Whispers of maple leaves greet us here at Nisonin Temple. It is a place where history and reverence intertwine. Established between 834 and 847 Nisonin Temple served as Emperor Saga’s official temple.
Nisonin faced destruction during the Onin War. The temple was rebuilt including the main hall and Chokushi-mon gate. Nisonin Temple belongs to the Tendai sect since the Meiji period. It originally embraced four Buddhist sects including Jodo Shingon Risshu and Tendai.
The name Nisonin means two revered images. These images are Shaka Nyorai and Amitabha Tathagata. Both are Important Cultural Properties. Shaka Nyorai guides the dead to the afterlife. Amitabha Tathagata welcomes them to Buddhist heaven. Subtle differences distinguish the statues such as their finger shapes which are infused with religious meaning.
Many emperors and court nobles are buried here. This shows the temple’s prestige. Nisonin held Buddhist ceremonies for the Imperial court. The temple sits at the foot of Mount Ogura in Kyoto’s Arashiyama district. People visit to see cherry blossoms hydrangeas and fall foliage. The path to the main hall is especially beautiful.
Nisonin’s main gate dates back to 1613. It was moved from Fushimi Castle. The gate underwent major renovation in 2014. Inside the Main Hall are the two famous Nison statues. The hall was rebuilt in 1521 after being destroyed in the Onin War.
The Momiji-no-baba is a path to the main hall. Maple and cherry trees line the path which offers colorful scenery. The Mausoleum of Priest Tanku dates to the Muromachi era. Priest Tanku mentored Honen founder of the Jodo Sect. Honen is also buried at Nisonin.
The Misono-tei Tea Room offers views of the garden in spring and autumn. The Belfry was built between 1596 and 1615. The bell was recast in 1992. This celebrated Nisonin’s 1200th anniversary. Hachisha-no-miya Shrine protects the temple from bad influences. It enshrines eight deities from major shrines. The Chokushi-mon gate was used only by imperial envoys. Benten-do temple honors Benzaiten. She is the Goddess of Wisdom Wealth and Longevity.
The Karuta Hajime Ceremony is held every November 3rd. It recreates a Heian period card game. Women wear traditional Heian clothing. Nisonin was one of four temples carrying out religious duties at Kyoto Imperial Palace. This lasted from the 14th century until the Meiji Restoration.
Treasures abound here. The Portrait of Priest Honen is a prized item. It is the oldest remaining portrait of Honen Shonin. Other treasures include portraits of high priests and the 17 Precepts by Honen. The main hall main gate and mausoleum are Cultural Properties of Kyoto. Nisonin stands as a testament to Kyoto’s rich history. It embodies artistic beauty and spiritual depth.