| DATE: | March 10-21, 2007, April 27-May 6, 2007 18:00-21:30 |
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| PLACE: | Shoren-in Temple |
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| DIRECTION: | Tozai Subway Line or Keihan Keishin Line to Higashiyama Station | |
| TEL: | 81-75-561-2345 | |
| ADMISSION: | Adults - 800 yen, students (elementary / junior & senior highs) - 400 yen For groups of 30 people and over: Adults - 700 yen, students (elementary / junior & senior highs) - 300 yen |
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| TEXT: | Every year in spring and autumn the Shoren-in temple is illuminated and open to the public at night. The temple is known for its artistic lighting, and 300 large and small illuminated landscapes highlight the spring night. The event is inextricably linked to the temple’s principal image, Shijoko-nyorai, which is light itself as the name includes a character for "light.” Even its avatar Ao-fudomyo-o carries flames on his back. The illuminations at Shoren-in are remarkable for their beauty. Adding to this unworldly atmosphere is the magnificent Chisenkaiyu-style garden. Within is a giant camphor tree, designated a natural treasure, whose hugeness is accentuated by the lights, a holy bamboo forest that radiates deep green, and illuminated mandala statues that emerge from a moss garden. |