Shogunzuka Mound

Shogunzuka Mound (将軍塚, Shōgunzuka), perched high in Kyoto’s eastern Higashiyama mountains, holds deep historical and cultural significance. According to tradition, it was here that Emperor Kanmu stood in the 8th century to survey the valley before selecting the site for Kyoto as Japan’s new capital. Today, Shogunzuka offers visitors a perfect blend of history, nature, and panoramic beauty. Its spacious observation decks provide some of the most stunning views of Kyoto, with the North Observation Deck being particularly famous. This elegantly designed wooden platform extends outward, seemingly floating above the treetops, granting sweeping vistas of Kyoto’s skyline, including landmarks such as the Heian Shrine, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and Mount Hiei in the distance. In the evening, the city lights shimmer across the valley, creating a magical, atmospheric scene that attracts many visitors for nighttime views.

Shogunzuka is also rich in spiritual heritage. At its heart lies the legendary clay statue of a guardian general, which, according to folklore, will rumble to warn the city in times of danger. Adjacent to the mound, the Seiryuden Temple Hall houses a spectacular large-scale painting of Fudo Myoo (Acala), one of Japan’s most revered Buddhist deities, designated as a national treasure. Surrounding the hall are beautifully landscaped gardens that showcase Kyoto’s seasonal beauty—delicate cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant crimson foliage in autumn, and tranquil snowy scenes in winter. Seasonal illuminations further enhance the experience, drawing visitors year-round to admire both the natural and spiritual atmosphere that make Shogunzuka one of Kyoto’s hidden gems.