Anrakuji Temple

Anrakuji was founded to honour Juren and Anraku, two disciples of the priest Honen. Matsumushi and Suzumushi, favoured attendants of Retired Emperor Go-Toba, heard the pair preach and took vows as nuns — which so angered the retired emperor that both monks were put to death. Memorial pagodas for Juren and Anraku stand in the grounds alongside those for Matsumushi and Suzumushi. The temple is not open year-round: it admits visitors only in its best seasons, on weekends when the cherries, azaleas and satsuki are out in spring, and on weekends and holidays through November for the maples. Check the opening days before you go.