Shōren-in (Japanese: 青蓮院) is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. Shōren-in is famous for its scenery in autumn, especially at night, it is also one of the five Monzeki (門跡) temples of the Tendai (天台) sect in Kyoto.
Most of the maples are lightened, and the lights will keep changing, looking so interesting.
After the Great Kyoto Fire of 1788, Shōren-in was used as a temporary imperial palace for Empress Go-Sakuramachi (櫻町). It was therefore also known as the Awata Palace (栗田御所).
There is a bamboo bush on the hill, most of the bamboos are also lightened.
The bamboos emit bright green, which look mystical but romantic.
Shōren-in was formerly the temple of the imperial abbot of the Tendai headquarters on Mount Hiei (比睿), the abbot was required to be chosen from the imperial family or high court aristocracy.
