Jissō-in, Buddhist temple in Iwakura, Kyoto, Japan
Jissō-in is a Buddhist temple in Iwakura, Kyoto, featuring a large rock garden and a reception hall. Polished wooden floors throughout the main hall reflect the surrounding maple trees and greenery overhead.
The temple was founded in 1229 by Monk Joki. Its buildings were later moved from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to this location during the Edo period.
The temple holds registered cultural property status and displays calligraphy works created by Emperor Goyozei. Visitors can encounter these historical artworks while walking through the halls.
The grounds are relatively flat and easy to navigate at a comfortable pace. Visit early in the day for fewer crowds and better light conditions to appreciate the floor reflections.
The temple floors create natural reflections of maple leaves and fresh greenery, known as yukamomiji and yukamidori. Few other Japanese temples employ this optical effect in quite the same way.
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