Myoshinji Temple

Myoshinji Temple 妙心寺

Headquarters of the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect, Myoshinji is a vast, imposing Zen temple complex south of Ryoanji Temple consisting of over forty sub-temples including the beautiful gardens of Taizo-in and Kano school paintings at Reiun-in executed by Motonobu Kano (1476-1559).

The Tenkyuan sub-temple has paintings by Sanraku and Kaifuku-in has a number of caricatures painted by Tan-yu on sliding screens (fusuma). The Keishun-in sub-temple has four small gardens and a tea arbor, while Taizo-in has a dry stone garden also attributed to Motonobu Kano and a modern garden - Yoko-en - laid out by Nakane Kinsaku (1917-1995). Josetsu's famous Zen ink painting "Catching a Catfish with a Gourd" is kept at Taizo-in and a replica is on display.

Daishin-in and Tenkyu-in are other sub-temples with occasional public openings in spring and autumn.

Myoshinji temple also has Japan's oldest bell (a National Treasure), which was cast in 698.

Myoshinji was built on the site of an Imperial villa of the Emperor Hanazono. The Butsuden (Buddha Hall) contains an image of Sakyamuni; the Hatto (Lecture Hall) is decorated with a beautiful picture of a dragon attributed to Tan-yu Kano (1602–74).

It is possible to stay overnight in one of the subtemples: Daishin-in and Torin-in. For information, call Torin-in: 81-75-463-1334; Daishin-in 81-75-461-5714. If calling in English, speak slowly.

Myoshinji Temple Bell Tower, Kyoto
Myoshinji Temple, Kyoto

It is also possible to participate in zen sessions at Myoshinji early in the morning.

The sub temples at Myoshinji have events throughout the year, such as illuminated gardens and seasonal flowers. Check with the Tourist Information Office at Kyoto Station for further details.

Hours and Admission

Myoshinji is open twenty-four hours and is free to access and wander around. However, a 500 yen fee is charged for the Dharma Hall (Dragon Painting on Ceiling), Temple Bell, and Akechiburo Bathhouse. Tours of these features are conducted every 20 minutes from 9.10 am to 11.40 pm, at 12.30 pm, and every 20 minutes between 1 pm and 4.40 pm (until 3.40 pm November to February.)

Myoshinji Temple, Kyoto
Myoshinji Temple, Kyoto

Myoshinji Access - how to get to Myoshinji Temple

Myoshinji is a ten minute walk from JR Hanazano Station on the JR Sagano Line and just 5 minutes from Keifuku train line's Myoshinji Station. Take a Kyoto bus #59 or #10 to Myoshinji-mae bus stop.

Myoshinji
Hanozono
Ukyo-ku
Kyoto.
Tel: 075 463 3121

By bicycle from Kinkakuji to Myoshinji is an easy 5-10 minute ride.

Myoshinji Temple, Kyoto

Kyoto Attractions Close To Myoshinji

Myoshinji is close to Ryoanji Temple, Kinkakuji, Ninnaji Temple, Toji-in and the Domoto Insho Museum. Close to the south gate of the temple is the Michelin-listed restaurant Ajiro, which serves Zen vegetarian food (shojin ryori).

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