The autumn leaves in Konkai Komyoji temple
Overview
Konkai Komyoji is not a popular destination for tourist except so-called “Kyoto enthusiast.” In addition to it, most people pay scarce attention to the autumn leaves there though they, especially when illuminated, are most amazing ones in Kyoto.
Sanmo gate 山門
This is the main gate of Konkai Komyoji temple. In Autumn, we have special permission to enter it though it is not open to public usually.
Inside of it, there are many statues of Buddhist Deities and apprentice.(釈迦三尊像と十六羅漢像)
Under the roof of the second floor, there is a board Kanji are written. Theses Kanji are written by emperor Gokomatsu in 13, or 14th century. It reads ” 浄土真宗最初門.” It means “The gate of the first temple of Jyodo school.”
At the veranda, we have a good view of Kyoto city.(Sorry, it was not allowed to take picture there.)
Around the gate, there are many vivid red leaves. They never fail our expectation every year.
The perfect time to admire the gate is twilight. In this moment, the vermilion in the sky is stunning warmth against the cold blue of the sky and the city in the darkness.
In this photo, the gate is illuminated. The last year, illumination didn’t take place in Konkai komyoji. This year, we have no idea it is held or not.
Shiun no niwa 紫雲の庭
Overview
Konkai Komyoji has a garden called Shiun no niwa. It consists of a dry garden and stroll garden. The word Shiuun (紫雲) means purple cloud. We will discuss the reason why it was named.
Mizukagami 水鏡
Stroll garden has at least one pond to stroll around. Konkai Komyoji has one pond. Around it, we can find maple leaves turned into so stunning red.
In addition to it, the pond has extraordinary “Mizukagami.” Mizukagami is an art to admire scenery Japanese people love: to enjoy reflection of something, on pond or reservoir, you want to admire.
Konkai komyoji offers us the best Mizukagami in Kyoto.
DO NOT MISS IT～
Crystal clear colors
In Konkai Komyoji, the leaves turn into pink, yellow, and vermilion. They are fragile as though breeze would let them fall down.
Illumination in Konkai Komyoji temple
Overview
Officially announced! We have illumination in 2019!
Dates: 4th November~8th December
Hours 17：30～21：00（Be there by 20：30）
Entrance fee: Adult 800yen
If you understand Japanese, click here(Konkai Komyoji official site ) to reserve special visit.
Sanmon gate 山門
Sanmon gate is dimly illuminated. Its solemn architecture and the warm red in leaves stand against cold darkness. Beyond description. One of my favorite place in Kyoto.
Shiun no niwa 紫雲の庭
The garden is also illuminated in dim. The light is warmer than Sanmon.
Some leaves don’t change their colors. Shiun no niwa is a cozy garden but we can enjoy lots of colors.
Perfect! The mizukagami in night is also amazing. At night, Toji temple and Konkai Komyoji provide us with the first-class mizukagami. Illumination of Konkai Komyoji is so dim that mizukagami is so quiet. On the other hand, that of Toji is so alive that mizukagami glitters gold.
Hope it take place!
How to get to Konkai komyoji temple
Kyoto city bus
Bus no.32、93、100、203、204
Get off at Okazakimichi bus stop (The red bus annotation), or Okazaki Jinja bae bus stop (The blue bus annotation)
Attention!
The route from Okazaki Jinja mae bus stop, we walk throug a grave yard.
The best time to visit Konkai Komyoji temple
The most recommended day is around 10th November. The autumn leaves go into full bloom a couple of days earlier than that of other places like Eikando temple or Tenjyuan temple though they are located very close each other.
The recommended autumn leaves site near Konkao Komyoji temple
Shinoyo is the most recommended. It is located near Konkai Komyoji and also underrated place.
Near Konkai Komyoji, there are Eikando, the most popular autumn leaves site in Kyoto.
Tenjuan temple and Nanzenji temple is also located near Konkai Komyoji.
詳細は以下のリンクからご覧ください。
A short history of Konkai komyoji temple
In 1175, Honen, the founder of Jodo school Buddhism, sit on a rock. All of a sudden, purple clouds came out of it and covered the sky and a beam lighted the ground. He made a small hut there. This is the beginning of Konkai Komyoji temple. The garden of Konkai komyouji is named after this story. In the 13th century, emperor Gokogon gave the name “Konkai.”
The tea house along a Sando, a path to shrine and temple in Japanese, leads to Konkai Komyoji, started sell Yatsuhashi to visitors.
In Edo period, Konaki komyoji was in a castle-like construction to station military troops in case of emergency.
In 1862, Matsudaira Katamori of Aizu (He belongs the present-day Tokugawas, which go back to Tokugawa Iyeyasu. ) was inaugurated as Kyoto Syosidai, the bureaucratic office in charge of security of Kyoto city and its environs. The office had scarcity of personnel and it hired Shinsengumi as security guards of Kyoto. Thanks to the story, Konkai komyoji sometimes referred as “the place Shinsen gumi started its career.”
In the main hall, a statue of Bodhisattva named Mojubosatsu made by Unkei, the famous architect in Heian period.
About Konkai Komyoji temple
Name：Shiunzan Konkai Komyouji 紫雲山金戒光明寺
De facto name ：Kurodani-san 黒谷さん
Address ：121 Kurodanicho, Sakyo ward, Kyoto, 〒606-8331
Phone no.：075-771-2201
FAX no.：075-771-0836
Website Konkai Komyoji official
Time required 1 hour～
Entrance fee: free except special occasions
Crowded?・・・★☆☆☆☆ 1 of 5. Not crowded.
