Shoren-in Temple, Kyoto

Looking for a hideout from the tourist stampedes? Shoren-in might just be your ticket. With a rich and prestigious history, its former head priests hailed from the imperial family. Originally an imperial residence, this temple still exudes the elegance of palace architecture.

As you enter, you'll be greeted by ancient camphor trees, standing sentinel for over seven centuries. Inside the Kacho-den, admire paintings of lotus flowers and the esteemed 36 Immortal Poets. And don't miss the expansive tatami room, where visitors can unwind while gazing upon the serene pond garden, crafted by the master artist Soami (d.1525). With a moss garden, dry landscape garden, and azalea garden also on offer, this is indeed a paradise for garden lovers.

Traverse the covered corridors reminiscent of Heian palaces, leading to the main hall featuring a rather unusual object of worship: a mandala. Noteworthy too is the Kobun-tei tea house that rose from the ashes after a fire in 1993. Inside, you'll find paintings by Uemura Atsushi, a Kyoto artist known for his depictions of birds and flowers.

Spring and autumn? That's when Shoren-in flips the switch and becomes the Vegas of temples with its dazzling illuminations. With the deity Shijoko Nyorai associated with light, the temple's luminous events evoke a sense of sacred wonder. Indeed, experiencing Shoren-in's ethereal beauty is an opportunity not to be missed.