6 temples in Kyoto and Nara are known for their seasonality

This article is published in Tokyo Weekend Volume. 2, 2025.
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As the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto and Nara have long been the center of faith and tradition, with the surrounding mountains respected as the sacred spaces built bridges of nature and gods. Scattered throughout the terrain are isolated temples and shrines, each with its own profound history and profound beauty.

Among these secluded hilltop temples, locals are famous among the locals because of the way they live when the flowers bloom – the cherry blossom petals drift in the air in spring, the hydrangea blooms in quiet clusters, or spider fruit and the universe, spider fruit and the universe, as autumn approaches and carpets on the ground. Although these places are a year-round miracle, they bring a more extraordinary feeling when their iconic flowers bloom.

Tsubosaka-dera: Takatori, Nara

Hidden in the mountainous area of ​​Nara Prefecture, not far from Yoshiyama Mountain, sits in Tsubosaka-dera. Although its cherry blossoms are not as well known as Yoshino, anyone visiting this season can witness the temple’s large seating statue floating in the cherry blossom clouds, a quiet sight. The pale pink pagoda of this temple is also loved, and it is an amazing picture of spring.

The name “Tsubosaka-dera” means “a jar on a hillside”. According to legend, the temple was founded by the monk Benki, who apparently had a beloved glass jar. While practicing asceticism on the mountain, Kannon’s vision (the goddess of compassion) appears inside, so he places the jar on the top of the mountain. It is said that this is the origin of the temple. Centuries later, Sei Shonagon mentions Tsubosaka-Dera Pillow Bookit is included in her list of temples with magical powers.

Gansenji: Kiyogawa, Kyoto

Deep in the forest mountains in southern Kyoto Prefecture, an isolated pagoda rises from green plants. This three-story wooden pagoda is part of Gansenji, founded by the famous Buddhist priest Gyoki in 729.

Gansenji has mysterious tranquility in every season, and is a great place to watch cherry blossoms and autumn colors, but early summer is when Gansenji is really alive. Every June, when the hydrangea blooms, the temple land is filled with small clouds of white, pink, blue and purple, covering the lush green of the surrounding forest, and lotus flowers fill the pond.

Hasedera: Sakura, Nara

Located on a hill near the ancient city of Sakura, Nara Prefecture, it is located in the huge temple of Hasedera. Founded in 686, Hasedera is the center of Shingon Buddhism’s Bunzan School, the temple complex consists of 30 buildings on the hillside.

Leading to the hall is the temple’s famous 399 steps of wooden wooden staircase lined with peonies in early spring and leads to an outdoor staircase decorated with hydrangeas in early summer. The main hall at the top offers stunning views of the Temple complex and its surroundings, especially during the cherry blossom season and the leaves change in autumn.

shojuin: Ujitawara, Kyoto

In summer, there are more than 2,000 wind chimes in this remote temple in southern Kyoto. The soft jingle of the decorative wind bells heard from early July to mid-September is the origin of Shojuin’s nickname Furinji (Win Bell Temple).

Although Wind Clock is a summer event, the temple offers seasonal beauty year-round, preferably overlooking the garden through the heart-shaped windows of the reception hall. The ceiling of the hall is also decorated with 160 colorful paintings of flowers and other Japanese art, creating a splendid scene.

Butrushu-ji: Uda, Nara

Butrushu-ji is located in Nara Prefecture and is known as a spider lily, which turns the temple’s rug into a vibrant red carpet every year in early autumn. The temple is also popular locally thanks to its famous 900-year-old resident Sennen-Zakura, a huge cherry tree that greets visitors along the entrance path.

Butrushu-ji was founded in 850 by Monk Kenne, a disciple of Kobo Daishi. Behind the main temple building carved to the hillside is an ancient stone chamber, usually considered to be Kenner’s tomb.

Hanan-Ji: Nara City, Nara

Every year in autumn, this temple in the suburbs of Nara is surrounded by a large pile of cosmic meadows. The temple name “Hanya” is a transliteration of the Sanskrit word “wisdom”, but today Hannanna-ji is more often associated with these flowers and is nicknamed the Cosmic Temple.

It is rumored that Hannana-ji was founded in 629 by monk Monk Ekan, who came to Japan from one of the three kingdoms of ancient Korea. Many of the temple’s buildings and artifacts are designated as important cultural characteristics, especially the doorstep, which is a national treasure from the 13th century.

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