Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
» grounds free, inner buildings & garden ¥400
»
9am-4.30pm
»
15min walk from Higashiyama Station, Tōzai subway line
The single most impressive sight in Southern Higashiyama, Chion-in ( 知恩院 ) is a
must-see for those with a taste for the grand and glorious. It was built by the monk Genchi
in 1234 on the site where his mentor, Hōnen, had once taught and eventually fasted to
death. Today it is still the headquarters of the Jōdo school, which was founded by Hōnen,
and it is a hive of religious activity.
The oldest of the present buildings date from the 17th century. The two-storey San-
mon gate at the main entrance is the largest in Japan, and prepares the visitor for the
massive scale of the temple. The immense main hall (Miei-dō Hall), which measures 35m
wide and 45m long, houses an image of Hōnen and is connected with the Dai Hōjō hall by
a 'nightingale' floor that squeaks as one walks over it.
After visiting the main hall, with its fantastic gold altar, walk around the back to see the
temple's gardens. On the way, you'll pass a darkened hall with a small statue of Amida
Buddha glowing eerily in the darkness. It's a nice contrast to the splendour of the main
hall.
Chion-in's temple bell was cast in 1633. It is the largest temple bell in Japan. It's up a
flight of steps at the southeastern corner of the temple precincts.
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