Koshoji Temple (Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City), also known as ``Oribe Temple'' because of its connection to the feudal lord tea master Furuta Oribe, is opening its doors to the public for the first time this fall. The autumn leaves, which are at their peak, decorate the grounds and are quietly gaining popularity.
Koshoji Temple is the head temple of the Koshoji school of Rinzai Buddhism, and Oribe is said to have been involved in its opening in 1603. Although the temple is normally closed to the public, it will open its doors to the public in the fall in order to appeal to the public for cooperation in restoring the Buddhist scriptures, the Tripitaka Sutra (Treasure Sutra), which is considered an important cultural property, and the temple grounds.
According to Chief Priest Hirozai Mochizuki, the precincts are designed to be a ''mountain residence in the middle of the city,'' and there are more than 120 maple trees planted by the previous chief priest, forming an arch at the approach. Among the evergreen pines and pink-blooming winter cherry blossoms, visitors were fascinated by the fluttering leaves dyed in vermilion and yellow.
A 65-year-old man visiting from Tokyo for sightseeing said, ''I happened to be passing by and went in. It's much deeper than I expected, and the autumn leaves are amazing.''
Until December 11th. Visits will be canceled on December 2nd. From 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Reception closes at 4:00 p.m.) Charges apply.
