Myoshin-ji Temple in Kyoto

This post can contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links.

Facts & Figures

The Myoshin-ji Temple is easy enough to spot. It is a massive complex of Zen temple buildings and sub-temples located in the North West region of Kyoto. Many of them have been designated as a historic site or a place of scenic beauty by the Japanese government. Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Kyoto Ryokan.
 Find Your Perfect Ryokan Now > Myoshin-ji is the head temple of the Rinzai sect Myoshin-ji School of Zen Buddhism. There are appr. 6000 Rinzai sect temples in Japan and appr. 3500 of them belong to the Myoshin-ji school. It is also the largest Zen temple in the country. My must-see recommendations for you are Butsu-den Hall (important cultural property), San-mon Gate (important cultural property), Ohojo building and Hatto Hall. Guided tours are available for 500yen. Interesting to know that the famous Ryoanji Temple is a subtemple of Myoshin-ji.

• Myoshin-ji Temple Grounds:
• Open: - the whole year, 24hrs
• Admission Fee - free, but some subtemples will charge a fee

• Taizoin Subtemple:
• Opening Hours: - 09:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Closed: - never, open the whole year
• Admission Fee - 500 yen (Adults)

• Daishinin Subtemple:
• Opening Hours: - 09:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Admission Fee - 300 yen (Adults)

• Keishunin Subtemple:
• Opening Hours: - 09:00 am to 5:00 pm (March - October)
• Opening Hours: - 09:00 am to 4:30 pm (November - February)
• Admission Fee - 400 yen (Adults)

My tips for local activities

How about exploring the best parts of my favourite city Kyoto with a local guide? The personalized tour by our partner GetYourGuide can take between 2 - 8 hours. For more details check out this page >

History

The temple was founded in 1337. The temple served as the headquarters for the Myoshin-ji school of the Rinzai sect and it consisted of over 40 sub-temples and gardens. The temple was constructed on land belonging to the Emperor Hanazono (1297 - 1348). Most of the original buildings were destroyed during the Onin war that ended in 1477 so most of what is there today dates from the 15th to 17th century.

Sightseeing spots at the temple grounds

Top:

San-mon Gate - This important cultural property was built in 1599 during the late Azuchi–Momoyama era (1568 – 1600).

Ohojo building - In the old days the head priest lived here.

Hatto Hall (Lecture Hall) - You will find there on the ceiling a huge painting of a dragon. On display is also one of the oldest bells (year 698) in Japan.

Butsu-den hall - This important cultural property was built in 1583 during the Azuchi–Momoyama era (1568 – 1600).

Taizoin Subtemple - It was constructed during the mid-1960s in the Showa era that lasted from 1926 to 1989. The Taizoin Temple holds a highly valued painting that was created in the 1400s that features a Buddhist man attempting to catch fish with a gourd.

Daishinin Temple - It is the smallest of all the sub-temples, but it has a beautiful rock garden, several temple rooms and a garden full of peonies outside.

Keishunin Temple - The temple has several gardens that can be enjoyed by visitors and a pleasant tea room that allows visitors to take a break as they enjoy the surrounding scenery.

Shunko-in Subtemple - My tip: If you are looking to join in on the meditation sessions that take place during the morning hours, you can also arrive early to get a glimpse of this subtemple. Read more >

Festival & Events in Kyoto (dates can change without notice)

April

Miyako Odori (1st - 31th)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).

May

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from Imperial Palace through Shimogamo Shrine to the Kamigamo Shrine. More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri to the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which last around 2 hours.