Yoshimine-dera
Kyoto Prefecture · Japan
A priest from Enryakuji, named Gesan, established Yoshiminedera as a personal retreat in 1029. In 1467 the temple was destroyed in the Onin War but was rebuilt in 1621. The temple's main objects of worship are a Kannon statue carved by Gesan and a Kannon statue given to the temple by Emperor Gosuzaku in 1042.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation2:29
Welcome, seekers of tranquility and historical depth. You have arrived at Yoshimine-dera, a sanctuary of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, perched gracefully upon the western slopes of the Nishiyama mountains overlooking the ancient…
Listen in the app2The Sanmon Gate — The Threshold of the Sacred2:30
We stand now before the Sanmon, the mountain gate that serves as the formal entrance to the sacred precincts of Yoshimine-dera. In Buddhist architecture, the Sanmon symbolizes the 'Three Gates of Liberation'—emptiness,…
Listen in the app3The Kannon-do — Heart of Devotion2:25
We have reached the Kannon-do, or the Main Hall, the spiritual heart of Yoshimine-dera. This structure is dedicated to Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, who is said to look down upon the cries of the world. …
Listen in the app4The Yuryu-no-matsu — The Playing Dragon Pine2:21
Prepare yourself for a sight that challenges our typical understanding of botanical growth. Before you stretches the Yuryu-no-matsu, or the 'Playing Dragon Pine.' This extraordinary specimen of Japanese White Pine is estimated to…
Listen in the app5The Yakushi-do — Hall of the Medicine Buddha2:15
As we continue our ascent, we arrive at the Yakushi-do, the hall dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha or the Buddha of Healing. This particular hall is situated at a higher elevation, offering a panoramic view that…
Listen in the app6The Hydrangea Garden — A Hillside of Blue and Purple2:11
If you are visiting in the month of June, you are standing in the midst of one of the most spectacular floral displays in Kyoto. The Ajisai-en, or Hydrangea Garden, covers the steep slopes below the upper halls with thousands of…
Listen in the app7The Viewing Deck — Kyoto from the Clouds2:19
We have reached one of the highest points of our tour: the Observation Deck. From this wooden platform, the full majesty of Yoshimine-dera’s location becomes apparent. …
Listen in the app8Closing1:47
As we conclude our journey through the vertical mandala of Yoshimine-dera, we return to our starting point near the lower gate. I hope this experience has provided more than just a series of scenic views. …
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What is Yoshimine-dera?
Yoshimine-dera is a place in Kyoto Prefecture · Japan with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Kyoto Prefecture · Japan |
|---|---|
| Type | Activity |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Total length | 18 min 17 s in all |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 34.9380, 135.6446 |
| Last updated |