Rinsho-in Temple in Kyoto

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Facts & Figures

Rinsho-in Temple in Kyoto is a sub-temple of Myoshinji. Only on special occasions the temple grounds are open for the public. If you are the lucky one you can enjoy a beautiful moss garden, the paintings of dragon and cloud (Unryu-zu) of artist Yusetsu Kaiho (1598-1677), a mausoleum for Kasugano-tsubone (foster mother of Iemitsu), unique ink drawings and many more historical items. Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Kyoto Ryokan.
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• Rinsho-in Temple:
• Open: only open for special exhibitions

• Myoshin-ji Temple Grounds:
• Open: the whole year, 24hrs
• Admission Fee - free, but some subtemples will charge a fee

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History

The original temple is dating back to 1643. Shogun (daimyo) Iemitsu (1604 - 1651) gave the order for the construction. Iemitsu was the eldest son of Tokugawa Hidetada (1581 - 1632), the second shogun of the Tokugawa clan and the grandson of Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543 - 1616), the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. The mausoleum, main temple building and guardian deity were moved to their present location in 1897.

Sightseeing spots at the temple grounds

Top:

mausoleum - The famous tea master, garden designer and poet Kobori Enshu (1579 - 1647) redesigned this building. Before it was a balcony building on a pond located on the grounds of Nijo Castle. It enshrines the wooden statue of Kasugano-tsubone. She was the foster mother of daimyo Iemitsu.

ink drawings - Within the abbots chamber you can find paintings of landscape, dragon, Lake Saiko and eight beautiful scenes of Shosho.

more historical items - These items like a dagger, letters, painting made by Kano Tanyu (1602 - 1674), shogunate trade license and much more dating back to the founding of the temple.

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.