Sanzenin Temple in Kyoto

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Facts & Figures

Sanzenin, known as Kajii Monzeki, is a Zen Buddhism Temple in the beautiful village Ohara (1hr north of Kyoto) and belongs to the Tendai Sect. Sanzenin is one of the five prestigious Tendai Monzeki temples in Kyoto. The temple is well-known for its amazing moss gardens, long history of over 1200 years, and beautiful autumn colors. The peak season to see the autumn foliage with the bright red maple leaves is in mid-November. Sanzenin is a large temple complex that consists of many buildings like the Ennyu-zo (Treasure House), Ojo-Gokuraku-in (Main Hall), Kyakuden (Guest Hall), Konjiki-Fudo-do (Hall of Golden Acalanatha), and many more. Visitors can stroll through the various gardens (Yusei-en, Shuheki-en) at the property. The moss gardens are decorated with smiling jizo stone statues. You can come here during any season and you will always discover something new.

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• Sanzenin Temple:
• Opening Hours - 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (March - 7th of Dec.)
• Opening Hours - 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (7th of Dec. - February)
• Closed - never, open the whole year
• Admission Fee - 700 yen (Adults), 400 yen (Junior High School, High School), 150 yen (Primary School)

History

Sanzenin Temple was founded in 804 as a small hermitage by the famous monk Saicho (767 - 822), also known as Dengyo Daishi. He also created the Buddhist Tendai Sect in Japan. Sanzenin is one of the rare cases where the head priests (abbots) of a temple were also members of the imperial family. It all started with the second son of Emperor Shirakawa (1058 - 1135) during the Heian Period (794 - 1185). Since 1871, the temple has been officially named Sanzenin.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Ojo-Gokuraku-in Hall - Inside you will find the beautiful 2.3-meter-high statue of Amida (Buddha of the Western Paradise) and besides the main figure statues of Seishi (Wisdom King) and Kannon (Bodhisattva of Compassion). These three statues are National Treasures. The Main Hall is the oldest building of the temple complex and dates back to 986. Major repairs were done in 1616.

Shuhekien Garden - It is a traditional Japanese garden with a pond and an artificial hill. On top of the hill, you will see a stone pagoda.

Yusei-en Garden - This moos garden is the highlight of Sanzenin. There is a reason why they call this place the Pure Pleasure Garden. The green moos together with maple trees and cryptomeria, form a breathtaking scenery.

Kyakuden (Guest Hall) - The hall is full of beautiful Japanese calligraphy art and drawings on sliding doors (fusuma). Part of Kyakuden is a wonderful garden where you can enjoy a break with a cup of green tea and a Japanese sweet. Kyakuden was once the residence of the temple's head priests (abbots).

Shinden (Main Hall) - On display are images of Yakushi-Nyorai (Buddha of Healing), Fudo Myoo, and Kannon. To make space for the statues to ceiling is shaped like the bottom of a boat.

Small Kannon Statues - Close to the Kannon-do Hall is a display of many of these little statues donated by visitors/pilgrims. Each figure stands for a personal wish or prayer.

Ennyu-zo (Treasure House) - Here you will get more information about the temple's unique relics and historic treasures.

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

March

Higashiyama Hanatouro Festival (Early - Mid March)
The illumination of local temples and roads by thousands of lanterns in the Higashiyama neighbourhood last for 10 days and starts at 6pm until 9:30pm. It is an unforgettable experience.

April

Miyako Odori (1st - 31st)
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 the Imperial Palace through the Shimogamo Shrine and ends at the Kamigamo Shrine (Kamigamo-jinja). More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri as the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

June - July

Ajisai (hydrangea) Festival at Sanzen-in Temple (9th of June - 7th of July)
Visitors come here to enjoy more than 1000 different kinds of ajisai hydrangeas in full bloom.

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month of 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 lasts around 2 hours.