Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Although many historians believe the garden was arranged by Sōami during the Mur-
omachi period (1333-1576), some contend that it is a much later product of the Edo peri-
od. It is Japan's most famous hira-niwa (flat garden void of hills or ponds) and reveals the
stunning simplicity and harmony of the principles of Zen meditation.
The viewing platform for the garden can become packed solid, but the other parts of the
temple grounds are also interesting and less of a target for the crowds. Among these,
Kyoyo-chi pond is perhaps the most beautiful, particularly in autumn.
| TEMPLE
NINNA-JI
OFFLINE MAP
( 仁和寺 ; 461-1155; 33 Omuroōuchi, Ukyō-ku; 9am-5pm Mar-Nov, 9am-4.30pm Dec-Feb; Omuro
Ninnaji stop, bus 59 from Sanjō-Keihan or bus 26 from Kyoto Station) Few travellers make the journey all
the way out to this sprawling temple complex, but most who do find it a pleasant spot. It's
certainly a good counterpoint to the crowded precincts of Ryōan-ji ( CLICK HERE ) and
Kinkaku-ji ( CLICK HERE ). If you're after something a bit off the beaten track in Northwest
Kyoto, this temple may fit the bill.
Originally containing more than 60 structures, Ninna-ji was built in 888 and is the head
temple of the Omuro branch of the Shingon school. The present temple buildings, includ-
ing a five-storey pagoda, date from the 17th century. On the extensive grounds you'll find
a peculiar grove of short-trunked, multipetalled cherry trees called Omuro-no-Sakura,
which draw large crowds in April.
Separate admission fees (an additional ¥500 each) are charged for both the kondō and
reihōkan (treasure house), which are only open for the first two weeks of October.
MYŌSHIN-JI
OFFLINE MAP
( 妙心寺 ; 461-5226; 64 Myoshin-ji-chō, Hanazono, Ukyō-ku; main temple/other areas ¥500/free; Myōshin-
ji temple halls 9.10am-11.50am & 1-3.40pm, other areas dawn-dusk; Myōshinji Kitamon-mae stop, bus 10 from
Sanjō Keihan; 15min walk from Hanazono Station, JR Sagano-Sanin line) Myōshin-ji is a separate world
within Kyoto, a walled-off complex of temples and subtemples that invites lazy strolling.
The subtemple of Taizō-in here contains one of the city's more interesting gardens.
| TEMPLE
Myōshin-ji dates from 1342 and belongs to the Rinzai school. There are 47 subtemples,
but only a few are open to the public.
From the north gate, follow the broad stone avenue flanked by rows of temples to the
southern part of the complex. The eponymous Myōshin-ji temple here is roughly in the
middle of the complex. Your entry fee here entitles you to a tour of several of the build-
 
 
 
 
 
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