A hidden Photo Spot Near Kyoto Station – “Jishu Shogon-ji Temple” with Cute Hanachozu and Goshuin

Hanachozu (花手水, washing water basin filled with flowers) is well-known for feeling the seasons and photogenic. Although it makes you feel relaxed just by looking, originally it was used as a way to clean your hand by using the dew on flowers and plants instead of water. There are many temples and shrines in Kyoto that are famous for their unique Hanachozu including ‘Yanagidani Kannon Yokoku-ji Temple. (柳谷観音 楊谷寺) Among them, we’re introducing the hidden spot “Jishu Shogon-ji Temple”(時宗 荘厳寺) located near Kyoto Station.

“Jishu Shogon-ji Temple” is located about 1km north of Kyoto Station and a 15-minute walk. It was built in 1405 and declined for a while and had a fire several times. However, it was rebuilt after that and recovered as the temple where many people visit to worship.

Hanachoze of this temple uses marbles and balls and it’s so playful. There are also some small bowls with floating flowers, which make visitors feel calm. Many happy four-leaf clovers also may be floating if the timing is right. In addition, there is a warm performance such as decorating Teru-Teru-Bozu (a doll that prays for the rain to stop) during the rainy season, so you will want to visit again at different times.

And, we would like to introduce another is the monthly Goshuin. (red ink stamp) If the schedule matches, you can write it directly, and if it is difficult, you can leave your stamp book or accept it by mail. There is a different message every month, so it might be a good idea to collect all of them.