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General "What to do at Koya san?" information with great photos!

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The small mountaintop Buddhist community of Mount Koya (Koyasan) is one of Japan's most magical, if increasingly popular, destinations and the perfect place to spend a night at a Buddhist temple in shukubo temple lodgings.

Located in a remote wooded area of Wakayama Prefecture, south of Kyoto and Osaka, Koyasan is home to more than 100 temples and monasteries.

The headquarters of the Shingon school of Buddhism, Mount Koya was originally established in the year 819 by the famous monk Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi), and to this day remains one of the holiest places in Japan.

Koyasan is fairly easy to access from Osaka and Kyoto, which undoubtedly contributes to its recent boom in visitors. Yet despite the rise in tourism, Mount Koya remains a rewarding destination for travelers interested in Buddhism, history, traditional culture, and nature.
Originally written in 2014, this post was updated and republished on July 15, 2020.

When to Visit Mount Koya

There's no bad time to visit Mount Koya, but it's wise to know what to expect.

If you like warmer weather, consider visiting in late spring, summer, or early fall. In late autumn it begins to get quite chilly, and winters are cold and often snowy (making this beautiful destination even more gorgeous).

For more on Japan's seasons and weather, see When Is The Best Time To Visit Japan?

Getting to Mount Koya

It's possible to visit Koyasan as a long day trip from Osaka (or even Kyoto), but for a richer experience we recommend spending a night or two here.

The most straightforward jumping off point for reaching Mount Koya is the city of Osaka.
If you're coming from Kyoto, you'll first need to make your way to nearby Osaka. Rail connections between Kyoto and Osaka abound, and the best option will depend in great part on where in Kyoto you're starting. You can look at route options using sites such as Google Maps, Hyperdia, and Jorudan.
From Osaka there are a handful of options, but for most travelers the simplest and most direct way to Mount Koya will be departing from Osaka's Nankai Namba Station (not to be confused with the nearby Namba Station). Nankai is the name of the railway company that operates the Nankai Koya Line to Mount Koya.

Rail travel in Japan is a pleasure, and for our clients we typically suggest the Nankai Koya Line's Limited Express Koya train, which gets you to Koyasan as quickly and efficiently as possible (there are slower, non-express options as well).

The end of the line is Gokurakubashi Station, where everyone makes the easy transfer to the charming Koyasan Cable Car, which takes you up to Mount Koya itself. From there, taxis and buses are waiting to whisk travelers to their shukubo (temple lodgings).

For some travelers, it may make sense to obtain the Koyasan-World Heritage Ticket or the Kansai Thru Pass. For our clients, we often include one if the circumstances make it worthwhile. (Speaking of special rail passes, see our overview on the Japan Rail Pass.)

What to Do on Mount Koya

Aside from the chance to stay in a shukubo (more about temple lodgings below), Koyasan's most famous landmark is the otherworldly Okunoin Cemetery.

Okunoin is one of Japan's most sacred sites, and the location of Kobo Daishi's mausoleum. If you follow the lovely walking paths through this beautiful wooded cemetery, you'll end up at Torodo Hall, which houses more than 10,000 eternally-lit lanterns.

Most visitors come during the day, but for the more adventurous we recommend a visit at night. This will also give you the opportunity to enjoy a more serene Koyasan, once the day-trippers have departed.

Okunoin Cemetery is a about a 10-minute bus ride from the center of town, where most of the temples - including the famous Kongobuji Temple - are located.

Kongobuji is the headquarters of the Shingon sect. Inside, you'll find exquisitely-painted gilded sliding doors adorned with cranes, plum blossoms, and the story of Kobo Daishi's journey to China and subsequent founding of Koyasan.

Also located within the Kongobuji temple complex is Japan's largest rock garden, Banryutei Rock Garden. The beautiful Banryutei depicts a pair of dragons emerging from a sea of clouds.

Just a short stroll from Kongobuji you'll come upon another of Koyasan's most sacred sites, Danjo Garan. This is a complex of about twenty structures, including the impressive 45-meter tall Konpon Daito Pagoda and Kondo Hall, where important ceremonies are performed.

Hiking Around Mount Koya

The Kii Peninsula is one of Japan's premier hiking areas and there are also some fantastic hiking options around Mount Koya.

For a challenging multi-day trekking experience, the Kohechi route - which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route - is a beautiful and steep 70 kilometer (43.5 mile) hike through the mountains, which ends at Mount Koya.
For more on the Kohechi and other Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, we highly recommend the maps and resources provided by the Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau.
If a day hike is more your speed, then consider the Koyasan Choishi Michi trail, which can be enjoyed as the full 23.5 kilometer (14.6 mile) hike or modified all the way down to about a 9.5 kilometer (5.9 mile) hike, depending on your starting point of origin.

Getting Around Koyasan

A great way to explore Mount Koya is on foot, since the majority of Koyasan's main sights are within walking distance of one another.

There are also local bus lines connecting you to the rest of the surrounding areas, including Okunoin and Daimon Gate.

Most of the temples and surrounding sites do charge small entrance fees. However, the town's tourist information center sells an almost all-inclusive pass, called the "Combination Ticket," which gives you access to most of Koyasan's main sites.

Where to Stay: Mount Koya's Best Shukubo (Temple Lodging)

For many travelers, one of the highlights of visiting Mount Koya is a stay at a shukubo.

While a stay at a Buddhist temple lacks many of the conveniences you would find at a modern hotel, it is the experience of a temple stay on this spiritual mountain that makes it worthwhile.

You'll have the chance to interact with resident monks (at some temples there are English-speaking monks), and enjoy shojin ryori meals of traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine.

Sleeping arrangements are also traditional, and indeed staying at a shukubo has many similarities to staying in a ryokan. However, it's important to note that shukubo are definitely more on the rustic and spartan side.

These are some of our favorite temple lodgings on Koyasan:

Souji-in is one of Koyasan's highest-end shukubo, and also offers wonderful shojin ryori cuisine.

Ichijo-in is another high-quality temple, also renowned for its cuisine.

Hongaku-in is a good shukubo with relatively standard rooms, but is also noteworthy thanks to its excellent cuisine.

Rengejo-in is a good standard shukubo with friendly hospitality.

Eko-in is another standard but good shukubo with an especially convenient location to the Okuno-in Cemetery, to which they also offer a night tour!

We hope our guide to Koyasan helps you get the most out of your Mount Koya visit!

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The Buddhist community of Mount Koya (Koyasan) is the perfect place to spend a night at a Buddhist temple in shukubo (temple lodgings).

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Kawaguchi Asama Shrine is near Kawaguchi ko with great views of Mt. Fuji

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A shrine with breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and a historic past.

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Hiroshima - Miyajima famous Torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine on the island

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Hiroshima - Miyajima famous Torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine on the island

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General "What to do on Miyajima?" info about the island that has perhaps the most famous shrine gate in the world!

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Miyajima (宮島) is a small island less than an hour outside the city of Hiroshima. It is most famous for its giant torii gate, which at high tide seems to float on the water. The sight is ranked as one of Japan's three best views.

While officially named Itsukushima, the island is more commonly referred to as Miyajima, Japanese for "shrine island". This is because the island is so closely related to its key shrine, Itsukushima Shrine. Like the torii gate, the shrine's main buildings are built over water.

Miyajima is a romantic place, best enjoyed by staying overnight at one of the island's ryokan. While there are usually many daytime tourists, in the evening the area becomes much quieter and more peaceful. There are also wild deer on the island that have become accustomed to people. In the day the deer wander around the same sites as the tourists, and in the evening they sleep along the walking paths. Unlike in Nara, the deer on Miyajima must not be fed.

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Travel guide for Miyajima island and Itsukushima Shrine near Hiroshima, Japan.

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Animal Symbols at Shrines/Temples - Fox at Fushimi Inari Shrine near Kyoto

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Animal Symbols at Shrines/Temples - Fox at Fushimi Inari Shrine near Kyoto

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Statues of foxes decorate many different parts of the Fushimi Inari Shrine south of Kyoto. This website also mentions Koubou Daishi (a.k.a. Kukai), the renowned monk calligrapher who founded the Shingon Buddhist sect and designated Mt. Koya as a holy place.

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Kyoto - Guide to its best temples and shrines!

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This post may contain affiliate links that help support my business in creating content like this. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read my disclosure for more information.
Updated October 2023
There are so many things to do in Kyoto and one of them is a visit to the temples and shrines. With over 2,000 of them, you could spend weeks and not see them all. On a second visit to Kyoto, I found how there are so many wonderful ones I had missed previously.

Depending on your Japan itinerary (I'd recommend this two-week itinerary), you'll want a few days in Kyoto. This ancient city is rooted in the tradition and preservation of the arts. It's a truly wonderful place to get an understanding of Japan's culture. Many of the temples in Kyoto are world heritage sites as well as they've been preserved as historical sites.

I wanted to share a curated list of the best Kyoto temples and shrines to help you plan your visit. You may not want to see all of these but you'll get a sense of the top ones to see. Ready to explore?

Getting to Kyoto

Getting to Kyoto is incredibly easy by train from other major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. To access the city, book a train to Kyoto Station. If you plan to spend an extended time in Japan using the trains, I'd recommend getting the Japan Rail Pass also known as the JR Rail Pass prior to arrival in Japan.

Getting around in Kyoto can be easily done by the local metro or bus, or Uber or taxi. For more information on Japan travel, read this full guide to transporation in Japan.

Planning a Trip to Kyoto? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Kyoto:

For everything you need to know about visiting Kyoto, be sure to check out my full Kyoto travel guide and my guides to my favorite neighborhoods and hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, things to do, and photography locations!

A Guide to the Best Kyoto Temples and Shrines

This 1300 years-old Inari shrine is dedicated to the God of bountiful crops. Often famed for the red (but more orange) torii gates that line the path, Fushimi Inari Taisha or Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most beautiful in the city. Located in the southern part of Kyoto, the Shinto shrine is runs trails all the way up the mountain. The wooded forest is a peaceful place to go for a morning walk and I'd encourage going past the main gates.

Past the main grounds, is the hiking trail that is covered in the vermillion gates, and worth an exploration. Donated by individuals and companies, each gate has an inscription of the donor. To have a gate here is quite an honor as each one starts at 400,000 yen. It's also the headquarters to over 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan.

You'll find fox statues throughout Fushimi Inari which is thought to be Inari's messenger as well. If you do the hike to the summit, it could take onwards of three hours, so be sure to allocate time if you plan to do the whole trek. If not, about an hour or so is needed to get to the main path. This one is near the Inari train station as well and easy to access.
Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan

Kinkakuji Temple or The Golden Pavilion is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful temples in Kyoto. Known as the golden temple, the temple draws a huge audience. Located in Northern Kyoto, the top two floors are covered in this gold leafing with a wooden floor below. The outside of the temple is covered in gold leaf so it reflects across the pond.

The Kinkakuji Temple is part of the Shokokuji temple complex, which is also home to the Ginkakuji Temple or Silver Pavilion, and Jotenkaku Museum

I heard someone once say that every morning they rake the bottom of the pond so that there's a perfect reflection of the temple. The temple has a long history, first being constructed in 1408 for the shogun Asikaga Yoshimitsu. Over the years it has been destroyed and burnt down multiple times, each time being rebuilt afterward. The most recent was when it was on fire by a monk, so the structure you see today was actually reconstructed in 1955.

When you're visiting the temple, one highlight is trying out the golden ice cream, or soft serve topped with golden flakes. Well worth the price!
Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan

Located in the heart of the Higashiyama District, the Kōdaiji Temple is Zen Buddhist temple perched up above it. The gardens here are incredibly impressive and a great spot to catch the cherry blossoms in season. Established in 1606, the temple is part of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.

The interiors and exteriors are lavish and stunning. You can enter the main hall that sits amidst the gardens. From a rock garden to a tsukiyama style garden, the Kōdaiji Temple has a wide range here. One highlight is making the walk up the hill and passing back through a small bamboo grove. This was such a surprise to find!

Be sure to take a walk around the zen gardens here or even enjoy tea in the tea house.
Address: Japan, 〒605-0825 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, 高台寺下河原町５２６

Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is certainly one of the most visited temples in all of Kyoto and worth being on the itinerary. A local travel guide would be helpful here just to be able to explore the depths of this temple. It sits upon Mt. Otowa with views over the city of Kyoto. With over 1200 years of history, visitors come to pay respects to "Kannon" near the main hall. This deity is of mercy and compassion and brings in a large number of visitors for this reason.

Known for the wooden terrace that jets out over the mountain, the spring months are covered in cherry blossoms. The temple name translates to "Pure Water" which is why it's a celebrated temple. The Otowa Waterfall runs through the temple and you'll see visitors passing by the pool to drink from it. The main hall has been under construction for renovation since 2017 but will be fully done here by March 2020.

A Kyoto walking tour with this temple included would be another way to visit with a guide as well. Be sure to visit the Yasaka shrine nearby as well.
Address: 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan

One of the less-visited temples in Kyoto, Honen-in Temple is a lush temple on the outskirts. It's a personal favorite for going somewhere quiet and off the beaten path. The moss-covered gate makes for a beautiful entrance to the gardens, where you can wander around in complete quietness.

During the year, the small storehouse often showcases free art exhibits that change frequently. The mossy gardens and ponds are idyllic and often feel a world's away.

It's open most of the day and well worth a visit in the afternoon.
Address: ３０番地 Shishigatani Goshonodancho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8422, Japan

In the heart of the Gion District, is the guardian deity of the geisha quarter, the Yasaka Shrine or Gion Shrine. Its promise is protection from evil, business success, and pushing away disease. Founded 1350 years ago, its popularity and fame bring in visitors from all over Japan.

During the Gion Festival in the month of July, it's the shrine at the center of it. This festival is one of the famous in all of Japan as its history dates back for thousands of years.
Address: 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan

One of the most prime locations for cherry blossoms and autumn colors, the Nanzenji zen temple is a must-visit during those times. At the base of the Higashiyama mountains, it is home to important artifacts. First built by the Emperor Kameyama as his retirement villa, it was converted into a zen temple later.

The temple was first created in 1291 during the Kamakura period and was built as a temple of prayer. It's a National Historic Site and the temple grounds are home to cultural properties. Throughout the temple, you'll find many sights to not miss. One that is often surprising is a large brick aqueduct that was built in the Meiji period. It was used back then as a way to transfer water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto.

Another incredible site is in the sub-temple of Tenjuan which is open to all. Outside of the main hall and gate, is two noteworthy gardens. The first is a rock garden and the other, a pond garden. The fall colors here are very vibrant and worth a visit in season.

It's also very popular for the views over Kyoto from the top of the gate.
Address: 86 Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8435, Japan

Home to National Treasures and Cultural Properties, Tofukuji is one of my favorite temples in Kyoto. Though it is one temple, it's home to 25 smaller temples and a rock garden that is truly beautiful. Founded in 1236, the temple is part of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.

You can catch fall colors here in the season as well. I love sitting outside on the back terrace of the Hojo that overlooks the rock garden. One other important fact about Tofuku-ji temple is that it's home to the oldest sanmon gate in Japan and the oldest zen meditation hall.

It's good to note that though the temple is free to enter, there are paid areas. The paid areas include the Tsutenkyo Bridge, Kaisando Hall, and the Hojo.
Address: 15 Chome-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0981, Japan

Previously a school that was changed into a temple, Enko-ji Temple is one of the most beautiful temples to view fall foliage in northern Kyoto. Founded in 1601, it was originally created by the shogun, Tokugawa leyasu - famous for bringing about the Edo Period.

You'll find beautiful gardens throughout the courtyard, that have ponds and plenty of foliage.

The lines can be a bit crazy but well worth to see the wonderful colors.
Address: 13 Ichijoji Kotanicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8147, Japan

Constructed during the Meiji period, the Heian Jinto Shrine is home to a large, 30,000 square meter garden. Built in 1895, this "newer" shrine is a representation of the architecture of Chodoin central government building. It was originally built on the 1100th anniversary of the capital's foundation in Kyoto.

There are cherry blossom trees that are in the shrine which visitors flock to in the season. As you pass through the large torii gates, you can pay to access the main garden behind the main building.
Address: 97 Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8341, Japan
Walking Tours in Kyoto

With so many incredible things to do, Kyoto can be overwhelming in size. One great way to explore the city is by walking tour. Many of these tours will stop by the main temples on the list (check before booking) and give you valuable insight into each of them. It's a wonderful way to have a guide and see the sights.

Here are a few to consider:

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These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler's travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.

1. Book Your Flights

I use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you're not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

I use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Rental Car

Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.

4. Book Your Tours & Experiences

I use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

5. Don't Forget Airport Lounge Access

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6. Don't Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

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A Guide to the Best Kyoto Temples and Shrines - Bon Traveler

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A cultural city, Kyoto is home to many sights. This guide to best Kyoto temples and shrines will help you decide which ones you want to see on a visit.

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Guardian Lions and Lion Dogs- Religious symbols, statues and carvings on temples/shrines

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Guardian Lions and Lion Dogs- Religious symbols, statues and carvings on temples/shrines

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This PDF isn't exactly a map, but lists the temples that are on the Tokaido Road - stations 7, 14, 18, 23, 26, 34, 45

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This PDF isn't exactly a map, but lists the temples that are on the Tokaido Road - stations 7, 14, 18, 23, 26, 34, 45

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Temples & Shrines | Kyoto City Official Travel Guide

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By using this site, you agree to the use of cookies. See our privacy policy for more information. This site uses machine translation, so content is not always accurate. Please note that translated content may differ from the original English page.

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Basic introduction to Shinto shrines in Japan

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One tradition that flourished 200 years ago in Japan, during its period of isolation from the western world, involved Euclidean geometry. Scholars and others would inscribe geometric problems on wooden tablets, then hang the tablets under the eaves of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples as offerings. Such a tablet is called a sangaku, which means […]

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The book Sacred Mathematics: Japanese Temple Geometry by Fukagawa Hidetoshi and Tony Rothman is the primary source of stories and questions we are going to discuss.

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The Japan Foundation Los Angeles is offering a free webinar series about Shinto beliefs, meeting from 10:00-11:15pm ET once a month from April through July.

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Japan Foundation Los Angeles | JAPAN AND KAMI 1: Kami Worship in Early Japan

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Banner Image: Copyright by Takahashi Shirō, photo by Minato Chihiro.

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Such as:

Enryakuji - temple that has a shrine on its campus

https://nagoya.travel/destinations/shiga/otsu/enryakuji-temple/

Enryakuji - temple that has a shrine on its campus

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NAGOYA TRAVEL GUIDE - Meitetsu World Travel -

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Enryakuji Temple／比叡山延暦寺（Shiga） - NAGOYA TRAVEL GUIDE - Meitetsu World Travel

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Hieizan Enryakuji is the head temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism in Japan, and its vast temple area stretches out across Mt. Hiei. The temple is said to have been founded in 785, at the end of the Nara Period, by a monk named Saicho (767-822), who scaled Mt. Hiei and erected a small hut. Enryakuji is an extremely prestigious temple that has reigned supreme in the Japanese religious world for some 1,200 years and has produced founders and high priests of each sect of Japanese Buddhism.

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14-min. video about a 2-day stay on Koya san (Mt. Koya), with its majestic evergreens, 100+ temples, and awesome scenery!

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I haven't been to either, but this grove at Nenbutsuji is supposedly less crowded than the famous grove at Arashiyama.

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Want to see the Kyoto bamboo forest, but not keen on the crowds? Then check out Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, a beautiful temple with its own, much less crowded, bamboo grove.

Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple is located in the same area as the world-famous Arashiyama bamboo forest, making it a great alternative. Here's everything you need to know - and a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your visit.

Overcrowding at Kyoto bamboo forest

It's no secret that the Kyoto bamboo forest, also known as Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Sagano Bamboo Grove, is a tourist hotspot. And we hate to say it, but it can get overcrowded.

If you go during the day in peak tourist season, you will have no chance of a peaceful experience. Instead, you'll likely be caught up in the crowd and swept along - with no time to stop and admire your surroundings. And sure, some people's solution to that is to arrive early, as in before 7:30 a.m., but we know that's not everyone's cup of tea. It doesn't guarantee a quiet visit, either.

If you want the Kyoto bamboo forest experience without the crowds, then we've got you sorted. It's time to head to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, our favorite Arashiyama alternative.

What is Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple?

Adashino Nenbutsu-ji is a temple in the northwest of Kyoto. It's about a 30-minute walk from the Arashiyama area, famous for its bamboo grove. But while Arashiyama is crowded with tourists, very few make it as far as Adashino Temple.

Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple has a long and somewhat sad history. It's said to have been founded in the eighth century to commemorate people who died alone. Around 8,000 stone statues throughout the temple grounds represent those people. So it's important to be respectful if you decide to visit - and pay attention, because some parts of the temple don't allow photography.

How to get to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple

The easiest, and most picturesque, way to get to the temple is to walk from the Arashiyama area. Depending on your exact route, it should take around 30 minutes. You'll pass several other temples along the way, and walk along the Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street. This is lined with old Japanese-style houses, some of which are now shops and restaurants.

You could also catch a bus from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station. However, the buses are infrequent, take a similar amount of time to walking, and cost one way. As long as the weather is nice, we recommend walking if at all possible.

When to visit Adashino Nenbutsu-ji

We visited the temple in fall, and it was simply stunning. In general, the autumn leaves in Arashiyama really are something else, but walking up the stairs to Adashino - well, just look at that. Summer is also a great time to visit, with lots of greenery around.

Kyoto day trip itinerary: Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple

So you're sold, you want to see Adashino Temple - but where to start? Here's our suggested itinerary for how to spend a day visiting the temple and other places in the area.

1. Take a morning train ride on the Sagano Romantic Train

Book your ticket

The first thing on today's itinerary is a lovely scenic train ride. The Sagano Romantic Train runs between Torokko Saga Station (right by JR Saga-Arashiyama Station) and Torokko Kameoka Station. It's a beautiful route, and really popular - especially during spring and fall.

Today, we recommend actually starting from Torokko Kameoka Station and getting off at Torokko Arashiyama Station. From there, it's just a short walk to your next stop for the day, Ōkōchi Sansō Villa.

2. Enjoy the view at Ōkōchi Sansō Villa

Experience Tea Ceremony in Kyoto

So your next stop, Ōkōchi Sansō Villa, isn't a fancy, hundreds-of-years-old residence like you might expect. Instead, it was the home of director Denjirō Ōkōchi, who died in 1962. Today, the villa is known for its garden and gorgeous view of Kyoto. Take some time to wander through the garden and appreciate the sights before you leave.

3. Walk to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple

12:00 p.m.

It's time to head off to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, undeniably the highlight of the day. The walk takes you through quiet roads, past numerous temples, and along Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street. You'll pass shops and cafés, so take your time and stop for lunch if you see something that calls to you.

4. Snap your crowd-free photos of the bamboo grove

When you arrive at the temple, just pay the entry fee. The temple grounds themselves are quiet and calm, so enjoy a stroll around. But do be respectful; remember, some areas don't allow photos.

The bamboo grove is towards the back of the temple complex, make sure to take lots of photos there, before you leave.

5. Back to Arashiyama

3:00 p.m.

Now that you've snapped your crowd-free bamboo grove photos, it's time to head back for the day. The easiest way to get back into Kyoto City is to walk back to the Arashiyama area and take the train.

Along the way, you could stop by some of the other temples you passed earlier. If you're curious, you could also pop by Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to see what the crowds are like, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafés or restaurants in the area.

Adashino Nenbutsu-ji FAQs

You ask, we answer.

Where is Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple?

The temple is about a 30-minute walk north of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

How long should I spend at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji?

You only need one hour or so to see all of the temple grounds. That's not counting the time it takes to get there and back, though.
While we do our best to ensure it's correct, information is subject to change.

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Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple | Japan Cheapo

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Want that iconic Kyoto bamboo forest photo, but without the crowds? Check out our favorite alternative, Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple.

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Received this link in a Japan travel e-newsletter.

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June is a great time to visit Kyoto. Spring crowds have departed, the summer heat has yet to set in, and there are numerous special events.