What Makes the Hōgon-in Temple Night Illumination Special?

　Table of Contents

1. What is Hōgon-in Temple?
2. Details of the Hōgon-in Temple Night Illumination
3. The History of Hōgon-in Temple

Introduction

Kyoto’s Arashiyama district is home to many famous temples, but one that stands out, especially during the autumn foliage season, is Hōgon-in Temple (Hōgon-in, 宝厳院). Established during the Muromachi period as one of the sub-temples of Tenryū-ji Temple, Hōgon-in is usually closed to the public. However, it opens its doors to visitors only during special viewing periods in spring and autumn.

Among these, the autumn night illumination is particularly renowned. The temple's Shishiku no Niwa (獅子吼の庭, "Lion's Roar Garden") is beautifully lit, creating a dreamlike atmosphere enhanced by the vibrant autumn leaves. This breathtaking scenery attracts numerous visitors and worshippers each year.

In this article, we will explore the history, highlights, and especially the enchanting night illumination of Hōgon-in Temple. Be sure to read ahead so you can fully immerse yourself in this mesmerizing spectacle when you visit!

1. What is Hōgon-in Temple? 

Hōgon-in Temple (宝厳院) is a Rinzai Zen temple located in Sagano, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto. It was originally founded during the Heian period under the imperial decree of Emperor Shirakawa (the 72nd Emperor of Japan). At the time, it was called Zen’nyū-ji (善入寺).

During the Nanboku-chō period (1345–1350), the temple was revived by Moku-an Shūyo Zenji, a prominent disciple of Musō Soseki, and became a significant religious site. Under the patronage of Ashikaga Yoshiakira, the second shōgun of the Muromachi Shogunate, the temple was renamed Kanrin-ji (観林寺). However, it was later restored to its original name, Zen’nyū-ji.

Throughout history, Hōgon-in Temple was highly revered by the Ashikaga family and flourished under their patronage. However, as the Muromachi Shogunate declined, so did the temple’s prosperity. By the late Edo period, it was abandoned. In the Meiji era, Kyoto Governor Kitagaki Kunimichi recognized the historical significance of Kusunoki Masatsura and erected a monument in his honor within the temple grounds. Later, in the Taishō era, the temple was revived through the financial support of Kawasaki Yotarō, a member of the influential Kawasaki Zaibatsu.

Today, Hōgon-in Temple is renowned for its spectacular autumn foliage, attracting numerous visitors who come to admire its beautifully maintained gardens throughout the seasons.

2. Details of the Hōgon-in Temple Night Illumination 

Hōgon-in Temple (宝厳院, Hōgon-in) is a sub-temple of Tenryū-ji Temple, located in Saga Tenryū-ji Susukinobaba-chō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto. Normally, it is not open to the public, but it holds special viewing periods in spring and autumn. The temple is especially famous for its autumn foliage season, when the garden, known as Shishiku no Niwa (獅子吼の庭, “Lion’s Roar Garden”), is beautifully adorned with around 300 maple and ginkgo trees. This stunning display of colors attracts many visitors each year.

The garden was originally designed in the Edo period by Zen Master Sakuhō, and it is a strolling-style landscape garden that incorporates Arashiyama as a borrowed scenic backdrop.

【 Main Highlights of the Illuminated Garden 】
　① Shishiku no Niwa (獅子吼の庭, "Lion’s Roar Garden")

Shishiku no Niwa is the symbolic garden of Hōgon-in Temple. Created in the Edo period, it is known for its strolling-style layout that skillfully integrates the natural beauty of Arashiyama as part of the scenery.

During the night illumination, the maple leaves turn vibrant shades of red and yellow, and together with the moss-covered grounds, they create a mystical, dreamlike atmosphere.

　② Ryūmonbaku (瀧門瀑, "Ryūmon Waterfall")

Located within the garden, Ryūmonbaku is a small waterfall that serves as a particularly scenic spot. When illuminated at night, the flowing water sparkles, creating a striking contrast against the surrounding autumn foliage. This location is especially popular for photography.

　③ The Maple Tunnel at the Temple Entrance

Near the entrance gate of Hōgon-in, the maple trees form a natural tunnel, creating a breathtaking pathway. When illuminated, this corridor of autumn leaves transforms into an otherworldly sight. Walking through it feels like stepping into a completely different realm.

During the special autumn viewing period, a night illumination event is held, offering visitors a magical experience distinct from the daytime scenery. The contrast between the illuminated autumn leaves and the lush moss-covered ground enhances the beauty of the garden, leaving a lasting impression on those who visit.

Particularly, the Shishiku no Niwa and Ryūmonbaku areas stand out with their dramatic interplay of light, foliage, rocks, and waterfalls. Additionally, the maple tunnel at the entrance gate, when illuminated, provides a stunning and immersive experience, making it a must-visit attraction.

3. The History of Hōgon-in Temple 

Since its establishment in the Muromachi period (1336–1573), Hōgon-in Temple (宝厳院, Hōgon-in) has undergone multiple reconstructions, surviving events such as donations from Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the Sengoku period and destruction by fire during the late Edo period. In recent years, its beautiful gardens have gained widespread recognition, and the temple has firmly established itself as a major sightseeing destination, especially during special seasonal openings in spring and autumn, which feature illuminated night viewings.

　1. 1461 – Establishment of Hōgon-in Temple 

Image is for illustration purposes. 

Hōgon-in Temple was founded in 1461 by the Rinzai Zen monk Shōchū Eikō during the Muromachi period. Initially, it was built as a sub-temple of Tenryū-ji Temple, one of Kyoto’s most significant Zen temples. The temple’s first abbot was Sakuō Shūryō, a renowned Zen master who was also involved in diplomatic relations between Japan and China.。

　2. 1596 – Patronage by Toyotomi Hideyoshi 

Image is for illustration purposes. 

During the Momoyama period, Hōgon-in Temple was under the patronage of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan’s most powerful warlords. In 1596, Hideyoshi donated temple lands, ensuring its maintenance and growth. This reflects Hideyoshi’s deep interest in the Sagano and Arashiyama areas, which included Tenryū-ji Temple and other important religious sites. Hōgon-in Temple benefited greatly from this support.

　3. 1864 – Destruction During the Kinmon Incident 

Image is for illustration purposes. 

In 1864 (first year of the Genji era), during the late Edo period, Hōgon-in Temple was severely damaged by fire during the Kinmon Incident, a battle between the Chōshū Domain and the Tokugawa Shogunate forces in Kyoto. The widespread fires engulfed many parts of the city, and Hōgon-in’s temple buildings were completely destroyed. This event marked a major turning point in the temple’s history, as numerous cultural artifacts and historical records were lost.

　4. 20th Century – Reconstruction and Garden Restoration 

Image is for illustration purposes. 

During the Meiji period, efforts were made to restore Hōgon-in Temple, but large-scale reconstruction did not progress significantly at the time. It wasn’t until the Shōwa period that a full-fledged restoration was undertaken, with a special focus on the temple’s garden, Shishiku no Niwa (獅子吼の庭, “Lion’s Roar Garden”). This garden was designed to incorporate the natural scenery of Arashiyama, following the principles of Zen aesthetics in a traditional strolling-style garden.

　5. 5. 2002 – Introduction of Special Seasonal Openings 

Image is for illustration purposes. 

Starting in 2002, Hōgon-in Temple’s garden and main hall began seasonal public openings in spring and autumn. The autumn foliage season, in particular, has attracted thousands of visitors, leading to the introduction of nighttime illuminations. This event has solidified the temple’s reputation as one of Arashiyama’s premier autumn foliage spots, leading to a renewed appreciation of its historical and cultural significance.

 Conclusion 

Hōgon-in Temple is a historically significant Zen temple that has survived centuries of war, fire, and reconstruction. Established in the Muromachi period, it has been rebuilt several times and is now celebrated as one of Kyoto’s most famous autumn foliage destinations. The special night illuminations held during the autumn viewing period provide a rare opportunity to experience the temple in an ethereal and dreamlike atmosphere, making it one of the highlights of a visit to Arashiyama.

The Arashiyama area is home to many other iconic attractions, such as Tenryū-ji Temple, the Bamboo Forest Path, and the Sagano Scenic Railway (Torokko Train). A visit to Hōgon-in Temple, especially during its special seasonal openings, is highly recommended as part of a scenic exploration of Kyoto’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

If you have the chance to visit Kyoto, don’t miss the special night illumination at Hōgon-in Temple. The sight of autumn leaves glowing under soft lights is sure to be an unforgettable experience.