Even more amazing than Kiyomizu-dera Temple！Kyoto’s Seiryuden “Glass Tea House” – A Transparent Limited-Time Exhibition

▲ The stunning glass tea house is on display for a limited time.

Reported and photographed by You ___ / Kyoto

In Kyoto, Japan, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a popular spot to enjoy city views and autumn foliage, but besides this famous temple, there is another lesser-known scenic platform in Kyoto — the “Shogunzuka Seiryuden,” a sub-temple of Shoren-in, which rivals and even surpasses Kiyomizu-dera in terms of scenery. Since 2015, the limited-time exhibition “Glass Tea House” has been set up here, offering visitors an exquisitely detailed view that changes with the surrounding nature, evoking a serene and tranquil atmosphere.


▲ The transparent glass architecture reflects the ever-changing natural surroundings, creating a uniquely beautiful atmosphere.



▲ The glass tea house.

Located at the summit of Mount Higashiyama, Seiryuden belongs to the Tendai sect’s Shoren-in sub-temple. After three years of restoration, a new grand stage was built — 4.6 times larger than Kiyomizu-dera’s stage — making it one of the best spots to view the Kyoto cityscape. Local staff explained that in 2015, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Kyoto and Florence, a one-of-a-kind “Glass Tea House” was created as a commemorative installation.

At first glance, the “Glass Tea House” may seem unremarkable, but stepping onto the grand stage of Seiryuden and seeing the crystal-clear tea house before you is truly a breathtaking sight. The approximately 3-cubic-meter tea house was originally presented by artist Tokujin Yoshioka at the 2011 Venice Biennale. Its fully transparent glass structure allows visitors to witness the refracted interplay of light and the changing seasons across different times of day.

▲ Depending on your vantage point, you can observe the transformation of light and color through the glass.


Visiting “Shogunzuka Seiryuden” in the autumn, the entire grand stage is embraced by surrounding trees. When the red leaves begin to appear and as the sun sets, the seamless integration of the glass tea house with nature creates a quietly stunning effect that leaves a deep impression.

It offers a spectacular experience in every season.


As the sunlight filters in, the colors shift magnificently.