Reikan-ji Temple in Kyoto

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Facts & Figures

Reikan-ji Temple is a nunnery and part of the Nanzen-ji School of the Rinzai Zen sect. The temple grounds of Reikan-ji are only open for 2 weeks in April and 2 weeks in November. The beautiful Japanese landscape garden, the gorgeous screen paintings by Kano Eitoku and Kano Motonobu, numerous treasures related to the Imperial family and a collection of traditional Kyoto dolls (Gosho Ningyo) are the main attractions of this place. Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Kyoto Ryokan.
 Find Your Perfect Ryokan Now > The temple is also famous for the blossoming of camellia trees during spring. Interesting to know that the Nikko Tsubaki (camellia) was designated as the city’s special natural monument.

• Reikan-ji Temple:
• Open - during first 2 weeks of April and last 2 weeks of November
• Opening Hours - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (last entry 3:30 pm)
• Admission Fee - 600 yen (Adults), 300 yen (Junior/High School Students)

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History

Retired Emperor Go-Mizunoo (1596 - 1680) established this temple in 1654 and gave it the name Enjosan Reikan-ji. His daughter princess Johosshin-in-no-miya was the first abbess of this temple. In 1686 princess Fugen-in-no-miya moved the temple to its current place. The gate, entrance and shoin were donated by her father Emperor Go-Sai (1638 - 1685). In 1795 shogun Tokugawa Ienari (1773 - 1841) donated the main hall (Hondo). It became a tradition that princesses and granddaughters of Emperors served as priestesses at Reikan-ji. Until 1890 nuns of Fushimi Palace worked at the temple as Monzeki (priests of aristocratic or imperial lineage).

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Japanese landscape garden - It is a typical garden of the Edo Period (1603 - 1868) with a narrow pond, stone garden, lanterns of Hannyajigata style and sevearal kinds of camellia.

Screen paintings - Enjoy the beautiful paintings of - Seasons flowers and birds - by the artists Kano Motonobu and Kano Eitoku.

Imperial family treasures - Many items were donated by the Imperial family like the kimono of princess Tofukumon-in, 200 traditional Kyoto dolls (Gosho Ningyo), letters written by Emperors (Gonara, Ogimachi, Gomizunoo and Gosai) etc.

Camellia trees - Emperor Go-Mizunoo (1596 - 1680) loved especially the chiri-tsubaki camellia tree at the temple grounds.

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.

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 are 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 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.