Off the beaten path, visit two temples in the Kyoto Arashiyama area: Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple and Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple for the most mysterious experience!

Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple

Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple (化野念仏寺) is located in Arashiyama area, Kyoto city. It’s a Buddhist temple which was founded in 811.

At the temple, there are numerous stone statues that memorialize the souls of the dead. Every summer, there is a ceremony called “Sento Kuyo” is held at the temple, which is dedicated to the spirits of the idea,d and the stone statues are lit up with candles.

The temple is situated on uphill and slightly distanced from the major tourist area of Arashiyama, therefore not a large number of tourists visit there.

Map

Access

• Address: 17 Saga Toriimoto Adashino-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8436
• By Train: From Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station. From there, it’s a scenic 25-minute walk to the temple.
• By Bus: From Hankyu Arashiyama Station, take the Kyoto Bus bound for Kiyotaki and alight at the Toriimoto bus stop. The temple is a five-minute walk from there.

Business Hours

• March to November: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (last admission at 4:00 PM)
• December to February: 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM (last admission at 3:00 PM)

Please note that hours may change due to religious ceremonies or adverse weather conditions.

Official Website

For more information, please visit the Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple Official Website.

Tourist Reviews of Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple

Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple, nestled in Kyoto’s serene Arashiyama district, is a tranquil and historically rich site that offers visitors a peaceful escape from the bustling city. On Tripadvisor, the temple holds a rating of 4/5 based on over 211 reviews, reflecting its charm among travelers. Similarly, Trip.com, boasts a slightly higher rating of 4.1/5, further showcasing its appeal.

Many visitors appreciate the temple for its serene atmosphere and photogenic surroundings. A Tripadvisor reviewer shared their experience:

“The temple is located a bit far from Arashiyama center, I recommend taking an Uber if the weather is hot, it’s a 30-minute walk. A very good place to take photos of the bamboo forest without the usual crowd on that location.”

– from Tripadvisor

This review highlights the temple’s peaceful environment and its proximity to a less crowded bamboo grove, making it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts.

A Trip.com reviewer added their perspective, stating:

“Kanno Nenbutsu-ji Temple is a famous temple and shrine in Kyoto. It is worth riding a bike for 20 minutes from the train station. There are many European and American tourists. The journey was tiring and I was not very interested at the time. My friends unanimously recommended this place. I didn’t expect that after coming here, my whole body and mind would be refreshed.”

– from Trip.com

This review emphasizes the rejuvenating and calming experience that many visitors feel upon arriving, despite the effort it takes to get there.

These reviews reflect Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple’s unique ability to provide visitors with a blend of cultural enrichment, natural beauty, and peaceful solace, making it a worthwhile addition to any Kyoto itinerary.

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple

After a short walk to the north from Adashino Nenbutsu Temple, there is another unique temple called Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple (愛宕念仏寺). The temple was founded in the 8th century by Empress Shotoku.

The temple is famous for the 1,200 stone statues “rakan”, which represent the disciples of Buddha. Each statues have different facial expressions. Those sculptures were donated in 1981 in honor of the refurbishment of the temple. Most were carved by amateurs, taught by sculptor Kocho Nishimura.

Map

Access

• Address: 2-5 Fukatani-cho, Saga-Toriimoto, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8439, Japan
• By Train and Bus: From JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, walk approximately 10 minutes west to the main street in Arashiyama. From the Nonomiya bus stop, take Kyoto Bus #94 bound for Kiyotaki and alight at the Otagi Dera Mae bus stop. The temple is a short walk from there.
• By Taxi: A direct taxi ride from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station to the temple takes about 5 minutes and costs approximately 1,500 yen.

Please note that the approach to the temple includes an uphill walk.

Business Hours

• Open Daily: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:45 PM)
• Admission Fee: 300 yen

Official Website

For more information, please visit the Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple Official Website.

Tourist Reviews of Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple

Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, tucked away in the quiet Arashiyama district of Kyoto, offers a unique and charming experience for visitors. It enjoys high praise on Tripadvisor, with a rating of 4.5/5 based on over 301 reviews, highlighting its widespread appeal. On Trip.com, the temple holds a rating of 3.8/5, appreciated for its distinctive character and serene atmosphere.

Many visitors are drawn to the temple for its tranquil setting and the whimsical charm of its 1,200 stone rakan (Buddha disciple) statues, each with its own unique expression. A Tripadvisor reviewer shared their enthusiasm:

“My favorite shrine in Japan across two trips. We got there early so it was very peaceful and that may make a difference. Such a worthwhile drive from central Kyoto. It’s a really special place with lots to see. You can enjoy an hour or relax for half a day. This was also a favorite stop for our 4 and 6-year-olds. The statues each have their own personality popping through and there are many places to discover within the area.”

– from Tripadvisor

This review emphasizes the temple’s family-friendly appeal and the delight of exploring its intricate details.

Another reviewer on Trip.com described their experience, stating,

“It is the Tiantai Buddhist temple in Eye. In the depth of Eye, few people go to it, but it is my favorite temple in Eye. There are more than 1200 stone Buddha statues in the temple. They have different shapes. Many of them are naive. They are very happy to look at them.”

– from Trip.com

This perspective highlights the joyful and lighthearted nature of the statues, which captivate visitors with their endearing and playful expressions.

These reviews underline Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple’s unique charm, offering visitors an off-the-beaten-path experience filled with cultural richness and a sense of playful serenity. It’s a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore Kyoto’s quieter and more whimsical side.

Here are some more nearby attractions in the Arashiyama area!!

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