Chion-in Temple
Chion-in Temple is a large and very popular temple. Its massive front gate, the largest of its kind in Japan, is an awesome sight. The grounds are often full of people who pray before the images of the main hall. You may see people standing before a large brazier, holding small sticks of incense, or waving the fragrant smoke over their heads in an effort to receive inspiration and wisdom.
The temple also has the largest bell in Japan on its grounds, one that reputedly weighs more than several city buses! Standing just north of Maruyama Park and Yasaka-jinja Shrine, the temple grounds are free to enter and are a natural part of any walking tour of Kyoto's Higashiyama District.
The temple began its days as a modest hut occupied by the priest Honen, founder of the influential Jodo (Pure Land) sect of Buddhism. His teachings were simple to grasp and attracted a large following. Chion-in Temple is now the head temple of the Pure Land Buddhist movement.
*Address: 400 Rinka-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
*Tel.: 075-531-2111
*Fax: 075-531-0099
*Access: 15-minute walk from Keihan Shijo and Sanjo Stations
17-minute walk from Hankyu Shijo-kawaramachi Station
Higashiyama Station on the Tozai Subway Line
City Bus Stop Chion-in-mae
*Parking: About 10 buses: 2 hours / 2000 yen (2000 yen per additional hour)
About 45 cars: 1 hour / 500 yen (200 yen per additional 30 min.)
*Bicycle parking not available.
*Wheelchair: Contact by phone for information
*Hours: Open 9:00 Close 16:00
*Open all year
*Entrance Fee: Adults 400 yen
Children 200 yen
Groups of 30+ adults 360 yen
Handicapped Free
