Inside Kyoto's Higashi Hongan-ji temple, the changing seasons are heralded by flowers blooming in a garden of classical Japanese elegance.

Within 10 minutes walk from Kyoto Station lies the Higashi Hongan-ji temple, a Shingon Otani Buddhist temple showcasing this gorgeous garden. Although it was donated in 1641 by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third Shogun, the garden was destroyed in 1858 and 1864 by the great Edo period fires.
The current building was rebuilt gradually over the Meiji period.

The garden, the beauty of which transforms gradually across the seasons, is called “The Thirteen Views”. In particular, in the spring there are cherry blossoms and plum blossoms; in the summer, the iris and the water lily; and the autumn boasts leaves of brilliant, vibrant colors. It is truly an opportunity to experience Japan’s, and of course Kyoto’s, incredible natural beauty.