「正寿院（風鈴寺）」ハート形の窓♡フォトジェニックな宇治の寺院

We went to Shojuin Temple!

It appears to have been founded about 800 years ago as a Koyasan Shingon Buddhist temple, but that’s not the case at all. The building is clean, neat, and feels brand new.

・Highlights

Wind Chime Festival：
There are about 2,000 wind chimes. They contain chestnuts and various other items, and the sound they make when the wind blows is very refreshing. There are also wind chimes from every prefecture in Japan. While photography is prohibited in some areas of the building, there are also wind chimes from every prefecture in Japan.
The tiger picture was very realistic!

2 Inome Window:
This heart-shaped window resembles the eyes of a boar , hence the name “inome window.”
It is a traditional Japanese pattern.
It is said to ward off misfortune and bring good fortune.
The view from the window changes depending on the season.

Ceiling Painting:
This beautiful ceiling painting, depicting flowers and Japanese landscapes, is a revival of the original painting on the inner sanctuary of the main hall that was painted 300 years ago and can be seen in the same building as the Inome window.

Special Public Opening to Commemorate the Restoration of the Eleven-Faced Kannon：
This precious statue, the principal image of Shojuin Temple, can only be seen once every 50 years.Its firm features and beautiful robes are said to ward off evil, bring good health, and bring good fortune in finding a partner.

・Editor’s comments

<Unsei>
Getting away from the city’s stifling heat to this mountain retreat was exactly what I needed. Listening to the crisp sound of the wind chimes (Fuurin), I felt a sense of cool calm wash over me.
Beyond the beautiful rows of chimes, the whole place was a feast for the eyes—from the Japanese architecture to the stunning use of light and shadow. It was such a refreshing change of pace.
Sitting on the porch with friends, letting go of all the noise in my head… I guess this is what they call ‘healing vibes.’
Other activities include yoga, making incense with tea, copying Buddhist images, copying sutras, and making your own original bracelets.
You can also experience making prayer beads. Goshuin stamps are also available.
Recommended nearby spots:
Kitaniyama Tea Village

<Miku>
You can enjoy matcha parfait, brown sugar anmitsu, matcha soft serve, matcha sets and seasonal specialties (shaved ice, kintoki sweets, zenzai, etc.). The souvenir corner is also well-stocked, offering matcha-based products for purchase.
This time, all members enjoyed matcha sweets in the eat-in space inside the shop. The shop’s most popular item, the Matcha Parfait, is a luxurious parfait generously layered with matcha shiratama mochi, matcha castella sponge cake, and matcha soft serve ice cream. It allows you to fully savor the rich flavor of Uji-produced matcha. The matcha had a deep, complex taste, and the parfait perfectly balanced the bitterness and sweetness of the matcha, making it incredibly delicious. After the meal, the staff kindly offered us cold green tea, which was also very tasty.