Kyoto Gosho (Kyoto Imperial Palace)（京都御所）
From Ancient Seat to Serene Garden The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the residence of Japan’s emperors for over a thousand years. From the Heian period (794–1185) until the end of the Edo period (1603–1868), this palace was the heart of the imperial court. However, after the Edo period ended, the Emperor (Tenno) and his court […]
Amida-dō Byōdō-in (Phoenix Hall)（平等院 鳳凰堂）
A Heian-Period Temple of Pure Land Buddhism Amida-dō Byōdō-in (Phoenix Hall)（平等院 鳳凰堂）is one of the most iconic examples of Buddhist temple architecture in Japan. Located near Kyoto city, Byōdō-in was originally constructed in 998 during the Heian period (794–1192) as a residence for Minamoto no Tōru. In 1052, the estate was converted into a Buddhist […]
Joruri-ji（浄瑠璃寺）
A Serene Pure Land Temple with a Historic Pond Garden Jōruri-ji（浄瑠璃寺） is a peaceful Buddhist temple located in the countryside near Kyoto. Jōruri-ji belongs to the Jōdo school of Pure Land Buddhism and offers one of the few remaining examples of temple gardens built in this tradition. Founded in 1047 by the priest Eshin, Jōruri-ji […]