This rarely visited temple in Northwest Kyoto is a hidden gem. The garden is superb, the halls are elegant and the teahouse is sublime.
Most visitors to Kyoto come to Northwest Kyoto to see the golden pavilion at Kinkaku-ji Temple and the mysterious Zen garden at Ryoan-ji. Without question, both of these temples are magnificent and well worth a visit. But, they are always crowded.
Few visitors realize that a short distance for these temples is the largely unknown Toji-in Temple, which is rarely crowded, even in springtime. If you love gardens, it’s well worth cycling, walking or taking a taxi from Kinkaku-ji or Ryoan-ji to this fine “secret” temple.
Toji-in is a Zen temple that dates back to 1341. It was established by Shogun Ashikaga Takauji.
The Hojo (main hall) and adjoining Reikoden (Hall of Sacred Light) are wonderful and worth exploring for the treasures they contain, the real attraction at this temple is the garden. The first one you will see is centered on Shinji-ike Pond, which is shaped like the kanji (Chinese character) for heart or mind. The western section of the garden is built around a pond shaped like a lotus flower.
Overlooking the Shinji-ike is the Seirentei teahouse, which dates back to 1457. The teahouse is a classic example of the wabi-sabi ideal of rustic simplicity that defines tea ceremony aesthetics.
English address:
63 Tojiin-Kita-machi, Kita-ku
Japanese address:
北区等持院北町63
Opening hours: 9am-5pm
Admission: Y500
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport: 10min walk from Tojiin Station, Keifuku Kitano line
Nearest Hotels:
See hotels near to Toji-in Temple on Agoda.com
Telephone:461-5786
Website: None
Where Is This Place Located?
See these places on our Kyoto Google map:- Open the Kyoto map
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- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
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Near To Here:
Toji-in Temple is located in Northwest Kyoto. See our complete list of things to do in Northwest Kyoto, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
