A short distance up the river from Jingo-ji Temple, this fine (and free) pocket temple is a real charmer and should not be missed.
When going to Jingo-ji Temple, when you get to the bottom of the steps and before you start climbing up to the temple, take a right (before the river) and a few minutes’ walking will bring you to the steps that lead up to Saimyo-ji Temple, one of Kyoto’s most charming little temples. See if you can find the hidden waterfall grotto behind the temple.
English address:
1 Makino-o-cho, Umegahata, Ukyo-ku
Japanese address:
右京区梅ケ畑槇尾町1
Opening hours:
9am-5pm
Admission:
Adults: \500
High and junior high school students: \400
Elementary school students and younger: Free
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
5min walk from Makino-o Bus Stop, JR bus Takao Keihoku line from Kyoto Station
Telephone: 861-1770
Website: None
Near To Here:
Saimyo-ji Temple is located in Kyoto’s Ohara district. See our complete list of things to do in Kyoto’s Ohara district, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
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.
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