Chion-in Temple

Map

History & Origins

It originates in the place where Honen Shonin began preaching the nembutsu teaching from 1175 (the 5th year of Joan). In the Edo period, with the devotion of the Tokugawa family, large-scale development was carried out, and the present Sanmon was built in 1621 (the 7th year of Genna) and the Miedo in 1639 (the 16th year of Kan'ei). As the head temple of the Jodo school, it has branch temples across the country.

Highlights

The Sanmon (National Treasure) is about 24 m high and is said to be one of the largest wooden temple gates in Japan. The Miedo (National Treasure) enshrines the portrait of Honen Shonin, and the Dai-hojo retains Kano school sliding-door paintings. The bell in the Great Bell Tower weighs about 70 tons, counted as one of Japan's Three Great Bells, and is known for the New Year's Eve bell-ringing.

Visitor Guide

About an 8-minute walk from Higashiyama Station on the subway, or about 10 minutes on foot from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line. Entry to the grounds is free (garden viewing is charged). The gate opens from 6:00, and garden reception runs 9:00-16:00. Yuzen-en is 300 yen and the Hojo garden is 400 yen (combined ticket 500 yen).

Best Season

The November autumn foliage season colors the grounds beautifully. The New Year's Eve bell-ringing on December 31 is a solemn event in which 17 monks ring the bell 108 times, and is a signature winter scene of Kyoto's year end.

Blessings

Annual Events

• December

  Joya no Kane (New Year's Eve Bell)

  A representative New Year's Eve event of Japan, held late at night on December 31. Seventeen monks work together to ring the temple bell 108 times, announcing the arrival of the new year.

• April

  Gyoki Daie (Memorial Grand Service for Honen)

  The largest service at Chion-in Temple, held in late April in connection with the anniversary of the death of Honen Shonin. Worshippers gather from all over Japan, and a grand service is held.

Travel Plan

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