For Free - Kyoto - page 54

Chion-in
You can tour the grounds and enter the soaring main hall for free here ( CLICK HERE ).
Tōfuku-ji
At the south end of the Higashiyama Mountains, this fine Zen temple ( CLICK HERE ) has
expansive grounds.
Hōnen-in
Not nearly as large as the above three temples, this tiny Pure Land paradise ( CLICK HERE )
is a must-see. There is a gallery in one of the halls that often has free art exhibits.
Shrines
Like temples, you can usually tour the grounds of Shintō shrines completely free of
charge. Of course, some faithful believers pay a special fee to enter the haiden (prayer
hall) to be blessed, but this is unlikely to concern the tourist. If there is a treasure hall or
garden, you may have to pay to enter, but otherwise, shrines are free.
Fushimi-Inari-Taisha
One of Kyoto's top sights ( CLICK HERE ), the only money you're likely to drop here is to
buy a drink after climbing the mountain.
Heian-jingū
This vast popular Northern Higashiyama shrine ( CLICK HERE ) has a huge gravel-strewn
courtyard that you can explore for free. Note that you must pay a fee to enter the gardens.
Shimogamo-jinja
Take a stroll through the magnificent Tadasu-no-Mori (Forest of Truth) that leads to the
main hall ( CLICK HERE ).
Yasaka-jinja
Overlooking Gion both physically and spiritually, this popular shrine ( CLICK HERE ) is
highly recommended in both the daytime and evening, when the lanterns make it magical.