🗺️ Bishamondō Monzeki毘沙門堂門跡

Bishamondō in Yamashina Ward, Kyoto City, was originally Izumo-ji, built in 703 by Gyoki. As its name suggests, it is a temple dedicated to the Seven Lucky Gods, specifically Bishamonten, and is one of the "Tendai Five Monzeki" in Kyoto. Passing through the vermilion Nio Gate, you can see the main hall, built in 1666, which enshrines Bishamonten. Funded by the Tokugawa family, it adopts the architectural style of the Nikkō Tōshō-gū, which honors Tokugawa Ieyasu. The vibrant colors and decorations are quite rare among other temples in Kyoto, making it a striking sight. Inside the hall, there are many precious cultural assets, including the "Dragon Glancing in All Directions" on the ceiling of the spirit hall, and the fusuma paintings in the main hall, created by Kano Masanobu, the adopted son of Kano Tanyu, which appear to move with the viewer's perspective due to the use of the "reverse perspective" technique. In spring, about 80 cherry trees, including weeping cherry trees over 150 years old, bloom beautifully, while in autumn, the maple leaves along the slope leading to the Chōshi Gate create a stunning display. The grounds allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of seasonal flowers and plants. The Edo period pond-and-strolling garden "Bansui-en," with its changing scenery of fresh greenery and snow, is also one of the popular features of Bishamondō.

A Tendai temple dedicated to Bishamonten. The main hall, funded by the Tokugawa family, features luxurious decorations reminiscent of Japan's Nikko Toshogu Shrine, making it worth a visit. One can enjoy seasonal flowers and plants such as cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall. The garden from the early Edo period, which changes its appearance with the seasons, is also quite popular. The dragons painted on the ceiling of the spirit hall and the exquisite fusuma paintings are must-see highlights.