Photo By: Patrick Vierthaler
Region
Kansai
Island
Honshu
Largest City
Kyoto
Population
2,644,331

Sennyu-ji Temple

A peaceful haven in Kyoto’s busy temple scene.

These days you’ll be hard-pushed to find a temple worth visiting in Kyoto City that isn’t swamped with selfie stick-wielding tourists and groups of students on school trips. Yet somehow, Sennyu-ji Temple manages it. This temple is a serene oasis that stays blissfully crowd-free, despite its historical importance and beautiful grounds.

Concealed amid the trees at the base of Mount Tsukinowa in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, Sennyu-ji dates back to the early Heian period, when it was known as Horin-ji. It was later expanded and renamed Sennyu-ji (meaning “bubbling spring temple”) after a gushing spring of clear water located on the grounds.

Imperial Temple

The temple is also known by another name: Mitera, or “Imperial Temple”. This is due to its close association with Japan’s Imperial family. The Emperor Shijo was buried here in 1242, and the tombs of several subsequent emperors were also built on its land. The mausoleum that houses them is known as Tsukino wa no misasagi. Although visitors are not allowed inside, you can admire the imposing entrance gate adorned with wooden and gold, that is situated at one end of a perfectly-raked gravel garden.

Tsukinowa no misasagi at Sennyu-ji.

Photo by: Ashley Owen Tsukinowa no misasagi at Sennyu-ji.

At the bottom of the nearby slope, you’ll find the striking Butsu-den or Buddha’s Hall. This was rebuilt in 1668 using a Chinese style of architecture from the Song Dynasty. Inside, it houses a trio of golden seated-Buddha statues, where people come to pray for the peace and happiness of humankind. The ceiling is decorated with a dragon image drawn by Kano Tanyu, one of the most celebrated Kano school painters. The Kano school of painting prevailed as the main style of painting in Japan from the late 1400s to the Meiji period.

Nearby Sennyu-ji Temple

There are a number of other buildings in the temple precinct worth seeing. These include the Reimei-den, which holds a number of Imperial memorial tablets, and the Shinsho-den Museum. Entry to this small museum is included in the temple entrance fee, and it contains a rotating display of Buddhist artwork, scriptures and historical documents.

Things To Know

When to go

Sennyu-ji is worth the trip at any time of year, but is particularly spectacular during the autumn season when you can enjoy the fall foliage surrounding the temple. As it’s located just behind the famous Tofuku-ji Temple, another great spot for viewing the autumn colors, it’s easy to combine the two for a day of kouyou madness!

Hours and fees

The temple is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (4 p.m. from December to February). Entrance to the main temple area is ¥500 (¥300 for children).

How To Get There

Address

27 Sennyuji Yamanouchicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0977, Japan

By train

Sennyuji Temple is a 15-minute walk from Tofukuji station, which is on the Keihan Main Line and is one stop from Kyoto station on the JR Nara line.

By bus

The nearest bus stop is Sennyujimichi, which is approximately a 10-minute walk from the temple. Buses 202, 207 and 208 all stop here.

Where To Stay

Randor Hotel Kyoto Suites
  • 38-1 Higashikujo Kitamatsunokicho, Kyoto-shi Minami-ku, Kyoto, 601-8022 Japan
  • ¥18,889 - ¥166,667
  • 4.75/5 (134 reviews)
  • 1.3 km
Family Inn Kei
  • 31-3 Higashikujo Kawanishicho, Kyoto-shi Minami-ku, Kyoto, 601-8014 Japan
  • ¥14,100 - ¥17,100
  • 4.67/5 (27 reviews)
  • 1.4 km
Connect Inn Shichijo-Kamogawa
  • 46-9 Ichinohashi Nomotocho, Kyoto-shi Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0995 Japan
  • ¥14,000 - ¥18,000
  • 3/5 (5 reviews)
  • 1.5 km
Rinn Fushimi Inari
  • 37 Fukakusa Ichinotsubocho, Kyoto-shi Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, 612-0012 Japan
  • ¥34,000 - ¥34,000
  • 1.5 km
Kyoto City Gardens Hotel
  • 4 Higashikujo Kawanishicho, Kyoto-shi Minami-ku, Kyoto, 601-8014 Japan
  • ¥9,020 - ¥11,000
  • 3.44/5 (93 reviews)
  • 1.6 km

Topics: , , ,