Shinsen-en

A garden located in the southern part of the grounds of Nijo Castle in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City that was originally an imperial garden that adjoined Heian Palace. The spacious grounds include a large pond said to be the home of a dragon god, an island in the pond, a stream, and a forest. Emperors, court nobles, and aristocrats once held parties here. A ceremony held here in 863 to appease the spirits of the deceased due to a disease epidemic is the origin of the Gion Festival. Legend has it that the samurai Minamoto no Yoshitsune met his wife, Shizuka Gozen, here as well. Each year from May 1 to 4, the Dainenbutsu Kyogen comic pantomime is held at the Kyogendo Hall, an event which includes the Shinsenen Festival.

Spot details

Address: Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Nakagyo-ku Oike Shinsen'en-cho, Higashi Nyuru temple town 166 Map
Area: Around Nishijin Area
Phone: 0758211466
Hours: [GroundsOpening hours for worship]6:30-20:00
[Temple office (awarding office/Goshuin)]9:00-17:00 (Goshuin reception is 9:00-16:30)
Fees: [Visit fee] Free
Parking Lot: Not available
Credit Card: Not available