Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SIGHTS
Ōhara
Since ancient times Ōhara, a quiet farming town about 10km north of Kyoto, has been re-
garded as a holy site by followers of the Jōdo (Pure Land) school of Buddhism. The region
provides a charming glimpse of rural Japan, along with the picturesque Sanzen-in, Jakkō-in
and several other fine temples. It's most popular in autumn, when the maple leaves change
colour and the mountain views are spectacular.
From Kyoto Station, Kyoto buses 17 and 18 run to Ōhara bus stop. The ride takes about
an hour and costs ¥580. From Keihan line's Sanjō Station, take Kyoto bus 16 or 17 (¥470,
45 minutes). Be careful to board a tan-coloured Kyoto bus, not a green Kyoto City bus of
the same number.
| TEMPLE
SANZEN-IN
(
三千院
; 744-2531; 540 Raigōin-chō, Ōhara, Sakyō-ku; admission ¥700; 8.30am-5pm Mar-Nov, to 4.30pm
Dec-Feb; 15min walk from Ōhara bus stop)
Famed for its autumn foliage, hydrangea garden and
stunning Buddha images, this temple is deservedly popular with foreign and domestic tour-
ists alike.
Founded in 784 by the priest Saichō, Sanzen-in belongs to the Tendai school. Saichō,
considered one of the great patriarchs of Buddhism in Japan, also founded Enryaku-ji (
CLICK HERE
).
The temple's garden,
Yūsei-en
, is one of the most photographed sights in Japan, and
rightly so. Take some time to sit on the steps of the Shin-den hall and admire the garden's
beauty. Then head off to see
Ōjō-gokuraku-in
(Temple of Rebirth in Paradise), the hall in
which stands the impressive Amitabha trinity, a large Amida image flanked by attendants
Kannon and Seishi (god of wisdom). After this, walk up to the garden at the back of the
temple where, in late spring and summer, you can walk among hectares of blooming hy-
drangeas.
The approach to Sanzen-in is opposite the main bus stop; there is no English sign but
you can usually just follow the Japanese tourists. The temple is located about 600m up this
walk on your left as you crest the hill.
If you're keen for a short hike after leaving the temple, continue up the hill to see the
