Manganji

Manganji is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto with spacious grounds that include a main hall, a bell tower, and traditional gardens with a small flowing brook. The complex combines architectural elements from different periods and contains multiple halls with religious artwork.

The temple was originally founded as a Shingon sect temple during the Heian period and switched to the Nichiren sect in 1697. New buildings were constructed between 1702 and 1704, shaping the site as it appears today.

The temple displays large Buddhist paintings showing scenes of heaven and hell, reflecting traditional Japanese spiritual art. Walking through the halls, these images help visitors understand religious concepts in a visual way.

The grounds can be reached on foot, approximately a 15-minute walk from Higashiyama Station on the Tozai Line of the Kyoto subway. The route is straightforward and easy to follow, allowing for smooth access to the temple.

The grounds feature a memorial to filmmaker Kenji Mizoguchi, who directed Ugetsu, a film that won the Golden Lion award in 1953. This detail connects the place to Japanese cinema history.