Kyoto Bishamon-do Temple

Giant cherry tree at the temple of a guardian king

Tomoko Kamishima Apr 15, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Giant weeping cherry tree radiating strong positive power</p>

<p>Golden ornament hanging under roof</p>

<p>Long wooden corridors connecting the temple building</p>

<p>Cherry blossoms and five colors streamer</p>

<p>Cherry blossoms of Bishamon-do Temple</p>

<p>People who have just finished worshiping</p>

<p>Pond garden at the back of the temple</p>

Bishamon-do Temple, situated on the hillside close to JR Yamashina Station (just one stop from JR Kyoto Station), is one of the oldest temples in Kyoto (established in the north of Kyoto in 703 and moved here in 1665). The temple is quite famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. Especially, the weeping cherry tree (more than 150 years old!) in front of Shinden Hall is stunning. It extends its elegant branches 30 meters, and seems to radiate a strong positive power. The principal deity of this temple is Bishamon-ten, one of the Four Guardian Kings, equal to Vaiśravaṇa.

Tomoko Kamishima @tomoko.kamishima

Japan is a small island nation, but we have a huge number of surprising things to discover here. Many of these delights can be found when you step off the main street onto small side paths. I really enjoy studying about and researching various aspects of traditional Japanese culture, and then sha...