Kyoto City? Temples and Shrines List ?

This temple is associated with Honen Shonin, the founder of the Jodo sect of Buddhism. The temple fell into disrepair after Honen Shonin was exiled, but it was restored in 1680. The interior of the hall is open to the public every year from April 1st to 7th and from November 1st to 7th.

This shrine was founded in 1160 when Emperor Go-Shirakawa invited the deities from Kumano (Wakayama Prefecture) to be enshrined here. There is a record that Ashikaga Yoshimasa held a cherry blossom viewing party in 1465. It was devastated during the Onin War (1467-1477), but was rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

This temple is known as the temple where Princess Matsumushi and Princess Suzumushi, who served Emperor Go-Toba, became nuns. It is usually closed to the public, but is open during special events in spring and autumn. There is a beautiful garden on the temple grounds.

This is the head temple of the Shinshu Bukkoji sect. Every morning at 7:00 AM, services are held in the Amida Hall and the Daishi Hall. The sound of a bell rang out from outside, and we all chanted "Namu Amida Butsu." The chanting was very fast-paced and pleasant to listen to.

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.

Honnoji Temple was founded in 1415. It is the head temple of the Hokke Honmon school of Buddhism. Morning services are held at Honnoji Temple every day from 6am, and anyone is welcome to attend. The sound of the drums was very powerful and electrifying.

Kenninji Temple was founded in 1202 and is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. It is the head temple of the Kenninji branch of the Rinzai sect. Copying sutras was available to visitors at any time without the need for a reservation. The Heart Sutra was printed lightly on the copying paper, and I traced it over.

Kenninji Temple was founded in 1202 and is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. At Kenninji Temple, a Zazen (Zen meditation) session is held every second Sunday of the month from 7:30 am. No reservation is required, just arrive on time to participate. I decided to do zazen next to the dry landscape garden.

I had buddhist vegetarian cuisine at "Shigetsu" located within the temple grounds. It was a charming building with Japanese-style architecture. What I felt after eating the meal was that it was light in flavor but very satisfying. It was not only delicious, but also a meal that taught me about Buddhist thought.

Mugekoin is a Rinzai sect temple located to the east of Shimogamo-jinja Shrine. Zazen (zen meditation ) sessions are held every Saturday from 6pm to 7pm. Beginners and foreigners are welcome.