Discover a Quiet and Peaceful side of Kyoto
Located in Yase at the foot of Mount Hiei, this Jodo Shinshu temple offers a breathtaking sight: the fresh green maple leaves of the garden reflected on the floors and tables.
The temple building is renowned for its *sukiya-zukuri* style *shoin* (study hall).
Location
The Kibune area, a popular summer retreat, is located about 30 minutes from central Kyoto and features restaurants along the river that offer *kawadoko* dining—meals served on platforms built over the flowing water.
Kifune Shrine, dedicated to the deity of water, is considered one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto.
Location
After leaving Sanzen-in Temple in Ohara and crossing the bridge over the Ritsu River, you will find Shorin-in Temple.
This temple is the birthplace of *Tendai Shomyo* (Buddhist chanting), which is considered the origin of Japanese music; it was established as a training ground for the Tendai sect’s *Nembutsu* practices involving this chanting. In the main hall, you can listen to *Shomyo* by pressing a button.
Nearby, there is also a stone known as the “Sitting Stone” of the priest Honen.
Location
Sanzen-in is a Tendai sect temple located in Ohara, Sakyo Ward—about a 30-minute drive from central Kyoto—yet it is enveloped in tranquility, and the garden of cedar trees and moss spreading out before the Ojo Gokuraku-in Hall is truly beautiful.
Location
Located in the Ichijoji area of Kyoto’s Sakyo Ward, this Tendai sect temple traces its origins to a foundation established at the summit of Mount Hiei by Saicho, the founder of the sect.
It is a prestigious *monzeki* temple—one with a history of having members of the Imperial family serve as its head priests.
The temple offers many highlights, including gardens and sliding door paintings (*fusuma-e*) created by renowned artists.
Location