Mausoleum of Emperor Hanazono in Kyoto

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Facts & Figures

The Mausoleum of Emperor Hanazono also known as Jurakuin no ue no misasagi can be found within the beautiful Higashiyama district in Kyoto. Once you walk through the entrance gate just follow the uphill path, which leads you to the mausoleum. It is impressive that this place has already a history of nearly 700 years.

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• Mausoleum of Emperor Hanazono:
• Opening Hours - 24/7
• Closed - never
• Admission Fee - free

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History

Emperor Hanazono was born in 1297 and died in 1348. His reign lasted for 10 years from 1308 - 1318. He was the 95th emperor of the country. In 1335 Hanazono made the decision to become a Buddhist monk and his residence was transformed into the Myoshin-ji Temple in Kyoto. The temple served as the headquarters for the Myoshin-ji school of the Rinzai sect and it consisted of over 40 sub-temples and gardens. Emperor Hanazono was a master in creating Japanese poems (waka) and a high ranked member of the Kyogoku School. The poetic school of the Kyogoku family had its heydays from the middle of the Kamakura period (1185 – 1333) until the beginning of the Muromachi period (1336 - 1573). A glimpse of Hanazonos poetic work can be found in his diary called Hanazono-in-Minki.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Bamboo forest - On the way to the tomb you will see a beautiful bamboo forest.

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

March

Higashiyama Hanatouro Festival (Early - Mid March)
The illumination of local temples and roads by thousands of lanterns in the Higashiyama neighbourhood last for 10 days and starts at 6pm until 9:30pm. It is an unforgettable experience.

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.