Leaf KYOTO: A quiet place to appreciate the autumn leaves at Unryu-in, a secluded area in the Higashiyama Mountains

Leaf KYOTO Store Locations Enjoy the serenity of autumn foliage at Unryu-in in Higashiyama

2024.5.27

Enjoy the serenity of autumn foliage at Unryu-in in Higashiyama

It was built in 1372 by the Retired Emperor Gokogon as a separate temple of Sennyu-ji Temple, the family temple of the imperial family. After that, it has a history of more than 600 years as a sutra copying temple since Emperor Goenyu made a request, and the main hall "Ryugeden" designated as an important cultural property is also a sutra copying dojo.
During the autumn foliage season, visitors can enjoy the red-dyed appearance of the painting-like "Shikishi no Mado", as well as the "Enlightenment Mado" and "Moi no Mado" rooms. In addition to the garden and hall, don't miss the fierce-looking running Daikokuten in the kitchen.

Contents of this article

1.: Is it actually alive? Mysterious dragon impulse

2.: The main hall is a beautiful copying dojo of Momoyama architecture

3.: Twelve Divine Generals who protect Oyakushi and fight against worldly desires

4.: The reason why the stone lantern is tilted is...

5.: Imagining landscapes from different eras in the garden

6.: Say hello to the mighty Daikoku-san.

7.: "Shikishi no Mado" like a series of paintings

1.Is it actually alive? Mysterious dragon impulse

An imposing dragon greets you at the entrance. In fact, this dragon is said to change the length of its face if you compare its face from left to right while looking at its nose area. Let's walk from right to left and left to right to check it out so as not to touch the opposite side of the scale.

2.The main hall is a beautiful copying dojo of Momoyama architecture

Ryukaden is a collection of the best of Momoyama architecture, including the persimmon (kokera) thatched roof. Emperor Gomizunoo gifted over 100 sutra copying tools, and the history of the revival is still passed down to this day.

3.Twelve Divine Generals who protect Oyakushi and fight against worldly desires

The main deity, Yakushi Nyorai, is located in the inner sanctuary of the main hall. He removes various illnesses and brings peace of mind and body.

On either side of the Yakushi are Nikko Bosatsu (Sunlight Bodhisattva) on the day shift and Gakko Bosatsu (Moonlight Bodhisattva) on the night shift. The Twelve Divine Generals on the halo also attract attention.

General Mekira with a dragon on his head. Look carefully to find the dragon.

4.The reason why the stone lantern is tilted is...

A stone lantern donated by Yoshinori Tokugawa, erected on the sand crest of the chrysanthemum crest in front of Reimyo-den. It is said that it is slightly tilted to bow to Reimeiden, where the tablets of successive emperors are enshrined.

5.Imagining landscapes from different eras in the garden

In the large flower room where there is a stone named "Meditation Stone", "If you can put your feet on the stone and meditate." Look for the foundation stone of the Great Buddha Hall of Hokoji Temple in the garden you can see from there.

6.Say hello to the mighty Daikoku-san.

Daikokuten, a very unusual running figure, was made in the Kamakura period (1185-1333). The chest is decorated with a peony design in kirikinzaku (faceted goldsmith's work). It is said that he runs to bring good luck, so be sure to pay a visit. There is also a 100 yen fortune with a small Daikoku charm, so check it out.

7."Shikishi no Mado" like a series of paintings

Shikishi no Mado is a place where you can appreciate the lotus flowers. When you sit in the designated area, the four Yukimi shoji screens cut out scenes of camellias, lanterns, maple trees, and pine trees, just like a series of paintings.

Autumn leaves season information

Best time to see/usually mid-November to late November

不動三尊像特別公開
拝観期間／2025年11月15日（土）～11月30日（日）
Visiting hours: 9:00-17:00 (Reception closes at 16:30)
Admission fee/400 yen
light up
期間／11月20日（木）～11月24日（月・祝）
時間／日の入り～21：00（受付終了 20：30）
Fee／400 yen
※昼夜入れ替えなし

Unryu-in Temple

Unryuin
36 Sannaicho, Sennyuji, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
15-minute walk from Sennyuji-michi bus stop
Tel.075-541-3916
No viewing or sutra chanting on Wednesdays (except November)
5 parking lots (use the Sennyuji parking lot)
https://www.unryuin.jp/
[Normal visit]
Visiting hours: 9:00-17:00 (Reception closes at 16:30)
Admission fee/400 yen

PHOTO/Taka Natsumi, TEXT/Riho Tachihara

The information is subject to change. Please contact each store or facility directly for the latest information.
All prices include tax.
※内容の誤りや閉店情報などお気づきの点がございましたら、info@leafkyoto.co.jp までお知らせください。
*Since this site uses automatic translation, the translation may differ from the original Japanese content.

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