I passed the gate of this very pretty shrine in Northern Kyoto several times, but I never entered it until recently, drawn in by the splendid autumn colors I could see behind the walls. Goryo Shrine dates from the Heian Era, and is believed to be the place at which the Onin War began. These days it hosts an annual festival complete with period costumes and horses, a small monthly flea market. I was fascinated by the unusual statue featuring five small children and a huge urn - I know there must be an interesting story behind it!
- 1 min read
Autumn at Goryo Shrine in Kyoto
Sunlight makes leaves glow above an intriguing statue

By Cathy Cawood
Community writer

I don't know the story behind this statue, but I want to!

There is an intriguing statue with five small children and a large urn

The beautiful main hall of the shrine

Gingko, maple and cherry glow brightly in the sunshine

Fallen leaves along the side of the main hall

Sake barrels

Stone torii under tall maple trees

A row of stone lanterns

Leaves scattered on the path under a small tunnel or red torii

Orange maple leaves against the dark wood of the eaves

A branch of red leaves hangs over a small shrine building

Wooden ema

A tall yellow gingko tree catches the light

There are seats underneath this building raised on stilts

One of the gate guardians

The gate of the shrine
Explore nearby
Join the discussion
Olga
10 years ago
The children are really adorable!
1 comment in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Kyushu Craftsmanship and Traditions Heritage Tour
Article -
2
Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road
Chiba -
3
Aichi Awaits: Seven Authentic Experiences Beyond Nagoya
Aichi - Sponsored -
4
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
5
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
6
An Enriching Getaway in Ome City
Tokyo - Sponsored -
7
Osaka Noh Festa
Osaka - Sponsored -
8
Mt. Fuji Hike 2025: New Safety Rules & Registration Guide
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
9
Hokkaido Full Immersion Tour
Hokkaido -
10
LUUP: The New Age of Bike Rentals in Japan?
Transportation
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
4
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
5
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto -
6
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Tokyo Pride
Tokyo -
9
Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone
Kanagawa -
10
Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition
Tokyo