Introducing the charm of Horinji Temple, where you can look down on Togetsukyo Bridge. Perfect for sightseeing in the nice summer or autumn weather!

Hello, this is The GrandWest Arashiyama.

The rainy season is over and summer has arrived, and Kyoto is experiencing a scorching heat wave with temperatures approaching 40°C every day.

However, compared to the Shijo Kawaramachi area in Kyoto's downtown area,

the temperature in Arashiyama seems slightly cooler.

The population density is lower than in the downtown area,

there are lush trees growing in the mountains,

and there's a river running through it, so perhaps that's why?

The other day, I visited Horin-ji Temple, a beloved temple among locals located in the mountains of Arashiyama!

Located a 5-minute walk from our hotel, Horin-ji Temple was built in 713.

Togetsukyo Bridge, a famous tourist spot in Arashiyama, was originally called Horin-ji Bridge.

Horin-ji Temple is home to the Buddha of Wisdom.

Many people visit Horin-ji Temple for the "Jusan Mairi" (Jusan Mairi) ceremony when they turn 13, a custom that is popular in the Kansai region.

It is also beloved by locals.

Follow the sign that reads "Horin-ji Temple" and you'll come across a towering, magnificent gate.

Stairs continue at the back,

surrounded by lush, green maple trees, befitting summer.

The autumn foliage is beautiful, but the green maples in summer are also refreshingly cool.

Climbing the stairs, you'll pass through an arch of maple leaves and find the main hall in an open space.

Horin-ji Temple enshrines Kokuzo Bosatsu,

and is apparently the head temple of Kyoto!

Other temples include Denden Shrine, the birthplace of electric radio waves and a popular destination for worshippers from Japan's most famous electric radio-related companies,

and a temple where you can receive needle memorial services, which are rare in Japan.

But from Horin-ji Temple,

there's actually a great spot with a great view overlooking Arashiyama's tourist attractions.

It's located just to the right of the main hall.

It was a very spacious and open space!

You could also see the Gozan no Okuribi, a summer tradition, from here,

and looking down you could see tourist spots like Togetsukyo Bridge and Hashimuki Bridge.

Above all, it's an experience you can't get in the city.

The open space, surrounded by nature, at Arashi-ya

was very pleasant.

It was hot in the summer, but I spent a while here, staring blankly at the scenery.

I highly recommend sightseeing on a nice day!

This time, I visited Horin-ji Temple during the lush summer,

but with the autumn leaves, I'm sure it will be beautiful in the fall as well.

By the way, the autumn leaves in Kyoto begin to change color around November.

The autumn leaves in Arashiyama arrive about a week later than those in Kyoto City.

If you're visiting Arashiyama, why not stop by Horin-ji Temple?

■Horin-ji Temple

Open: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

No Closed Days

Kokuzosan-cho, Arashiyama, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

(Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/aHGVvezm8vhwwPfq8)