Chion-in Temple
知恩院
Headquarters of Jodo Buddhism (Pure Land sect) and one of Kyoto's grandest temples. Features Japan's largest wooden temple gate (Sanmon, 24m high, National Treasure). The massive 74-ton bell requires 17 monks to ring it on New Year's Eve. Founded 1234 on site where Honen taught.
Highlights & Must-See Features
- Largest temple gate in Japan - Sanmon (24m high, National Treasure)
- Japan's heaviest bell - 74 tons (largest in Japan)
- Beautiful Hojo gardens with pond and seasonal flowers
- Nightingale floors (uguisubari) - security squeaking floors
- New Year's Eve bell ceremony (broadcast on TV)
- Massive main hall (Mieido) - largest wooden building in Kyoto
📍 How to Get There
Nearest Station
Higashiyama Station (Tozai Subway) - 8 minutes walk
Step-by-Step Directions
- 1 From Kyoto Station: Bus 206 to Chion-in-mae stop (20 minutes)
- 2 From Higashiyama Station: 8 minute walk east and uphill
- 3 From Gion: 5 minute walk north through Maruyama Park
- 4 Adjacent to Maruyama Park and near Yasaka Shrine
Location & Maps
🗺️ Interactive map - zoom and pan to explore
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
35.005493 135.781914 💡 Tip: "View Location" shows the temple on the map. "Get Directions" navigates from your current position.
Best Time to Visit
Cherry blossom season (late March-early April) spectacular. Autumn foliage (November). New Year's Eve to hear 108 bell strikes (joya-no-kane ritual). Early morning for peaceful grounds.
Contact & Info
400 Rinka-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-8686
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Sacred Sites of Kyoto
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Nearby Temples & Shrines
These sacred sites are closest to Chion-in Temple and easy to combine in a single visit.
Maruyama Park & Yasaka Shrine
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Free · 30-45 minutes (longer during hanami parties)
Shoren-in Temple
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500 yen, illuminations 800 yen · 45 minutes to 1 hour (longer for illuminations)
Yasaka Shrine
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Free admission · 30-45 minutes (add time for Maruyama Park or Gion exploration)
Kodai-ji Temple
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600 yen adults, 250 yen children (illuminations may require separate ticket) · 1 hour daytime visit, 1.5 hours during illuminations (take time to enjoy)
Entoku-in Temple
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500 yen (combo with Kodai-ji: 900 yen) · 30 minutes (longer during illuminations)
Ryozen Kannon Temple
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300 yen · 20-30 minutes