What other travelers are saying about Chion-in Temple
This is a beautiful temple and so picturesque. The 3 gates looking in and out are stunning. The large steps were climbed by Tom Cruise in The Last Samurai, this was cool to experience. Listening to the monks sing and being able to watch them prey was pretty special. The large bell to the high point of the temple is worth seeing and is very impressive.
This is a beautiful temple. The climb up was pretty strenuous. Each step is about 1.5 half step high and deep. Anyway, if you make it up it is very nice inside a wooden temple. There is everything made of gold. Pictures are not allowed inside.
Chion-in temple is arguably one of the most important site to visit in Kyoto and also in Japan. There are two National Treasures and three Important Cultural Properties in Chion-in temple and a tourist can watch all of them at once.
In fact, those who consider inherited thought from the founder, Hōnen and who might take Pure Land sect seriously have been gathered for more than 800 years. Although the buildings were built in the 17th century except for Amitabha hall and Seishi Hall, the temple keeps on mirroring us hoping to be given birth on Pure Land.
Tickets are available on site and the leaflet suggests excursion with its guide map.
Amazing temple complex! The first gate is so huge, and the temples inside are beautiful and well-preserved. There were only a handful of people when I visited (weekday noon). I was the only person walking around in some parts of the place. It has no entrance free, except for the gardens, which were also worth visiting. There are toilets and vending machines for drinks available. For people with issues climbing up stairs, I think they can take a taxi up to the part near the Great Bell Tower. And from there, most of the stairs they need to take are going down.
Monastery of Gratitude, the headquarters of the Pure Land Sect. Built first in 1234. The present buildings date back to the XII century.
Numerous photo opportunities. Check out the raised terraces between the buildings.
There's an old gable ornament on the ground in one of the court yards. You can match it to the existing one on the roof.
The temple has Japan's largest temple bell.
