Sanzen-in, Buddhist temple in Ohara, Kyoto, Japan
Sanzen-in is a temple in Ohara, Sakyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan. The compound holds two gardens with stone lanterns, ponds, and thick carpets of moss that spread across paths and between trees.
Saicho founded the temple between 782 and 806 on Mount Hiei. After the Onin War in 1467, it moved to its current site in Ohara.
The Amida Hall contains a National Treasure, the Amida Trinity statue, with both Bodhisattvas displaying the distinctive Yamato-zuwari sitting position.
The temple opens daily between March and October from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with shorter hours in winter. Visitors can join sutra copying sessions.
Small stone sculptures of child-like Jizo figures created by artist Takashi Sugimura stand among the moss. These carvings blend into the natural surroundings.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.