Kyoto temple offers visitors tranquil experience, as garden leaves turn green

At Kyoto’s Jissoin Temple, fresh green leaves outside are reflected on the dark, polished floor as sunlight streams in, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

The leaves of about 200 maple trees in the temple’s garden have turned green, as spring is in full swing in Japan’s ancient capital.

The leaves are beautifully reflected on the dark wooden floor, when sunlight filters through an opened door into the “Taki-no-ma” room. The scene is called “yuka-midori,” meaning “green floor.”

Iwaya Taisuke, an official at the temple, said the color of reflected light changes according to the weather, offering visitors a unique experience each time they visit.

Some people say the reflection of leaves on the floor is especially beautiful under cloudy or rainy conditions.

Visitors can enjoy a different experience as the leaves turn deeper green toward summer, and then turn red in autumn.