"The Taste of Kyoto" -- Ancient Shinto Shrines and Budhist Temples brought to you by Hatoya

The four seasons in Kyoto can be enjoyed in many more ways than you can imagine. However, fall is the best time to not only see spectacular sights, but also to touch, feel, and savour Kyoto cuisine, experience the Kyoto culture and to get a sense of what Kyoto really is about. In early September, Otsukimi "moon viewing" is very popular.

In addition, you can also experience "The Kangetsu Sunset" from the former palace of emperor Saga, Daikakuji Monzeki, where the view is said to be striking.

On the 25th, 26th, and 27th of September, a public viewing of the moon will be held, where one can witness a moon which not only reflects from the sky but also from the mirror-like ponds below.

Reflected from both above and below, one will be able to gaze at the "twin moons".

Daikakuji

First built as an imperial villa for Emperor Saga, it eventually became a temple.

It was an old imperial villa belonging to the Southern Dynasty during the period of the Northern and Southern Courts. Osawa pond is known as one of Japan's oldest garden ponds, and is a national designated picturesque scenery.

Daikakuji is to be known as the center of the Heart Sutra holding a history of 1200 years.

The very unique fall foliage of Daikakuji is said to have a waft of the long history that has been taking place.

The unique saturation in Daikakuji gives way to a beautiful and scenic of the autumn leaves, in addition to the Shingyo-Hoto shown on the surface of the Hojo pond.

It is held from November 13th to December 6th, with a special evening admission from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Manshuin Monzeki

This Buddhist temple of the Temdai Sect is dedicated to the Amitabha. It is also a Monzeki Temple which is one of the Tendaishu-Gokashitsu-Monzeki - equivalent in status to Shorenin, Sanzenin, Myohoin,and Bishamondo.

Here, you can also visit the "Yellow Cetaka" or standing statue of Fudo Myo-O, along with viewing the Garden's foliage for an incredible night of sights during the Special Night Admission held from November 1st to the 24th.

Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere created by the night lights and the awe-inspiring silence.

Shorenin Monzeki - Shogunzuka

An elegant Monzeki temple, which has been known for ages as one of the three Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect, it is now counted as one of the Gokashitsu-Monzeki, with a rooted connection to the Imperial House. In addition the national treasure "Ao Fudo Myo-O", a painting of a wisdom king revered in Buddhism.

The Shoryuden at the Shogunzuka was completed last year, in October 4th, 2014. As a new main sight, Shogunzuka Shoryuden has a large stage which was made on top of eastern mountains ofKyoto. The stage itself is far bigger than that of Kiyomizu Shrine, and only the size alone is enough to amaze.

During the fall foliage, the view from here is also said to be marvelous and can be enjoyed even at night with the light-up on location.

Bishamondo

One of the Tendaishu-Gokashitsu-Monzeki, dedicated to the Vaisravana, a member of the Seven Deities of Good Luck.

There is a lot to see in the temple district including Optical Illusions, the imperial envoy gate, and the "Shinden-Reiden" Cathedral reconstructed from the Imperial Palace.

Here the fall foliage can be seen on the stone steps as they are dyed a somewhat crimson red with the fallen leaves.

Eikando                                                        

Built during the beginning of the Heian Period, it is dedicated to the "Statue of Mikaeri Amida Nyorai" and a nationally designated Important National Property.                                                        

Also known as "Eikando, home of the red leaves", it boasts a fall foliage famous throughout Japan.

During the annual light-up event in November, the area becomes gorgeously painted like a brocade.                                     

Viewing/Light-up Period: November 6th to December 3rd from 5:30p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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Kyoto Hotspring Hatoya Zuihokaku hotel

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