Yogen-in Temple in Kyoto

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Facts & Figures

The Yogen-in Temple, a Jodo Shinshu Kengo-in Buddhist temple in Kyoto, is famous for its main hall and the so called blood ceiling. It is the blood of Mototada Ioni and other samurai warriors, which committed suicide in the end of a 11 day siege on the floor of Fushimi Castle in 1600. The remains of the castle floor were send to 5 different temples in Kyoto (Genkoan Temple, Shoden-ji Temple, Hosen-in Temple, Myoshin-ji and Yogen-in).  Explore Ryokans in Kyoto >
Ryokans are the perfect way to discover old Japanese culture and traditions. Yogen-in was one of them. Do not miss the beautiful drawings of giraffes, Chinese lions and white elephants on the doors, made of Japanese ceder, and fusuma (traditional sliding doors) by artist Sotatsu Tawaraya. The temples screen paintings have the status of Important Cultural Properties. These drawings made a long lasting impression and can be found now in art education textbooks for Japanese students. Unfortunately there were no pictures allowed inside the building.

• Yogen-in Temple:
• Opening Hours - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Admission Fee - 500 yen (Adults), 300 yen (Children)

My tips for local activities

Explore the best parts of my favourite city Kyoto with a local guide. The personalized tour can take between 2 - 8 hours. Check out this page > for more details.

History

In 1594 Yogen-in Temple was established by Yodo-dono, concubine of shogun Hideyoshi Toyotomi (1536 - 1598), for the memorial service for her father Nagamasa Asai. The Buddhist name of Nagamasa was Yogen-in und this name was later used for the temple. A cousin of Nagamasa, Hoin Suhaku, was then designated as the founder of Yogen-in. After a huge fire the temple was reconstructed in 1621 by Sugen-in, second wife of shogun Hidetada Tokugawa (1579 - 1632) and younger sister of Yodo-dono. The remains of Fushimi Castle were relocated and used for the reconstruction process. Since 1621 Yogen-in was owned by the Tokugawa Family and the memorial tablets of successive shoguns are enshrined here.

Sightseeing spots

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Blood stained ceiling - The remains of this tragedy in 1600 are still visible.

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

April

Miyako Odori (1st - 31th)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).

May

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from Imperial Palace through Shimogamo Shrine to the Kamo Shrines. More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri to the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

Arashiyama Mifune Matsuri (third Sunday of May)
The first part is held at the Kuramazaki Shrine. Later a procession is leading to the Oi River, where more ceremonies and traditional dances (Funa Asobi) are held. The Arashiyama Mifune Matsuri started in 1914.

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which last around 2 hours.