Myoshin-ji Temple is a walled-in world of Zen temples that easily merits a half-day or even full day of leisurely exploring.
Most tourists headed up to this corner of Northwest Corner head right past Myoshin-ji Temple en route to Kinkaku-ji Temple or Ryoan-ji. This is puzzling, because it’s actually one of the most appealing temple compounds in the city. Whether you enter from the north or south gate, you’ll find a whole world of lanes and beguiling subtemples to explore.
You should definitely make a point of seeing the eponymous Myoshin-ji Temple, the main temple here, as well as Taizo-in, one of Kyoto’s finest gardens, but don’t be afraid to poke your head into smaller temples and keep your eyes peeled for special openings. There are a few temples here that are only open a few days a year – if you pass by one of these, go in: you won’t be disappointed.
See our complete guide to the Myoshin-ji temple complex on our Finding Zen In Myoshin-ji page.
English address:
64 Myoshin-ji-cho, Hanazono, Ukyo-ku
Japanese address:
右京区花園妙心寺町64
Opening hours:
Main temple buildings:
- 9.10-11.40am (every 20min)
- 12:30pm (only once)
- 1pm-3:40pm (every 20min)
- Closed irregularly
Admission:
Admission to main temple buildings:
- Adults: ¥500
- Junior high school students: ¥300
- Elementary school students: ¥100
- Other areas of the complex: Free
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
15min walk from Hanazono Station, JR Sagano-san-in line
Telephone: 461-5226
Website:
Official Website (English)
Where Is This Place Located?
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Near To Here:
Myoshin-ji 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
