Kansai? category ?
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Kyoto City spot
Myoshinji temple (Kyoto) Vast grounds and precious architecture
Myoshinji is the head temple of the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism, with over 3,000 branch temples. The grounds are simply spacious. There are many valuable buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties within the temple grounds. There was also a room for zen meditation and copying sutras. -
Kyoto City spot
Chorakuji temple (Kyoto) Nothing lasts forever
Chorakuji Temple was founded in 805 by Saicho, the founder of the Tendai sect. It later changed to the Jishu sect and remains so to this day. This temple is where Taira Tokushi, the heroine of the Tale of the Heike, spent her time. This story is read by many people in Japan as a nothing lasts forever in Buddhism. -
Kyoto City spot
Nanzenji temple (Kyoto) Dragon ceiling painting
Nanzenji Temple was founded in 1291. The temple grounds contain many valuable buildings, including the Hojo hall (National Treasure) and the Sanmon gate (Important Cultural Property). The Hatto (main hall) has an impressive ceiling painting of a dragon. -
Kyoto City spot
Nanzenji temple (Kyoto) Morning Zazen Session
At Nanzenji Temple, zen meditation sessions are held on the second and fourth Sunday mornings of every month. I practiced zazen in the large hall and in front of the dry landscape garden. I could hear the babbling water, the birds singing and feel the wind blowing, and it really calmed my mind. -
Kyoto City spot
Nishi-Honganji temple (Kyoto) Hidden Attractions
It is the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Honganji sect. The Goei-do Hall and Amida-do Hall are designated as national treasures. You can enter these halls between 5:30am and 5:00pm. Although it is hard to find, Karamon Gate was amazing. There were many auspicious carvings of sacred animals. -
Kyoto City spot
Toji temple (Kyoto) Esoteric Buddhist Morning Services
Toji Temple was built about 1,200 years ago and is the only temple remaining from the original founding of Kyoto. I attended the morning service at Toji Temple. I entered the national treasure hall and listened to the monks chanting sutras. It was a sutra that sounded like a song with a melody. -
Kyoto City spot
Chisyakuin temple (Kyoto) Highlights and events
Chishakuin was originally located in Wakayama, but was burned down by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and rebuilt in Kyoto in 1601. It is currently the head temple of the Shingon sect Chizan school of Buddhism, which brings together over 3,000 temples. You can see a beautiful Japanese garden and national treasure wall paintings. -
Kyoto City spot
Chionin temple (Kyoto) hidden gem
Chionin Temple began in 1175 when the monk Honen built a hermitage there. It is now a huge temple and is the head temple of the Jodo sect. There are two Japanese national treasure buildings within the temple grounds. Services are held here every morning and you can attend. -
Kyoto City spot
Chionin temple (Kyoto) Morning service
Chionin Temple is the head temple of the Jodo sect. Morning services are held every morning from 6:30 am. No reservations are required and anyone can attend as long as they arrive at the start time. I was allowed to enter the inner sanctuary of the Mieido Hall, which is normally off-limits. -
Kyoto City spot
Araki-jinja shrine (Kyoto)
This shrine is located beyond Mount Inari, after entering from Fushimi Inari Taisha. The couple and their accompanying fox figurines are said to bring good fortune in matchmaking. These fox figurines and amulets are sold here.
