Shinnyodo Temple 真如堂
Temple on the hill
Atop a hill in northeast Kyoto, the thousand-year-old Temple of Shinnyodo is an ideal excursion between the Philosopher's Path and Heian Shrine!
If you've already explored the incredible sights of Kyoto or just want to visit without hordes of tourists by your side, you won't have to go far. Walking on the hills is essential to immerse yourself entirely in the middle of many Buddhist temples. Among these, Shinnyodo Temple stands out.
Built initially on Mount Hiei more than a thousand years ago, the temple was moved and destroyed by wars and fires several times before being installed in its current location in 1693. It is one of the many temples of the Tendai Buddhist sect, which is very present in Japan.
Main hall of the temple
MHI
The main hall is full of riches and works presented to visitors, such as mandalas, paintings, and sutras. Also within the temple grounds is a three-storied pagoda and a giant bell that worshipers can only ring to celebrate the New Year.
With its gardens and many buildings straight out of another era, the less frequented places are often taken by storm for the shooting of samurai films!
But it is mainly in autumn that the temple attracts the curious since the many maple trees surrounding it are adorned with red leaves during koyo.
The pagoda in autumn
Wiki
Not to be missed during your visit is the nearby Kurodani Temple (1175) of the Jodo sect, which is also made up of several notable structures and has a statue of a Buddhist deity supposedly fashioned by the illustrious sculptor Unkei. Finally, many members of the Aizu clan murdered at the end of the Edo period (1603-1868) are buried in the cemetery attached to the temple, from which you will have a clear view of Kyoto.
A short video tour of the surroundings:
Address, timetable & access
Address
Phone
+81 75-771-0915Timetable
From Kyoto Station: Bus No. 5, get off at the "Shinnyo-do mae" stop.Price
gardens: 500 yen ($4.25/4€)Access
9 am - 4 pm.
