Uploaded November 2015 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Jishu Jinja is a small shrine located on the grounds of the famous temple Kiyomizu-dera. Always bustling with visitors despite its modest size, Jishu Jinja is well-known as a "love shrine", and many people drop by to ascertain their love fortunes, say a prayer, buy an "enmusubi" love charm, or walk between the two "love rocks".
In November, the shrine is the site of the Momiji Matsuri (Autumn Leaves Festival). In a ritual, the shrine priests and shrine maidens give thanks to the enshrined gods for a good harvest and to the love god for his blessing, praying for prosperous businesses and safe families for those gathered. In an offering performed for the gods, a shrine priestess performs three dances: the "Momiji no Mai", "Tsurugi no Mai" and "Ōgi no Mai". In closing, the priests perform a "hitakisai", a small fire ritual, as the sun begins to set over the Kyoto mountains.
Though the rituals last only an hour or so, the Momiji Matsuri at Jishu Jinja is an interesting opportunity to view Kiyomizu-dera's autumn leaves, pray for luck in love, and observe traditional dances as part of this autumn festival.
To see more festivals and events in Kyoto, check out the Event Calendar on our website:
discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar
Jishu Jinja is a small shrine located on the grounds of the famous temple Kiyomizu-dera. Always bustling with visitors despite its modest size, Jishu Jinja is well-known as a "love shrine", and many people drop by to ascertain their love fortunes, say a prayer, buy an "enmusubi" love charm, or walk between the two "love rocks".
In November, the shrine is the site of the Momiji Matsuri (Autumn Leaves Festival). In a ritual, the shrine priests and shrine maidens give thanks to the enshrined gods for a good harvest and to the love god for his blessing, praying for prosperous businesses and safe families for those gathered. In an offering performed for the gods, a shrine priestess performs three dances: the "Momiji no Mai", "Tsurugi no Mai" and "Ōgi no Mai". In closing, the priests perform a "hitakisai", a small fire ritual, as the sun begins to set over the Kyoto mountains.
Though the rituals last only an hour or so, the Momiji Matsuri at Jishu Jinja is an interesting opportunity to view Kiyomizu-dera's autumn leaves, pray for luck in love, and observe traditional dances as part of this autumn festival.
To see more festivals and events in Kyoto, check out the Event Calendar on our website:
discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar
![Beautiful Kyoto: Autumn 2016 Tō-ji [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/agyYqh0Qaac/mqdefault.jpg "Beautiful Kyoto: Autumn 2016 Tō-ji [4K]
Kyotos autumn leaves (kōyō) are some of the most famous in the country, and one of the most popular places to view the changing colors is at Tō-ji temple. One of the first temples allowed in the newly founded city of Kyoto back in the late 700s, Tō-ji is the home of the famous five-story pagoda that many tourists catch sight of on their way into the city by bullet train. On the grounds are several halls filled with gorgeous examples of Buddhist statuary, and when it comes to fall colors theres no beating the sight of the pagoda rising up before a pond reflecting the bright colors of the season.
To see more of Tō-ji and how to get there, check out our page: https://www.discoverkyoto.com/places-go/toji")
![Beautiful Kyoto: Kyōtango [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bTElqArVymc/mqdefault.jpg "Beautiful Kyoto: Kyōtango [4K]
When people think of Kyoto they imagine the capital city. With its countless shrines and temples, captivating museums, and thriving shops, Kyoto City is most certainly a beautiful place... but many visitors dont know that just a few hours north waits the natural beauty of Kyōtango. Part of the Tango Penninsula area along the Sea of Japan, Kyōtango is home to breathtaking ocean views and gorgeous beaches, some of which you might not even believe you found in Japan! Enjoy a leisurely, relaxing night in Kyōtangos hot spring hotels, take a drive through the country and make a stop to sample local cuisine, and most importantly... pack your swimsuits and hit the beach!
This video was made possible thanks to the kind cooperation of:
Kyōtango City Hall Tourism Department
Hotel Shihoukaku
Tango Kingdom Rest Area")
![Beautiful Kyoto: Cherry Blossoms at Heian Shrine [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bv_YYMQOsko/mqdefault.jpg "Beautiful Kyoto: Cherry Blossoms at Heian Shrine [4K]
Numerous shrines and temples around Kyoto are famous for sakura viewing in spring, and one of those shrines is Heian Jingū. The shrines Shinen Garden is full of the beautiful weeping variety of cherry trees, whose pink blossoms spill down over bamboo supports and form curtains of flowers. Designed by the famous Ogawa Jihei (Ueji), the garden features a charming mix of Eastern and Western styles, with a beautiful pond and bridge. With gorgeous sakura blooming in spring, you wont want to miss the Heian Shrine!
To see more of Heian Shrine and how to get there, check out our page:
https://www.discoverkyoto.com/places-go/heian-jingu")
![Beautiful Kyoto: Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari) [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cl2reoZNI4g/mqdefault.jpg "Beautiful Kyoto: Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari) [4K]
For more information on boat launch times, which change depending on the season and day, check the Hozugawa Kudari’s official English website here:
https://www.hozugawakudari.jp/en
A trip to Kyoto wouldn’t be complete without exploring the city’s gorgeous natural scenery, and one of the best ways to do this is to take a short train trip to the neighboring city of Kameoka and board the Hozugawa Kudari boat ride! This popular river route has a rich history dating back more than 400 years and offers visitors a chance to enjoy a leisurely and entertaining boat ride through one of Kyoto’s most beautiful areas.
Taking approximately two hours to travel 16 kilometers down the Hozugawa river between Kameoka and the well-known sightseeing area Arashiyama, the Hozugawa Kudari boat ride costs 4,100 yen for adults and 2,700 yen for children aged 4-12. Though most of the river provides a smooth, calming journey, there are a few rapids that supply some additional excitement along the way, and depending on the season you can enjoy cherry blossoms, vivid greenery, fall colors, and even snow! With the trip narrated by jaunty boatmen ready to point out local ravine wildlife, historical spots, comically shaped rocks, good photograph spots, and the finer points of boat steerage, you’ll be in good hands until you reach land once more.")
