Unknown to many? The temple garden loved by Kyoto locals

In 'Tsurezuregusa,' Yoshida Kenko praised it long ago: 'The fresh leaves of the maple tree in early April surpass all the flowers and red leaves in the world.' ☁️☁️☁️ Kyoto, originally known as Sanrakuji along with Chōrakuji and Jōrakuji, enshrines Shakyamuni Buddha as its principal deity. ☁️☁️☁️ Within the temple grounds, there are the main hall, an octagonal three-storied pagoda, the Mieidō, the kuri, monks' quarters, a bell tower, a study, a treasure house, and the main gate. The octagonal three-storied pagoda was built in the first year of Shōō (1288) and designated as a national treasure in the 31st year of Meiji (1898). It is the only existing octagonal pagoda in Japan. The garden, main hall, and study of Anrakuji Temple on Mount Shuren are open to the public during the blooming seasons of spring and autumn. - 🟫 Shikatanigawa Pumpkin Memorial Service Anrakuji Temple holds the 'Shikatanigawa Pumpkin Memorial Service' every year on July 25th. About 180 years ago, the then head priest Shinkuma Zuishō was practicing in the main hall to save people from suffering and illness when he heard the principal deity Amida Nyorai say: 'During the summer solstice, this festival began when people received a spiritual message: 'If you eat pumpkins, you will not be paralyzed.' Since then, this festival has been held on July 25th, and Shikatanigawa pumpkins are offered to pilgrims. Shikatanigawa pumpkins are grown on farms in the suburbs of Kyoto, including Ichihara, Shizuhara, Takamine, Genta, and Kinugasa, for the pumpkin festival at Anrakuji Temple. - ▪️ Business Hours: 10:00-16:00 (Last entry at 16:00) ▪️ Opening Times: · Spring: Cherry blossoms / Early April Saturdays and Sundays Azaleas / Early May Saturdays, Sundays / Late May to early June Saturdays and Sundays · Summer: (Shikatanigawa Pumpkin Memorial Service) July 25th · Autumn: Maple leaves / All weekdays and holidays in November, Saturdays and Sundays in early December ▪️ Fees 500 yen (Free for junior high school students and younger) 1,000 yen (Shikatanigawa Pumpkin Memorial Service) ▪️ 21 Gosho-no-dancho, Shikatanigawa, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City ▪️ Take the Hankyu Kyoto Line to Kawaramachi Station, transfer to Kyoto City Bus and get off at Shinnyodo-mae Station, then walk about 6 minutes