Paintings with intense colors of flying dragons and celestial nymphs spreading across the ceiling, coupled with shining statues of the Shakyamuni Tathagata and Sixteen Disciples of Buddha in lights, take visitors into the world of "Gokuraku-jodo," or the land of Perfect Bliss.

Chion-in Temple in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, which has a close association with the Tokugawa family, has opened its national treasure "Sanmon" gate as part of the tourism campaign "Kyo no Fuyu no Tabi," or winter travel in Kyoto. At 24 meters in height, 50 meters in width, and with 70,000 tiles, the gate, which was built by the 2nd Shogun, Hidetada Tokugawa, is one of the largest wooden gates in the world.

In "Ro-jo," or the upper area of the gate, visitors can see wooden statues and the white wood coffins of Kin-emon Gomi, the carpenter who built the Sanmon gate, and his wife who are viewed compassionately for committing suicide to take responsibility for budget overruns. These are counted as one of the seven wonders of Chion-in Temple. The exhibition continues until March 21. There is an admission fee.