Sanzen-in Temple | Review by wendy

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Sanzen-in Temple

One of the three Tendai Sect temples administered by the imperial family. The garden is lovely in all seasons.

22 Sep 2026 See More

If there’s one place in Kyoto where you don’t need to rush to do anything, I would choose Sanzen-in Temple. As you enter the mountain forests of Ohara, there is none of the city’s noise and bustle—only an ancient temple, moss, stone steps, and greenery everywhere you look. Sunlight filters through the treetops and falls across the garden, and even the air seems to grow quiet.

My favorite part is the moss garden. Lush green moss covers the ground alongside the old wooden buildings, creating a sense of gentleness and tranquility left behind by the passage of time. Although it takes some time to get here from central Kyoto, that very distance gives Sanzen-in an added beauty far removed from the noise of the world.

Other Reviews by wendy

Higashi Honganji Temple, Kyoto

Higashi Honganji Temple is located in Karasuma Rokujo, near Kyoto Station. Officially called "Shinshu Hongyo", Higashi Honganji Temple is the head temple of the Otani sect of Shinshu Buddhism, built in the 7th year of Keichō era (1602) on land donated by Tokugawa Ieyasu to Kyōnyo Shonin.
- Kyoto Station, Shijo Kawaramachi, Kyoto Imperial Palace
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22 Sep 2026 See More

When visiting Kyoto, besides Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha, there's also an incredibly impressive ancient temple hidden in the city center—Higashi Honganji Temple.

Located near Kyoto Station, it's within walking distance and very convenient to reach. When I first saw it, what struck me most was the enormous and solemn wooden building before me. Its magnificent roof, intricate layers of wooden framework, and delicate decorations really make you stop and look up for a long time.

Higashi Honganji is the head temple of the Shinshu Otani-ha school of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism and one of Kyoto's important Buddhist temples. The temple isn't only massive in scale. Once inside, you can also feel a quiet and composed atmosphere.

I especially like how it feels like a place that's worth stopping by even without making special plans.

Walking over from Kyoto Station, the bustle of the city is still behind you, but once you enter the temple grounds, the view suddenly becomes open and peaceful.

Magnificent wooden architecture × Kyoto's history × a peaceful temple atmosphere. If you happen to be near Kyoto Station, consider setting aside some time for Higashi Honganji Temple and experiencing another side of Kyoto's solemn and serene beauty.
Uji Bridge (Kyoto)

Stepping out of the ticket gates at Keihan Uji Station, the first thing that catches your eye is Uji's landmark, the Uji Bridge. According to the "Uji Bridge Monument" at Hashidera Hojo-in, it is said to have been built in the second year of the Taika era (646) during the Asuka period by a monk named Doto from the Nara temple of Gango-ji, making it one of Japan’s three ancient bridges alongside the Seta no Karahashi and Yamazaki Bridge.
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After leaving the ticket gates at Keihan Uji Station, the first thing that comes into view is Uji's most iconic landmark—Uji Bridge. Spanning the Uji River, Uji Bridge is considered one of Japan's three ancient bridges, along with Seta no Karahashi Bridge and Yamazaki Bridge. The current bridge was rebuilt in 1996, retaining a traditional style with cypress railings and bronze decorations. Walking across it, the historic atmosphere blends with the river scenery, really giving you the feeling that you've arrived in Uji!

Near the center of the bridge, slightly toward the west side, a small section projects upstream. Known as San-no-ma, it is said to be the former site of a shrine dedicated to Hashihime, the guardian deity of Uji Bridge, adding a mythical quality to the bridge. Standing on the bridge and watching the Uji River flow gently by, with greenery along both banks and mountains in the distance, it's no wonder Uji always has such a quiet and relaxing atmosphere.
Kenninji Temple

The oldest Zen temple in Kyoto and the head temple of the Kenninji sect of the Rinzai school. In 1202, Minamoto no Yorie, the second shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate, donated the temple area to the temple and founded it with Yousai Zenji as the founder.
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14 Sep 2026 See More

Founded in 1202, Kenninji is one of Kyoto's oldest Zen temples. Although it is near the lively Gion district and Hanamikoji Street, it is unexpectedly peaceful. It feels like Gion draws everyone's attention, making Kenninji a very pleasant hidden attraction.

Admission is JPY 800, and you need to remove your shoes before entering. The temple houses treasured works such as the Wind and Thunder Gods folding screens, and the gardens are filled with Zen touches throughout. It's a great place to sit and take your time appreciating the scenery while enjoying the quiet Japanese atmosphere.

I especially recommend walking all the way to the main hall. The moment you step inside, you're greeted by the subtle scent of wood. When you look up and see the spectacular ceiling painting, you can't help but stop in your tracks. It's truly breathtaking.