Hogouin Temple Autumn Night Special Viewing - A Special Experience Illuminating Kyoto's Autumn Nights

Hogouin Temple, a sub-temple of Tenryuji in Kyoto's Arashiyama district, is a Zen temple founded in 1461 during the Muromachi period. After being destroyed in the Onin War, it was restored under the patronage of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the Tokugawa shogunate, and relocated to its current location in 2002. The temple grounds feature "Shishiku no Niwa" (Lion's Roar Garden), a strolling-style landscape garden believed to have been designed by the Zen monk Sakugen Shuryo. This famous garden incorporates the ridgeline of Arashiyama as borrowed scenery and was featured in Edo-period guidebooks of scenic spots. During the autumn night special viewing, this garden is adorned with enchanting illumination. The contrast between moss and autumn foliage emerges in the lighting, offering a beauty of light and shadow completely different from the daytime. The stone arrangements including Shishi-iwa (Lion Rock) and the beauty of borrowed scenery with Arashiyama in the background become even more prominent with the evening presentation. Located just a 3-minute walk from Randen "Arashiyama" Station with excellent access, it is popular as a special experience that colors Kyoto's autumn nights.