Gesshin-in Temple in Kyoto

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Facts & Figures

Gesshin-in is a Buddhist temple within the Higashiyama area in Kyoto. It is a sub-temple of the nearby Kodai-ji temple and belongs to a branch of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism. The main gate is facing Nene-no-michi, a beautiful cobblestone street. You can enter the building known as Hojo (the abbot's chamber), but only if you make a reservation beforehand. Two activities can be booked there, which are tea ceremonies or zazen meditation sessions led by the temple's priest for up to 40 people. The garden of Gesshin-in offers amazing views of the Yasaka Pagoda.

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• Gesshin-in Temple:
• Open - only accessible with a reservation
• Admission Fee - depends on the group size

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History

Gesshin-in Temple dates back to 1617. Kyurin Gensho, a Zen monk, ordered the building of this temple. Luckily the temple survived all the big fires and disasters in Kyoto and you can admire the building in its original beauty. From June to November 1867 Gesshin-in was the headquarters of a new imperialist group called Guardians of the Imperial Tomb (of Emperor Komei). The leader of this group was Kashitaro Ito (1835 - 1867), a military adviser and Japanese warrior. Before he formed his own group he was part of the Shinsengumi police forces. These samurai followed the orders of the Tokugawa shogun. Kashitaro Ito and his comrades became immediate enemies of Shinsengumi. On the 18th of November in 1867 the rebellion ended with the assassination of all the members of the Guardians of the Imperial Tomb by members of Shinsengumi.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Gesshin-in Garden - Do not miss the beautiful over 600-year-old camellia tree (Yuraku Tsubaki), which got the status of a specially preserved tree by the Kyoto city council, and the amazing view of the Yasaka Pagoda. The lawn garden includes also a nice pond.

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 the Imperial Palace through the 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 as the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

June

Aoba Matsuri (Green Leaf Festival) at Chishaku-in (15th)
The festival is an ancient ritual of followers of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, which is called Yamabushi. They participate in a series of ceremonies like celebrating the birth of founder Kobo-Daishi (744 - 835).

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month of 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 lasts around 2 hours.

December

New Year's Bell-Ringing Ceremony at Hokoji (31st)
Come here on New Year's Eve and listen to the sound of this gigantic bell.