This Autumn Only: Discover Kōrin-in at Daitoku-ji, Kyoto

In autumn, when Kyoto is ablaze with beautiful fall foliage, visitors are offered a rare chance to admire historic architecture and cultural treasures that are normally hidden from view. Daitoku-ji, one of Kyoto’s largest Zen temple complexes, is closely associated with famed warlords such as Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and is home to numerous sub-temples. This season, three of them—Ōbai-in, Kōrin-in, and Sōken-in—will be specially opened to the public for a limited time, allowing visitors to experience sights usually kept behind closed doors.

The first to open its gates is Kōrin-in, founded in 1546 by the warlord Hatakeyama Yoshisada. The temple is historically significant as the site where the funeral of Oda Nobunaga’s father, Nobuhide, was held, underscoring its deep ties to the Sengoku era. Its dry landscape garden, composed of bold stone arrangements set against raked white gravel, embodies the very essence of Zen aesthetics. In autumn, the vibrant colors of the surrounding maple trees enhance the garden’s striking contrast, creating a serene yet powerful atmosphere.

The temple’s main hall, designated an Important Cultural Property, is a rare example of Muromachi-period Zen architecture. Its refined structure reflects the aesthetic sensibilities of the age, making it a must-see for those with an interest in architecture and history alike. Since Kōrin-in is usually closed to the public, this seasonal opening offers a truly unique opportunity. Strolling through the grounds, pausing in the quiet garden, one can almost feel the presence of those who lived during Japan’s turbulent medieval past.

This autumn, why not visit Daitoku-ji’s Kōrin-in, and immerse yourself in both the beauty of the fall foliage and the timeless legacy of Kyoto’s cultural heritage?