Photo= The illuminated Seiryu-den hall emerges atop Mt. Higashiyama (October 3, Zushiokukacho-cho, Yamashina Ward, Kyoto)

"Seiryu-den," or a grand hall for burning holy sticks of invocation, has been completed and was lit up on October 3. Shoren-in Temple of Higashiyama Ward built it in the Shogunzuka Dainichi-do temple's garden, an enclave of the temple, in Yamashina Ward, Kyoto. The palace-style wooden building emerged fantastically atop Mt. Higashiyama, which commands a panoramic night view of the city center.

"Heian Dojo," or a kendo and judo hall built in 1914 in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, which was scheduled to be demolished, was relocated in its entirety. This building was formerly a martial arts hall for the Kyoto Prefectural Police department and young people, with an area of approximately 540 square meters. On the north side, a new sanctuary was established with an area of about 140 square meters and a repository for the Buddhist painting "Fudo Myo-o Nidoji Zo," or God of Fire statue with two children, a national treasure, which is known as "Aofudo," or Blue Cetaka, created in the mid-Heian Period. Thus it was reborn as the Seiryu-den hall.

Furthermore, there is a wooden stage next to the hall that is about 4.7 times the area of a tennis court from which a vast panoramic view of the city below can be enjoyed.

The hall is open to the public from October 8. The exhibition of the Buddhist painting "Aofudo" and the night illumination will continue until December 23. There is an admission fee. Shuttle buses from Shoren-in Temple are available.