Kegon-ji, Buddhist temple in Nishikyo-ku, Japan
Kegon-ji sits in the western part of Kyoto and shows traditional temple elements with a spacious main building that features timber beams, sliding doors, and an open interior for gatherings. Landscaped gardens with low hedges and stone paths surround the buildings and lead to quiet corners.
The temple was established in 1723 by Buddhist scholar Hotan on the former grounds of Saifuku-ji. During the 19th century, the community left its original Kegon teaching and turned to Rinzai Zen instead.
Monks invite visitors to sit in the main hall while serving tea and introducing elements of Buddhist philosophy. The setting feels like a quiet conversation where everyone shares the pace and direction of the exchange.
The temple lies about ten minutes on foot from Matsuo-taisha Station on the Hankyu Arashiyama Line, and several bus routes stop nearby. Visitors should expect to sit on the floor inside the main hall, so comfortable clothing helps.
Around 50,000 bell crickets live year-round on the temple grounds and produce a continuous song that earned the site its nickname Suzumushi-dera. The crickets are kept in dedicated areas so their chirping accompanies every season.
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