a stroll-style garden with borrowed scenery spanning approximately 12,000 square meters.
“Lion’s roar” means “the Buddha preaching,” and by strolling through the garden and listening to the sounds of nature, you can come into contact with this silent sermon.
This garden, which cleverly incorporates the scenery of Arashiyama, is said to have been created by Zen master Sakehiko Shuryo during the Muromachi period.
Within the park there is a distinctive huge rock formation known as “Lion Rock,” which got its name from the fact that when viewed from a certain angle it looks like a roaring lion.
Other stone formations that symbolize Zen teachings, such as the “Sea of Suffering,” “Sanzon Stone,” and “Boat Stone,” are arranged here to express the Buddhist worldview.
The harmony of colors between the moss and trees is particularly stunning during the seasons of green maples in spring and red leaves in autumn.
Paintings on the sliding doors of the main hall by artist Noriko Tamura
One thing you must see during the special opening is the sliding door painting in the main hall, “Fuga San San San San Jizai,” created by contemporary Japanese painter Tamura Noriko.
Completed in 2008, this large-scale work spanning 58 panels is based on a vivid vermilion color, which is unusual for a traditional temple sliding door painting.
The painting depicts 33 people of various forms who have appeared in this world as incarnations of the Bodhisattva Kannon, powerfully expressing the Buddhist worldview.
What is noteworthy is that Tamura is the first female painter to have created the main sliding screen paintings for a temple’s main hall, making this a groundbreaking work in contemporary Japanese religious art.
To view the paintings on the sliding doors, you will need to pay a donation to visit the main hall in addition to the garden admission fee, but you will be able to have a rare experience of the fusion of modern art and traditional space.
Autumn leaves and green maples reflect the changing seasons
The charm of Hogon-in Temple changes greatly depending on the season.
During the special opening in spring (mid-March to late June), the garden is vibrantly colored with fresh green leaves known as “Ao-momiji.”
The term “green maple leaves” is said to have spread from Hogon-in Temple, and has become a seasonal feature of early summer in Kyoto.
Meanwhile, during the special autumn opening (early October to early December), the approximately 3,000 maple trees turn red and yellow, engulfing Shishiku Garden in fiery colors.
In particular, special night-time viewing is held from mid-November to early December, when the illuminated autumn leaves create a fantastical atmosphere.
In this way, Hogon-in Temple has both the refreshing green of spring and the passionate red of autumn, allowing you to enjoy completely different garden beauty depending on the time of year you visit.
What is the best season to visit Hogon-in Temple?
Hogon-in Temple can only be visited during special opening periods in spring and autumn.
The best time to visit in spring is from mid-March to late June, when the fresh green leaves known as “Ao-momiji” (green maples) adorn the beautiful gardens.
This time of year is less crowded than the autumn foliage season, so you can enjoy the beauty of the gardens in a relaxed atmosphere.
The best time to visit in autumn is from early October to early December, when the sight of approximately 3,000 maple trees turning red and yellow is breathtaking.
The best time to see them is from mid-November to early December, and they are also lit up at night.
However, it gets very crowded during the peak of autumn foliage viewing, so it’s best to choose a weekday, right after opening, or late evening.
In either season, Shishiku Garden displays completely different charms.
Access to Hogon-in Temple
Hogon-in Temple is located within the grounds of Tenryu-ji Temple in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto and can be accessed by a variety of means of transportation.
The location is relatively easy to access from Kyoto Station, the center of tourism in Kyoto, as well as other tourist attractions such as Kinkakuji Temple.
We will introduce how to get there from each departure point.
Access from Kyoto Station
There are two main ways to get to Hogon-in Temple from Kyoto Station: by bus or by train.
If you are taking the bus, take Kyoto City Bus number 28 from Kyoto Station Bus Terminal and get off at Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae Station.
It’s about a 5-minute walk from there.
Alternatively, you can take Kyoto Bus number 72 or 73, get off at Keifuku Arashiyama Station, and walk for 5 minutes.
If you travel by train, take the JR Sagano Line (Sanin Main Line) and get off at Saga-Arashiyama Station. From there it is about a 10-15 minute walk.
It gets particularly crowded during the autumn foliage season, so we recommend that you visit with plenty of time to spare.
Access from Kinkakuji Temple
It is convenient to take a city bus from Kinkakuji Temple to Hogon-in Temple.
Take city bus number 59 from Kinkakuji Temple and get off at “Randen Kitano Hakubaicho” stop.
From there, transfer to the Arashiyama Dentetsu (Keifuku Electric Railway) Kitano Line and head to Arashiyama Station. From the station, it is about a 5-minute walk to Hogon-in Temple.
Alternatively, take city bus number 59 from Kinkakuji Temple to Shijo-Omiya, then transfer to the Hankyu Arashiyama Line and get off at Arashiyama Station, from where it is about a 10-minute walk.
If you take a taxi, it will take about 20 minutes from Kinkaku-ji to Hogon-in, but this may vary depending on traffic conditions.
Public transportation can be crowded during peak tourist seasons, so we recommend you plan your trip with plenty of time.
Hogon-in Temple admission fees and hours
The table below summarizes basic information about Hogon-in Temple.
| 項目 | content |
|---|---|
| location | 36, Munobabacho, Sagatenryuji, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City |
| Visiting hours | 9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:45) *Admission for paintings on the sliding doors of the main hall may end at 16:30 *Autumn night special viewing: 17:30-20:30 (last admission 20:00) |
| Admission fee | ■ Garden: 700 yen for adults, 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students ■ Special opening of the main hall: additional 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students ■ Discounted combined ticket for Hogon-in and Kogen-ji: 1,000 yen ■ Autumn special night viewing: 1,000 yen for adults, 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students |
| parking | None (use the nearest Tenryu-ji parking lot) |
| Nearest bus stop | ・City bus number 28, etc.: Get off at “Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae” and walk for about 5 minutes ・Kyoto bus number 72, 73, etc.: Get off at “Keifuku Arashiyama-ekimae” and walk for about 5 minutes |
| Nearest station | ・JR Sagano Line “Saga-Arashiyama Station” Approx. 15-minute walk ・Keifuku Electric Railroad Arashiyama Line “Arashiyama Station” Approx. 3-minute walk ・Hankyu Arashiyama Line “Arashiyama Station” Approx. 10-minute walk |
| Important Notes | ・Open to the public only during special opening periods in spring (mid-March to late June) and autumn (early October to early December) ・The paintings on the sliding doors of the main hall may not be viewable due to memorial services, etc. ・In autumn, there is a daytime and evening rotation system (consecutive viewing is not possible) ・The admission fee and opening period may be subject to change, so please check the official website |
Recommended spots around Hogon-in Temple
The area around Hogon-in Temple is dotted with historic and stately temples.
If you are strolling around Arashiyama, be sure to stop by.
Tenryu-ji Temple
It is the parent temple of Hogon-in Temple and the head temple of the neighboring Rinzai sect.
It was founded by Ashikaga Takauji to commemorate the soul of Emperor Godaigo, and was founded by Muso Soseki.
It is registered as one of the World Heritage Sites “Cultural Monuments of Ancient Kyoto,” and the Sogenchi Garden, designed by Muso Soseki, is particularly magnificent, with views of Arashiyama and Kameyama. It is a national historic site and special scenic spot that displays its beauty in all four seasons.
Don’t miss the impressive painting of a dragon and clouds on the ceiling of the lecture hall.
Kogenji Temple
Like Hogon-in, it is a sub-temple of Tenryu-ji Temple and is adjacent to it.
Like Hogon-in Temple, it is often open to the public for special periods in the spring and autumn, and discounted joint admission tickets are available.
Highlights include the dry landscape garden “Kosho Garden,” which uses the Arashiyama mountain scenery as a backdrop, Japanese paintings by the master of modern Japanese painting, Takeuchi Seiho, and his school (including Uemura Shōen), and a sword mark on a pillar that is said to have been made by a Choshu samurai during the Kinmon Incident at the end of the Edo period.
The standing statue of Bishamonten, designated as an Important Cultural Property, is sometimes open to the public.
Qingliang Temple
It is an ancient Jodo sect temple widely known as “Saga Shakado.”
It is said that its predecessor was Seika-ji Temple, which was built on the site of the mountain villa of the Minister of the Left, Minamoto no Tooru, who is said to be the model for Hikaru Genji, the protagonist of “The Tale of Genji.”
The principal image of the temple, a standing Shaka Nyorai statue (a national treasure), is revered as a living Shaka statue that was brought to Japan via India and China and is also famous for having a silk model of the Buddha’s internal organs placed inside its womb.
The vast grounds are dotted with the main hall, pagoda, and Amida hall, all of which were rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyori.
FAQs about Hogon-in Temple
summary
Hogon-in is a sub-temple of Tenryu-ji Temple located in Arashiyama, Kyoto.
It is usually closed to the public, but during special opening periods in spring and autumn, the magnificent stroll-style garden “Shishiku Garden” is open to the public, with the Arashiyama scenery as a backdrop.
The garden is known for its moss, boulders and seasonal beauty, especially the fresh greenery of spring and the colorful foliage of autumn.
The modern sliding door paintings in the main hall are also a highlight.
Another attraction of Hogon-in Temple is the rarity of it being open to the public for a limited period only.
If you visit Kyoto, be sure to stop by.
