There are approx 3,000 temples in Kyoto. (FYI it’s 2,000 more than the number of convenience stores!) It’s not easy to define which temple in Kyoto is the most attractive or the difference between them. Today I would like to introduce some of temples in Kyoto with a particular exterior.. beautiful windows. Here is the list of 5 temples with unique and fabulous window frames!

1. Funda-in Temple (芬陀院)

Funda-in Temple was built in 1321 during Muromachi period in Kyoto. The temple is known for its circle window and the beautiful garden designed by the famous gardener “Sesshu” so the temple is often called “Sesshu Temple”. The outside view with the circle window looks like a piece of art.

Address: 15–803 Honmachi, Higashiyama-ward, Kyoto

Nearest Station: 5 minutes walk from Tobakaido station (Keihan line)

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00

Fee: 300 yen

2. Genkoan Temple (源光庵)

This temple in Kyoto has two famous windows. The round one is called “the Window of Enlightenment” while the square one is called “the Window of Doubt” and both was named after mind of Zen. In autumn, outside of windows are tinted with warm colours.

Address: 47 Kitatakagami cho, Takagamine, Kita-ward, Kyoto

Nearest Station: from Kitaoji station, Take bus North1 to Takagamine Genkoan stop

Hours: 09:00 to 17:00

Fee: 400 yen

3. Unryu-in Temple (雲龍院)

Unryu-in Temple has several windows in the hall but the one you should never miss is called “Shikishi no Mado”, the slide door with 4 small square windows. Each window shows us different view and world. The temple can be reached from Kyoto station within 20 mins.

Address: 36 Sennyuji Yamanouchicho, Higashiyama-ward, Kyoto

Nearest Station: from Kyoto station Karasuma Exit, Take bus No208 to Senwakujido stop

Hours: 9:00 to 16:30

Fee: 400 yen

4. Kourin-in Temple(興臨院)

Korin-in is located within a site of Daitokuji temple. Korin-in has very unique lantern shape window from Muromachi period. The temple is not always open for public viewers but it’s currently open till 15th December.

Address: 80 Murasakino Ditokuji cho, Kita-ward, Kyoto

Nearest Station: from Kyoto station Karasuma Exit, Take bus No206 to Daitokujimae stop

Hours: 10:00 to 16:00 (till 15th December)

Fee: 600 yen

5. Tentoku-in Temple (天得院)

Kyoto’s true hidden temple, Tentoku-in is open for public viewing only twice a year (in June and November). The temple has unique bell-shaped window with the view of moss garden in summer and beautiful autumn foliage in autumn.

Address: 802–15 Honmachi, Higashiyama-ward, Kyoto

Nearest Station: 7 minutes walk from Tofukuji station (JR Nara line)

Check more details on their homepage ↓

6. Shoju-in Temple (正寿院)

Should we just name this “the Cutest Temple in the World”?? Shoju-in is located in outskirt of Kyoto and this 800 years old temple has been fascinating visitors especially young girls. This photogenic heart shaped window caught all girls hearts!

Address: 149 Kawakami, Okuyamada, Ujitawara-cho, Tsuzuki-gun, Kyoto

Looking for more unique spots in Kyoto? Then you may wanna check out these articles, too!

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