Hōnen-in

The temple features thatched-roof gates, two sand art constructions displaying seasonal designs, and a stone bridge crossing a small pond with moss gardens.

Founded in 1680, this temple honors Honen, who established the Jodo-shu Buddhist school and advocated for simpler religious practices in twelfth-century Japan.

The temple cemetery contains the graves of notable individuals, including economist Kawakami Hajime, philosopher Shuzo Kuki, and writer Tanizaki Junichiro.

The temple buildings open to visitors only twice per year during spring and fall, but the gardens and grounds remain accessible throughout the year.

Monks maintain two raised rectangular sand gardens called Byakusadan, where they rake new patterns weekly to represent the changing seasons.

Location: Sakyō-ku

Inception: 1680

Fee: No

Address: 京都市左京区鹿ヶ谷御所ノ段町３０番地

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 06:00-16:00

Phone: +81757712420

Email: byakurenja1212@gmail.com

Website: http://honen-in.jp

GPS coordinates: 35.02397,135.79742

Latest update: May 27, 2025 13:16