New Year at Bishamondo Temple

A Kyoto temple with real hatsumode hospitality

Cathy Cawood Feb 11, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>There is a pond on one side of the hall</p>

<p>Calligraphy of 'yume' (dream) on display</p>

<p>Hot amazake for visitors (a sweet drink made from sake lees)</p>

<p>New Year offerings of sake and apples to the temple</p>

<p>Well worn pull rope for ringing the bell above the offering box</p>

<p>One of the buildings is being rebuilt, and this is the roof decoration</p>

<p>Small Shinto fox shrine demonstrates the inclusive nature of Japanese Buddhism</p>

<p>Pine boughs contrast with vermilion paint</p>

<p>Freshly painted details gleam on the recently renewed hall</p>

<p>The main hall was recently renovated</p>

Most Japanese pay visits to temples and shrines during the first few days of the New Year. This custom is known as 'hatsumode'. Bishamondo Temple in Kyoto is famous for autumn foliage, but actually it's a wonderful place to visit at any time of year. At New Year they have a bonfire in the temple grounds, and offer all visitors a delicious hot sweet drink called 'amazake'. If you visit Kyoto over New Year, try to drop in at Bishamondo.

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...