Kajuji Temple

Kajuji Temple, located at the western part of the Yamashina Basin at the foot of Higashiyama, is a famous temple that has accumulated 1,100 years of history as the head temple of the Yamashina school of Shingon Buddhism. It is well known for its garden, centering on Himuro Pond, which has stood here since the Heian period (794-1192), and its stately hall, which was bestowed by emperors during the Edo period (1603-1867). In the garden, where the beauty of nature shines through without too much work, visitors can enjoy seasonal scenes of flowers, waterfowl, and fish.

Yamashina

Yamashina is located a little east of central Kyoto on the border with Shiga Prefecture. Yamashina was a prosperous transportation hub during the Edo period (1603-1867), with a number of highways, including the Tokaido Highway, passing through the area. There are a number of temples and shrines associated with historical figures such as successive emperors, Ono no Komachi, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and you can enjoy the elegant appearance of the area during each of the four seasons. There are also many nature-rich spots, such as a peaceful promenade along the Lake Biwa Canal and mountains surrounding the basin, making it a popular hiking destination.