Zhenyudang, Kyoto, Japan. Free attraction to enjoy maple viewing while avoiding the crowds
Kyoto, which has a traditional Japanese atmosphere, has always been a popular tourist city, and during the peak fall season, it attracts a large number of domestic and foreign tourists. Because I don’t like crowds, I didn’t go to the most famous maple viewing spots such as Kiyomizudera Temple, Eikando Temple, Tofukuji Temple, etc. Instead, I chose a few less crowded spots to go. Among them, Zhennyudo Temple is free. My favorite among the maple viewing spots.The official name of Zhenyudang is "Ringsingshan True Gokurakuji Temple", but the name of the main hall is "Zhenyudang", which is more widely known. The main image enshrined is Amitabha Tathagata (うなずきのAmida). It is one of the six temples in Kyoto that enshrines Amitabha. It is called "Luoyang Six Amitabha".
Zhenrutang location & map
Zhenru Hall is located in Zuojing District, not far from Philosophy Road, Horan-in Temple, and Jinrong Guangming Temple. If you take the bus, you can get off at "Zhenrudo-mae" or the next stop "Ginlin Garage-mae". The former is closer to Zhenrutang, but you have to climb uphill and take steps. The latter is gentle and easy to walk, but it takes 2-3 minutes longer.
It is free to visit the grounds, but only the garden inside the main hall requires admission fees (generally 500 yen/spring and autumn 1,000 yen).
The real maple scenery of Kek Lok Si Temple
I took the red route. When I saw the "Zhinyodo East Sanddo", I walked up a flight of stairs.
As soon as I entered the real Kek Lok Temple, I was attracted by the entire maple forest. Although it was not at its peak, it was already so beautiful that I couldn't stop taking pictures.
The red leaves of Zhenrutang turn red at different times, so you can enjoy the red maples from mid-to-late November to December. The interlacing of green, yellow, and red maples is another kind of beauty.
In addition to a maple forest behind the main hall, there are also many maple trees planted on both sides of the main hall, and there is also a short section of maple leaf tunnel.
The three-story pagoda is 30 meters high, and the main hall, main gate, Gensan Master Hall, and Bell Tower Hall are all designated cultural properties of Kyoto.
There is a hand water house on the right side of the shrine. Before worshiping, you must wash your hands and rinse your mouth with water to purify your body and mind.
The approach to the main hall is the most crowded place. This is the direction to look towards the main hall.
The three-story tower and the red leaves were put into the mirror together. Unfortunately, the angle was not adjusted properly and the top of the tower was covered. The maple tree next to the main entrance is usually the last to turn red. When the maple tree is fully red, the maple forest behind the main hall is already in a state of fallen leaves, but the entire carpet of red leaves is quite beautiful.
On this day, I didn’t study the route in advance and followed Google Maps, so I entered the real Kekurakuji Temple from the back of the main hall and finally walked to the main gate, which is the opposite of the general tour route. But because of this, I can quietly admire the maple leaves behind the main hall where there are fewer tourists, and slowly appreciate the beauty of the red leaves, which is another reward.
Zhenyudang (Real Kek Lok Temple)
Official website: https://shin-nyo-do.jp/
Address: 82, Jōdoji Shinocho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
Opening hours: 9:00-16:00
Date of visit: 2024/11/22
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