Kyoto Photo Two Girls Kimono Taizo Subtemple

Myoshin-ji Temple is a walled-in world of Zen temples that easily merits a half-day or even full day of leisurely exploring.

[image © Damien Douxchamps]

Most tourists headed up to this corner of Northwest Corner head right past Myoshin-ji Temple en route to Kinkaku-ji Temple or Ryoan-ji. This is puzzling, because it’s actually one of the most appealing temple compounds in the city. Whether you enter from the north or south gate, you’ll find a whole world of lanes and beguiling subtemples to explore. You should definitely make a point of seeing the eponymous Myoshin-ji Temple, the main temple here, as well as Taizo-in, one of Kyoto’s finest gardens, but don’t be afraid to poke your head into smaller temples and keep your eyes peeled for special openings. There are a few temples here that are only open a few days a year — if you pass by one of these, go in: you won’t be disappointed.

See our complete guide to the Myoshin-ji temple complex on our Finding Zen In Myoshin-ji page.

English address:
64 Myoshin-ji-cho, Hanazono, Ukyo-ku

Japanese address:
右京区花園妙心寺町64

Opening hours:
Main temple buildings:

• 9.10-11.40am (every 20min)
• 12:30pm (only once)
• 1pm-3:40pm (every 20min)
• Closed irregularly

Admission:
Admission to main temple buildings:

• Adults: ¥500
• Junior high school students: ¥300
• Elementary school students: ¥100
• Other areas of the complex: Free

Non-smoking area: Yes

Nearest Transport:
15min walk from Hanazono Station, JR Sagano-san-in line

Telephone: 461-5226

Website: Official Website (English)

Where Is This Place Located?

• Open the Kyoto map
• You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
• Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
• Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
• If you’re using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

Near To Here:
Myoshin-ji Temple is located in Northwest Kyoto. See our complete list of things to do in Northwest Kyoto, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.

---