Komyo-in Temple
Discover Tranquility at Komyo-in Temple
Komyo-in Temple: A Zen Sanctuary in Kyoto
Discover Kyoto's hidden gem: Komyo-in Temple, a tranquil Zen garden offering serenity and minimalist beauty away from the crowds.
Komyo-in Temple, a sub-temple of Tofuku-ji, offers a tranquil escape with its meticulously designed Zen garden. Founded in 1391, it's famed for its 'Hashin-tei' garden, crafted by Mirei Shigemori, inviting visitors to reflect in serene beauty away from the crowds.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Komyo-in Temple
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
15 Chome-809 Honmachi, Kyoto, 15 Chome Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0981, JP
Monday
7 am-5 pm
Tuesday
7 am-5 pm
Wednesday
7 am-5 pm
Thursday
7 am-5 pm
Friday
7 am-5 pm
Saturday
7 am-5 pm
Sunday
7 am-5 pm
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Getting There
Walking
From Tofukuji Station (JR Nara Line or Keihan Line), exit and walk south for about 10 minutes. Follow the signs for Tofuku-ji Temple, and then continue south past the temple's Rokuharamon gate. Komyo-in will be on your left. The entrance fee is typically 300 yen, paid via an honor system into a bamboo slot.
Public Transport
Take the Keihan Main Line to Tobakaido Station, then walk approximately 7 minutes to the temple. Alternatively, from Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line to Tofukuji Station and walk for 10 minutes. A one-day subway/bus ticket costs around 600-900 yen and allows unlimited travel on Kyoto's subway and bus lines.
Local tips
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Visit during the autumn foliage season for a spectacular display of colors contrasting with the white sand and green moss.
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Combine your visit with nearby Tofuku-ji Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine for a comprehensive cultural experience.
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Take your time to sit and meditate in the tatami rooms overlooking the Hashin-tei garden to fully appreciate its Zen atmosphere.
Discover more about Komyo-in Temple
Komyo-in Temple, nestled in Kyoto's Higashiyama Ward, is a serene sub-temple of the larger Tofuku-ji Temple, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Founded in 1391, this Zen sanctuary is best known for its stunning karesansui (dry landscape) garden, Hashin-tei, created in 1939 by the renowned garden designer Mirei Shigemori.
The Hashin-tei garden is a masterpiece of minimalist design, featuring carefully arranged rocks, moss, and white sand to evoke a sense of tranquility and harmony. The garden's 75 stones are arranged to represent the light of Buddha, with three prominent stones symbolizing the Shaka, Yakushi, and Amida Buddha triads. Cloud-shaped shrubs and the Rogetsuan teahouse, designed with a lunar motif, add to the garden's ethereal beauty. The temple is also known as 'Rainbow Moss Temple' (Niji no Kokedera) for the vibrant moss in its Unrei-tei garden.
Visitors can explore interconnected rooms offering unique perspectives of the garden, as well as the Ragetsu-an teahouse overlooking the landscape. Komyo-in provides an intimate experience, inviting contemplation and appreciation of Zen Buddhist principles.
A brief summary to Komyo-in Temple
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