Myoshin-ji Temple
妙心寺
Massive Zen temple complex, head of Myoshin-ji school of Rinzai Zen. 46 sub-temples in sprawling grounds. Famous dragon ceiling painting in Hatto Hall. Taizo-in sub-temple with beautiful garden open to visitors. Less touristy, more authentic Zen atmosphere.
Highlights & Must-See Features
- Massive Zen temple complex (46 sub-temples)
- Famous Unryu-zu dragon ceiling painting in Hatto
- Taizo-in sub-temple with beautiful gardens
- Head of Myoshin-ji school Rinzai Zen
- Authentic Zen atmosphere
- Less touristy than major temples
📍 How to Get There
Nearest Station
Hanazono Station (JR Sagano Line) - 5 minutes walk
Step-by-Step Directions
- 1 From Kyoto Station: JR Sagano Line to Hanazono (10 min, 200 yen)
- 2 From Hanazono Station: 5 minute walk north
- 3 Can combine with Ninna-ji and Ryoan-ji (bus connections)
- 4 Large complex - allow time to explore
Location & Maps
🗺️ Interactive map - zoom and pan to explore
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
35.024902 135.71907 💡 Tip: "View Location" shows the temple on the map. "Get Directions" navigates from your current position.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round, less crowded than major temples. Autumn foliage good in sub-temple gardens. Morning for peaceful Zen atmosphere. Hatto tours in Japanese but worth it for dragon painting.
Contact & Info
1 Myoshinji-cho, Hanazono, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8035
Planning Your Visit?
Book nearby hotels and get exclusive deals for your Kyoto trip.
View Hotel Deals
MrKyoto Live Now
Saga Arashiyama
Discover More
Sacred Sites of Kyoto
Book Kyoto Experiences
Nearby Temples & Shrines
These sacred sites are closest to Myoshin-ji Temple and easy to combine in a single visit.
Taizo-in Temple
退蔵院
600 yen · 30-45 minutes
Ninna-ji Temple
仁和寺
Grounds free, Goten palace 500 yen, gardens 500 yen (1,000 yen combo in cherry season) · 1-1.5 hours (2 hours during cherry blossom season)
Ryoan-ji Temple
龍安寺
500 yen adults, 300 yen elementary/junior high students · 45 minutes to 1 hour (include time for rock garden contemplation and pond walk)
Hirano Shrine
平野神社
Free (temporary sakura garden area: 500 yen during peak bloom) · 30-45 minutes
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
金閣寺
500 yen adults, 300 yen elementary/junior high students · 1 hour (one-way walking path, can't turn back)
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
北野天満宮
Shrine free, plum garden 1,000 yen (includes tea and sweets, Feb-Mar only) · 45 minutes to 1 hour (2-3 hours during flea market)