Ginkgo Season in Kyoto: Nishi Hongan-ji Temple

It's worth visiting Kyoto this season! You can see not only red leaves but also ginkgo trees! According to a local friend, Nishi Hongan-ji Temple is a famous place to view ginkgo trees, so I quickly made plans to visit. 📍Address: 600-8501, Honmachi, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan 🚗Transportation: Take bus 205 or 28 from Kyoto Station to Shichijo Horikawa, then walk for 4 minutes. 🕙Opening hours: 5:30 am–5:00 pm 💰Admission: Free 🌟Highlights: Nishi Hongan-ji Temple is the largest temple in Kyoto and the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Honganji-ha sect of Buddhism. It is said to have 10,500 temples worldwide, with a far-reaching influence. Nishi Hongan-ji Temple is quite large, with many attractions such as the Karamon Gate, Kuroshoin, Shiroshoin, Hiunkaku, and Noh stage. It takes at least 1–2 hours to walk around and explore. At the same time, it is also one of the best places to view ginkgo trees in Kansai. The temple has three ginkgo trees that are over 100 years old. Among them, the ginkgo tree in front of the Goeido Hall is over 400 years old. 📌Tips: ✅The Karamon Gate at Nishi Hongan-ji Temple is one of the three existing Karamon Gates in Kyoto, and it is quite magnificent. The peonies, unicorns, and lions carved on the gateposts are also vivid and lifelike, which is breathtaking. ✅The Hiunkaku in the temple is one of the three famous pavilions in Kyoto, alongside the Golden Pavilion and Silver Pavilion. If the timing is right, it is recommended to visit at night, as the photos taken are stunning. However, you need to make a reservation in advance! ✅If you are interested in wooden structures, you must visit the Goeido Hall. It is said to have a history of 388 years and uses 227 wooden pillars, making it the largest wooden building in the world. ✅The Noh stage here is a national treasure of Japan, showcasing the beauty of Japanese architecture and allowing visitors to experience the charm of traditional Japanese culture. Visitors are all captivated by it. ✅In addition to Nishi Hongan-ji Temple, the nearby Higashi Hongan-ji Temple is also a local place to view ginkgo trees, and you can visit both. The entrance is filled with golden yellow, providing a strong visual impact.