With summer just around the corner, Kyoto is covered in a sea of green foliage!

In Buddhism, West is considered the direction of paradise and the Nishiyama (or Western Mountains) area of Kyoto lives up to its name in summer. Apart from the many temples and shrines, the area is home to vibrant green foliage and colorful hydrangeas, making it a great summer get-away close to Kyoto City.

To celebrate summer, many temples release special “Goshuin” featuring summer scenes. A Goshuin is a commemorative stamp that proves that you visited a shrine or temple and is said to help your relationship with Kami and Buddha. There is also a special booklet for collecting them called a “Goshuin-cho.” So don’t forget to pick one up before you start visiting temples.

Some limited edition Goshuin this year include: The “Kirie Gyoei Goshuin” at Komyoji Temple includes papercut art and poetry and the “Green Maple Limited Edition Goshuin” at Shoryuji Temple is stamped with green maples leaves and this year includes a dragon to celebrate the year of the dragon.

We have published a pamphlet to guide you to all the best spots for greenery and Goshuin titled “Goshuin Tour of Green Maple Trees and Hydrangeas”.

Download the pamphlet (in Japanese) here 👉🏻https://www.kyoto-kankou.or.jp/news/29

Green Maple and Hydrangea Red Seal Tour Info:

📅2024/4/27 (Sat) – 7/31 (Wed)
🕑Opening hours and reception hours may differ depending on the temple/shrine and day.
📍Locations featured in the poster:
Hoshakuji Temple
Mukojinja Shrine
Komyo-ji Temple
Yanagidani Kannon (Yokoku-ji Temple)
Yoshimine-dera Temple
Kannon-ji Temple (Oyamazaki-cho)
Sekito-ji Temple (Muko City)

*Please refer to the pamphlet or check the official website of each temple and shrine for details.