Another tiny charmer of a temple off of the Path of Philosophy, Anraku-ji is highly recommended if you’re in town when it’s open.
Just above the Path of Philosophy, a short walk south of Honen-in Temple, Anraku-ji Temple is one of the most photographed sights during the fall foliage season – and for good reason – the maple-lined approach and thatch-roof entry gate is impossibly picturesque. Once inside, the garden is also fine and the image of Amida Buddha in the main hall is sublime.
The only problem with Anraku-ji is the convoluted opening hours (you kind of get the impression that they don’t want you to visit). Here they are:
- Saturdays and Sundays during the first two weeks of April
- Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays during the first two weeks of May
- Saturdays and Sundays of last two weeks of May and first two weeks of June
- Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays in November
- Saturdays and Sundays during the first two weeks of December
English address:
21 Goshonodan-cho, Shishigatani, Sakyo-ku
Japanese Address:
左京区鹿ケ谷御所ノ段町21
Opening hours:
9:30am-4:30pm
Open only in spring and autumn
Admission:
\500
Junior high school students and younger: Free
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
10min walk from Shinyodo-mae Bus Stop, Kyoto City Bus 5 from Kyoto Station
Telephone: 771-5360
Website:
Official Website (Japanese)
Where Is This Place Located?
See these places on our Kyoto Google map:- Open the Kyoto map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Near To Here:
Anraku-ji Temple is located in Kyoto’s Northern Higashiyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Northern Higashiyama, 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
