Check out these articles
-
Video article 3:15
Kyuanji Temple – A Flower Temple in Osaka, Japan Famous for Its Hydrangeas. Learn the Best Time to Visit and What to See When Visiting
NatureFestivals & EventsTravel- 176 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:52
Mimuroto-dera Temple, a hydrangea temple in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, is illuminated fantastically! When is the best time to see hydrangeas? Opening period in 2024 and features of the temple.
NatureTravel- 107 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:41
Explore Shinonome No Sato, One of the Largest Hydrangea Gardens in Japan, via Video! Go for a Leisurely Stroll and Enjoy the 4 Seasons of Japan at This Garden in Kagoshima!
NatureTravel- 46 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:40
Unshoji Temple" in Oga City, Akita Prefecture, with 1,500 blue hydrangeas in full bloom, a world of blue woven in collaboration with the sea and sky, and illuminated at night with fantastic beauty.
TravelFestivals & EventsNature- 160 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:00
What is "Amebiki Kannon" in Sakuragawa City, Ibaraki Prefecture? There are 3,000 hydrangea plants on the temple grounds that add color to the rainy season! Don't miss the video that condenses the temple's charms! Enjoy the history and the beauty of the season!
Art & Architecture- 97 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:31
The Beautiful Sight of 1,200 Brilliant Hydrangeas in Full Bloom! Take a Moment to Relax and Enjoy the Nature, History, and Culture of Sendai, Miyagi!
Nature- 251 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:07
A hidden spot with a spectacular view! 4K video of “Kinzo-ji Temple” in Kyoto, Japan! Don't miss the beauty of this mountain temple known for its autumn foliage!
TravelArt & ArchitectureNature- 37 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:47
Get intoxicated by the beauty of cherry blossoms in this video of Daigoji Temple, Kyoto, Japan, where Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the founder of the Toyotomi clan, held a cherry blossom viewing party! Also includes information on sightseeing spots and sightseeing information!
NatureTravelArt & Architecture- 104 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:09
The Silver Pavilion, or "Jisho-Ji Temple," a Symbol of Higashiyama's Culture, Is a Temple That Is Attracting Attention for Its Zen Atmosphere. Check Out the Two National Treasures and the Beautiful Gardens on the Grounds!
Art & Architecture- 197 plays
- YouTube
What is the highlight of the hydrangea temple in Kyoto? A relaxing spot during the rainy season where you can enjoy colorful flower hand-watering.
Hydrangea video introduction of “Yangtani-dera”, Yanagitani Kannon in Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.
This video, titled "Hydrangea and Yanagidanikannon Youkoku-ji Temple"(【京都の紫陽花】柳谷観音(楊谷寺):hydrangea and Yanagidanikannon Youkoku-ji Temple/花手水)) was uploaded by "Kawaii Kyoto."
Located deep in the mountains, approximately 10 minutes from the city center of Nagaokakyo in Kyoto via car, sits Yanagidani Kannon (Yokokuji Temple), a temple with a variety of interesting sights throughout the year.
A temizuya or chozuya is a basin at a temple or shrine where water is available for washing and purifying the hands and mouth before visiting the temple or shrine. It is often located alongside the approach to the temple/shrine. Yokokuji Temple is said to be the birthplace of hanachozu (花手水), which are chozuya filled with flowers.
During hydrangea week, the temple grounds are filled with colorful hydrangeas. The color of hydrangeas, a cool light blue, is said to refresh the body and mind and relieve stress.
Enjoy the beautiful images of Yokokuji Temple to the sound of birds chirping, along with the flower pots, the hydrangeas blooming on the temple grounds, and the lush greenery of the garden.
Introduction to Yokokuji Temple, Kyoto, One of the Most Famous Ancient Temples in Japan
Located in Nagaokakyo, Kyoto, Yokokuji Temple is an ancient temple that was opened in the early Heian Period (794 - 1185 AD). The principal deity is the eleven-faced, thousand-armed, thousand-eyed Kannon (Goddess of Mercy), who is said to cure people of eye diseases. The temple is open to the public on the 17th of every month, so be sure to remember that if you're planning on stopping by for a visit.
The temple is also home to a spring water called "Okouzui," which is believed to be a holy water for healing eye diseases, and attracts many visitors.
The Seasonal Faces of the Flower Pots at Yokokuji Temple
Yokokuji Temple, rich in natural beauty, offers different views in each season. These include Hydrangea Week from early June to early July, when the hydrangeas are at their best, and Momiji Week from mid-November to mid-December, when the autumn leaves are at their best.
The hanachozu (the water basins filled with flowers) are highly popular on Japanese social media. In addition to the hydrangeas, there are cherry blossoms in spring, sunflowers and dahlias in summer, and colorful autumn leaves in the fall, all of which can be seen decorating the flower pots in their respective season.
Be sure to check out the official Instagram page for Yokokuji Temple (@yanagidanikannon) to see the seasonal flowers floating in the flower basins.
In the summer of 2022, the temple grounds were also decorated with pinwheels and wind chimes.
Hydrangea Week at Yokokuji Temple
Hydrangea Week at Yokokuji Temple is usually held around early June to early July, the best time to view the hydrangeas. The official website confirms that the hydrangeas will be in full bloom on June 23 in 2023.
There are approximately 5,000 hydrangeas at Yokokuji Temple, making it the largest hydrangea temple in Kyoto. If you're thinking about visiting during the full bloom period, be sure to check the official website or Instagram to see the blooming conditions before you visit.
Moreover, crowds can be expected during the Hydrangea Festival and Momiji Week. There are several parking lots available, but please note that the parking lots in front of the gate fill up quickly during the high season.
Hands-on Classes at Yokokuji Temple
Yanagidani Kannon/Yokokuji Temple also offers a variety of hands-on classes. In addition to seal making using pressed flowers, which is held on the 17th of every month, bead bracelet making and other classes are held occasionally as well. If you're interested, be sure to follow their social media accounts to find out when these classes are held. They also have a variety of regular classes as well.
Colorful Autumn Leaves at Yokokuji Temple
In autumn, Yokokuji Temple is actually a great spot for viewing the autumn foliage. The entire mountain is beautifully colored and you can enjoy the autumn leaves from the temple precincts. The best time to view the autumn leaves is from November to mid-December. In 2022, the best time to view the leaves was in late November, so you can expect the same in 2023. It's a lesser-known tourist attraction, so it's possible to avoid the crowds here to a degree in a relaxed and quiet atmosphere. The inner shrine approach and Ganriki Inari (眼力稲荷) shrine area of the precincts of the temple, as well as Kamishoin (上書院) and Meisho Garden (名勝庭園, Meisho Teien), which is open to the public only on the 17th of each month, are also highlights of the autumn foliage season.
During Momiji Week, the garden is illuminated brilliantly at night, creating a wonderful atmosphere.
Why not capture the beautiful scenery with your camera at Yokokuji Temple, where there are many scenic spots to view the autumn leaves?
How to Get to Yanagidani Kannon (Yokokuji Temple)
Unfortunately, Yokokuji Temple is not the most accessible attraction. The easiest way to get to the temple if you don't have your own vehicle is by taxi from Nagaokakyo Station, Nagaoka-Tenjin Station, or Nishiyama-Tennozan Station (Approximately 10 mins.). Even by bus, from the nearest bus stop it's a 40-minute walk to the temple.
If you like hiking or just want to explore a lesser-known tourist attraction in Japan, we definitely recommend making the hike.
Other Temples to Visit in Kyoto
Being the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto is home to an estimated 3,000 temples. Below are 3 temples you should visit when traveling to Kyoto:
Kiyomizudera
A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its elevated stage with beautiful seasonal views. The temple is also home to a 3-story pagoda overlooking the city of Kyoto.
Kinkakuji
Also known as the golden pavilion, the temple, covered in golden leaf, was built in the 14th century and is located inside of a beautiful Japanese garden. It is also a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ryoanji Temple
A Zen temple in northwest Kyoto that was founded during the Onin War (1467 - 1477 AD). On top of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple features a lovely dry rock garden.
Summary of Yanagidani Kannon (Yokokuji Temple)
Kyoto's Yanagidani Kannon, aka Yokokuji Temple, is a healing spot where you can have a wonderful time throughout the year. The flowers in the flower pots remind visitors of the changing seasons in Japan. When you visit Kyoto on a trip, be sure to stop by Yokokuji Temple!
[TripAdvisor] Yokokuji Temple
AccessMap (Google Maps)
-
Video article 3:07
This clarity and beauty is CG! At Monet's Pond, a very popular tourist spot in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, a beautiful, colorful scene like a painting spread out before my eyes!
Nature Living Things Travel- 8.99K plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:05
Amanohashidate, Miyazu City, Kyoto, Japan, winter spectacular sightseeing video!Aerial video that makes you feel as if you are flying in the sky! Go on a trip to enjoy the dignified and clear winter air!
Nature Travel- 619 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:28
Sasaguri Kyudai Forest – Like Something You'd See in a Ghibli Movie! Discover One of the Most Scenic Spots in Fukuoka Prefecture, Plus Access Information and More!
Nature Travel- 172 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 8:51
A beautiful video of Oze's skunk cabbages at their best! The video also introduces the best time and places to see skunk cabbages in Oze, famous for the song "Memories of Summer", as well as hiking courses in Oze, which straddles four prefectures, Fukushima, Niigata, Gunma, and Tochigi.
Nature Travel- 179 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:42
The wild dance of a swarm of 5,000 fireflies at Matsuo Gorge in Kamiina-gun, Nagano Prefecture! The miraculous and spectacular view created by nature fascinates all who see it!
Nature- 2.36K plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:47
The Caldera of Mt. Aso: A Magnificent Landscape Created by Nature. The Natural Wonderland, Full of Mysterious Scenery, Is Said to Have Been Created by the Gods!
Nature- 347 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:36
'Diamond Fuji' at Lake Yamanaka! – A Brilliant Sunrise Shining From the Top of Mt. Fuji
Nature Travel- 446 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:43
Nabegataki Falls - A Beautiful Travel Destination Surrounded by Nature in Kumamoto Prefecture
Nature Travel- 207 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:11
Experience the Beauty of Kikuchi Valley! Enjoy Clear Streams in the Nature of Kumamoto!
Nature Travel- 335 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:56
Shojohama Beach in Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture, is called the best paradise beach in Japan.The Sea of Japan has such clear and transparent cobalt blue waters!
Nature- 203 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:43
Saiho-ji Temple (Koke-ji Temple) in Kyoto in autumn is beautiful with moss and autumn leaves! Visiting this famous temple with its wonderful buildings is by appointment only!
Nature Travel Traditional Culture- 132 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:16
The “Keage Incline” in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan: intoxicated by the nostalgic sight of cherry blossoms. Introducing power spots from the Nanzenji Suijikaku (waterway pavilion), which is sure to be instagram-worthy.
Nature Travel- 123 plays
- YouTube
4 Comments