Introduction to Chisyakuin temple
Chishakuin was originally located in Wakayama, but was burned down by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and rebuilt in Kyoto in 1601. It flourished as a temple for learning academic subjects, with over 2,000 monks enrolled. Chishakuin is about 800 meters (0.5 miles) from the Kamo River.
It is currently the head temple of the Shingon sect Chizan school of Buddhism, which brings together over 3,000 temples.
You can enter the main hall. In front of the building is enshrined the Mahavairocana Buddha, the central Buddha of Esoteric Buddhism.
Next to it stands the Myo-o Hall, where the statue of Acala is enshrined. The wooden floors were shining beautifully and there was a solemn atmosphere.
Japanese Garden
The paid viewing area overlooks a garden modeled after Mount Lu. This is a great place to sit back and relax while looking out at the garden.
You can also view the garden while listening to musical compositions created using sounds from within Chishakuin Temple.
National Treasure Screen Paintings
One thing I would like to recommend at Chishakuin Temple is the screen paintings in the Treasure Museum. There is a painting of cherry blossoms and maple leaves by the 16th century painter Hasegawa Tohaku and his son Kyuzo.
Photography is not permitted inside the Treasure Museum, so the picture below is a replica.
The photo below is from when the piece was exhibited at the Suntory Museum of Art.
Hasegawa Tohaku was a solitary painter who appeared at a time when Kano school painters were dominating the art scene. His son Kyuzo, who was expected to take over the business, died at the age of 26 after painting this picture.
My heart ached when I thought of the limited number of collaborative works between this genius father and son.
Fire walking experience
Every year on June 15th, Chishakuin Temple holds the Aoba Festival (celebrating the birthday of its founder, Kukai). A special memorial service was held on this day. The gardens and treasure museum were open to the public free of charge, and a flea market was also held.
What was particularly amazing was the goma prayer. Pillars of fire rose high into the sky and the smoke came so far that at times it was impossible to see anything around us.
After that, I had the chance to try fire walking. The fire is almost out, but I walked over hot coals. I got a slight burn on the bottom of my foot and some blisters. However, after leaving it for a while it healed, and it became a good memory.
Also, there were many hydrangeas in bloom on this day.
Shukubo (temple stay)
There is a shukubo called Chishakuin Kaikan on the temple grounds. There are accommodation plans available that include buddhist vegetarian cuisine and various temple experiences. Please visit the link below.
Shimogamo-jinja shrine (Kyoto) Forest and Water Shrine
