Shinnyo-do Temple
真如堂
A serene Tendai Buddhist temple beloved by locals for its spectacular autumn foliage, free admission, and peaceful atmosphere away from tourist crowds. Founded 984 AD. The three-story pagoda and vast grounds with 500+ maple trees make it one of Kyoto's finest hidden autumn spots.
Key Architectural & Sacred Highlights
- 500+ maple trees creating stunning autumn canopy
- Three-story pagoda as backdrop to maples
- Free admission (rare for Kyoto temples)
- Far fewer tourists than famous autumn spots
- Beautiful Bodhi tree and camellia collection
- Peaceful Tendai temple atmosphere
📍 How to Get There
Nearest Station
Bus stop Kinrin Shako-mae (Bus 5 or 203)
Step-by-Step Directions
- 1 From Kyoto Station: Bus 5 to Kinrin Shako-mae (35 minutes)
- 2 From Ginkaku-ji: 15 minute walk south
- 3 From Philosopher's Path: 10 minute walk uphill (east)
- 4 Near Konkaikomyo-ji Temple - combine visits
Live Municipal Bus Approach GTFS-RT
Nearest Stop: Shinnyodo-mae (真如堂前) • ~6 min walk
Footwear & Accessibility Radar
Shoe Removal for Inner Hondo Hall
Spectacular maple grounds permit footwear; shoe removal for inner temple treasures.
Front gate has gentle stone slope; wide gravel pathways around the three-story pagoda.
Location & Maps
🗺️ Interactive map - zoom and pan to explore
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
35.01958 135.789442 💡 Tip: "View Location" shows the temple on the map. "Get Directions" navigates from your current position.
Best Time to Visit
Mid to late November for peak autumn colors. The maple trees here peak slightly later than Tofuku-ji, so if you miss peak elsewhere this is your backup. Spring cherry blossoms also lovely.
Contact & Info
82 Jodoji Shinnyo-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 606-8414
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Nearby Temples & Shrines
These sacred sites are closest to Shinnyo-do Temple and easy to combine in a single visit.
Konkaikomyo-ji Temple
金戒光明寺
Grounds free. Special viewings (autumn/spring): 1,000 yen · 45 minutes - 1 hour
Okazaki Shrine
岡崎神社
Free · 15-20 minutes
Reikan-ji Temple
霊鑑寺
600 yen (when open) · 30 minutes (when open)
Yoshida Shrine
吉田神社
Free · 30-45 minutes
Eikan-do Zenrin-ji
永観堂禅林寺
600 yen regular season, 1,000 yen peak autumn (Nov 7-30), illuminations 600 yen additional · 1-1.5 hours (2-3 hours in November due to crowds and wanting to savor views)
Anraku-ji Temple
安楽寺
500 yen (when open) · 20-30 minutes