- Culture
- Kyoto
Myoshin-ji Temple
Vast temple grounds offer much to see such as the bonsho bell, Buddhist statues and beautiful gardens
Myoshin-ji Temple is one of the representative temples of Kyoto, serving as the headquarters of 3,400 temples across Japan of the Myoshin-ji branch of the Rinzai Zen school. Founded in 1337 by the cloistered emperor Hanazono, its vast temple grounds include the important cultural property Garan temple complex from the south, the Sanmon Gate, Buddha Hall and Dharma Hall, which are surrounded by 46 sub-temples. There is so much to see, including Japan's oldest bonsho bell decorating the Dharma Hall, a national treasure.
Taizo-in
One of the sub-temples, Taizo-in can be found when entering from the south gate and heading toward the left from the Sanmon Gate. It is famous for its two beautiful Japanese gardens: Motonobu-no-niwa, an elegant garden, which is said to have been created by renowned painter Kano Motonobu in the 16th century, and Yoko-en, a new strolling garden centered around a pond that was constructed over three years in 1963 by landscaping artist Kinsaku Nakane. The spacious gardens bloom with seasonal flowers, and delights with waterfalls and a suikinkutsu, a garden ornament in which you can enjoy the harp-like sounds of water dropping in a large, buried pot. The building also houses the national treasure ink painting "Hyonen-zu."
Torin-in
Also known as the Sal Tree Temple, Torin-in is another sub-temple famous for the blossoms of a 300-year-old sal tree, the fallen buds beautifully covering the green moss in season. While the temple is not open to the public year round, you can visit during special seasonal opening periods. The temple master is also famous for his Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, and cooking classes are held every week.
Location
| Name | Myoshin-ji Temple |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.myoshinji.or.jp/english/ |
| Address | 64 Hanazono Myoshinji-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto |
| Access | From JR Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano Line to Hanazono Station and walk approximately 5 minutes to the South Gate. |
| Business Hours | 9:10 to 15:40 (final admission)
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| Inquiries | TEL: 075-466-5381 |