Entokuin Temple in Kyoto

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Facts & Figures

Entokuin Temple in Kyoto is a sub-temple of Kodai-ji. People come here to admire the beautiful North Garden, which got the status of a Designated Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government. The beautiful Zen garden was restored by the famous garden designer Kobori Ensyu (1579 - 1647). It contains rocks and stones, which were brought here from all over the country. The Kesho-goten building contains sliding doors (fusuma) with paintings by artist Hasegawa Tohaku (1539 - 1610). He was the greatest living master of his time. The enshrined three-sided Daikokuten Buddha statue is called - Nenjibutsu. It was created to remember Toyotomi Hideyoshi. My tip: Come here during the cherry blossom and autumn season when the garden is illuminated at night. Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Kyoto Ryokan.
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• Entokuin Temple:
• Opening Hours (Mon-Sun): - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (last entry at 4:30 pm), during summer illumination till 9:30 pm
• Admission Fee - 500 yen (Adults), 200 yen (Students), free (Children)

• 3 places combi ticket (Kodai-ji Temple, Kodai-ji Sho Museum and Entokuin Temple):
• Admission Fee - 900 yen (Adults)

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History

Entokuin Temple was built by Nene (1549 - 1624), also known as Kitanomandokoro, in 1605. She was the wife of daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537 - 1598). This temple was built to honour the death of her late husband. Nene lived here for the last 19 years of her life. During this time she was visited by politicians, tea masters, monks, popular artists, military leaders and other highly decorated figures.

Sightseeing spots at the temple grounds

Top:

North Garden - The beautiful Zen garden dates back to the Momoyama period (1573–1603). This garden was brought from the Fushimi Castle, where Nene lived before.

South Garden - It is a Japanese dry landscape garden with lines drawn in the sand, which are representing the sea.

Kesho-goten - The house where Nene lived. You can find there many exhibitions.

Nagayamon - The architectural style of the main gate is related to a samurai house.

Sansuizu-husuma - This sliding door painting by the famous Hasegawa Tohaku shows the landscape of his hometown.

Hakuryu (white Dragon) - The white dragon on the sliding door is a painting by the famous Hasegawa Tohaku and stands for daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the cormorants for his subordinates.

Festival & Events in Kyoto (dates can change without notice)

April

Miyako Odori (1st - 31th)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).

May

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from Imperial Palace through Shimogamo Shrine to the Kamigamo Shrine. More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri to the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which last around 2 hours.