Yoshimine-dera Temple

4.5

A Buddhist temple located in the Oharano area of Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City. The temple was founded in 1029 by the priest Gensan. The temple is connected to the fifth Tokugawa shogun Tsunayoshi’s mother Keishoin; the hanging bell tower was donated by her to ward evil away from Tsunayoshi. The grounds, located halfway up a mountain, are some 99 thousand square meters in size. Visitors can enjoy some of Kyoto’s greatest views of the city and Mt. Hiei while strolling the grounds, as well as seasonal flowers and plants. In spring, the temple boasts weeping, mountain, and Somei-yoshino cherry blossoms which dye the grounds pink. One weeping cherry on the ground is over 300 years old and is said to have been planted by Keishoin.

Spot details

Address: Kyoto Kyoutoshi Nishikyou-ku Oharanoshiochou 1372 Map
Area: Katsura / Nishiyama Area
Phone: 0753310020
Hours: [Weekday]8:30-17:00
[SaturdaySundayPublic holidays]8:00-17:00
Closed: open everyday
Fees: [Climbing fee] [Adult] 500yen [High school student] 300yen [Elementary and junior high school students] 200yen
Parking Lot: Available(150spaces)
Credit Card: Not available
Estimated stay time: 30-60 minutes

Information Sources: NAVITIME JAPAN

Articles about this spot

Top 42 Autumn Color Spot in Kyoto

Kyoto | Spiritual Spots

Review

Beautiful place

Reviewed : 2020.10.17

Because of its location, it is not as known as Kiyomizudera or Kinkakuji, but in my opinion Yoshimine-dera is certainly one of a must-see temple in Kyoto. On a mountainside there are many small...
Definitely an Autumn visit.

Reviewed : 2019.06.14

Another one for the Autumn. Japanese maples abound however, the temple buildings themselves, though almost a thousand years old, fails to impress.
Fabulous autumn foliage!

Reviewed : 2018.12.06

Of the many places I had visited around Kyoto for autumn foliage, Yosiminedera is one of my top favourite! After a half hour bus ride through very narrow village roads and up hill, we were at the...