[2025 Kyoto Attraction] Travel Guide for Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple (Updated Jun)

If the 1,200 rakan statues that stand at the Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple represent the Buddhist followers’ celebration of their faith in life, then the 8,000 stone markers at the Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple are the proper tribute to death. I saw an unintended and unlikely juxtaposition between the two temples that presented the occasion for a philosophical appreciation of life, coming full circle from living to death. Like the church graveyards of medieval times in European countries, the temples of Japan were often sites of burials as well. The Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, however, originated from the burial of the dead. During the Heian period, the Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple had an eerie past as a site of open burial for those who had no family or friends who could oversee a proper rite for their passing. At some point in history, the remains were buried in a simple manner. The stone pillars memorialized the spirited, as grave markers. The temple began when the famous monk Kukai (774-835 A.D.), who was the founder of Shingon Buddhism, established a temple in this area about 1,200 years ago. Even at the temple’s inception, it stood for the remembrance of the dead as the site of prayers for the departed. About 100 years ago during the Meiji period, there was effort to collect all the stone markers in the area. People placed them in a dedicated space, and they lit candles as an act of worship. At Sai no Kawara, 8,000 stone grave markers stand. There is a festival of candle lighting annually to these lonely spirits at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple. At the Sento Kuyo festival, innumerable candles are lit amidst the grave markers in Sai no Kawara in late August each year for this event, a tradition that came from the Meiji period. Also at the temple is a beautiful bamboo grove pathway that has very few visitors. Finally, the Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street just off of this temple features old traditional Japanese houses called machiya’s. They often come with pitched roofs and the structures are built of wood. They are now mostly shops and businesses. #adashinonenbutsujitemple #temple #burial #cemetery #japan #kyoto #arashiyama #buddhism #bamboo #bambooforest #bamboogrove #redfoliage #historicallandmarks#历史古迹

#travelshopping If you’re looking for a little piece of Kyoto to take home, this is the spot! 💫 The shop is filled with unique and creative items you won’t find anywhere else. Run by the sweetest husband and wife, the store is filled with unique and creative souvenirs made from silkworm cocoons and origami. Such a lovely experience, and the souvenirs are one of a kind! 😍 📍The shop name is Adashino Mayumura and it’s located right next to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji temple #KyotoFinds #LocalShop #SouvenirHunt #UniqueGifts #TravelJapan

This Jodo sect temple, located in Kyoto's Arashiyama near Sagatoriimoto, is a 15-minute walk from Arashiyama Station. It is renowned for its approximately 8,000 stone Buddha statues and pagodas, as well as its tranquil maple and bamboo forest. The 8,000 stone Buddha statues and pagodas commemorate unclaimed souls, creating a solemn atmosphere. Every August, the "Thousand Lantern Offering" is held, where candles are lit to honor these souls, creating a dreamlike and moving scene. In autumn, the maple leaves and bamboo forest paths are breathtakingly beautiful, making it a perfect spot for photography. Admission is ¥500, and the temple is open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, offering a chance to experience Zen and historical tranquility. Due to its proximity to the traditional architectural area of Sagatoriimoto and Seiryoji Temple (0.5 km), the temple can be combined with a visit to Daikakuji Temple or the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (1.5 km) for a day trip. Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple was founded in 811 by Kobo Daishi (Kukai) to honor the unclaimed remains exposed in the Adashino area. Originally named Gochizan Nyoraiji Temple, it was later converted into a Nenbutsu (chanting Buddha's name) hall by Honen Shonin and renamed Nenbutsuji Temple. During the Heian period, Adashino, along with Toribeno near Kiyomizu Temple and Rengeoin near Senbon Enmadō, was one of Kyoto's three major burial sites, where remains were often left exposed in the wild. In the mid-Meiji period, locals gathered scattered stone Buddha statues and pagodas into the temple grounds, forming today's "Saiin Kawara." Saiin Kawara features approximately 8,000 stone Buddha statues and pagodas arranged neatly, commemorating unclaimed souls. The solemn and awe-inspiring atmosphere feels as if one is listening to Buddhist teachings. Photography is prohibited to show respect, and visitors must follow the temple's guidelines. Every year on the evenings of August 23-24, the "Thousand Lantern Offering" is held, where thousands of candles are lit to honor unclaimed souls. The candlelight reflecting on the stone Buddha statues creates a mystical and dreamlike scene, making it a unique summer night experience in Kyoto. Admission for this event is approximately ¥1,000. The temple showcases distinct seasonal beauty, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant maple leaves in autumn. A bamboo forest path behind the temple leads to a cemetery, offering a serene and tranquil space for reflection. During the autumn foliage season, the maple trees surrounding Saiin Kawara display stunning colors. Address: 17 Adashinocho, Sagatoriimoto, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, located in the outskirts of Arashiyama near the Atago Ancient Path. Access: From Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station, then walk approximately 20 minutes or take a taxi (around ¥1,000).

After exploring the bustling attractions of Arashiyama, why not spend your afternoon in the nearby "Oku-Saga" area? 😊 This serene and picturesque spot features fewer tourists, bamboo groves, stone-paved streets, and traditional thatched-roof houses, offering a tranquil escape 🍃 It's like stepping into an old Kyoto folktale—a quiet and beautiful area ✨ ⸻ 🕘 Morning: Classic sightseeing in Arashiyama ・Enjoy the morning scenery at Togetsukyo Bridge 🌉 ・Stroll through the gardens of Tenryuji Temple 🪷 ・Take a leisurely walk along the Bamboo Grove Path 🎍 ・Have an early lunch near Arashiyama Station 🍵 ⸻ 🕐 Afternoon: Relax in the peaceful "Oku-Saga" area 🌿 Toriimoto Highlights: This is the gateway to Oku-Saga, where traditional townscapes remain intact. The thatched roofs and stone-paved streets create picturesque views wherever you look 📷✨ It's a quiet area untouched by tourist buses, perfect for a calming walk. 🪦 Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple Highlights: A solemn space with thousands of stone Buddha statues. In autumn, the contrast between the statues and the vibrant foliage is breathtaking. The bamboo path at the back of the temple grounds is also enchanting ✨ ⸻ Why not take a leisurely stroll and experience Kyoto's "hidden retreat"? 👣✨ Oku-Saga offers a unique chance to discover the "real Kyoto" 🎐

#japantrip #kyoto #japan #thingstodo #temple #culture #summer Tucked away in the serene Saga-Arashiyama area, Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple is a quiet yet deeply moving place to explore. Known for its thousands of stone Jizo statues, this temple offers a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere, especially in the early morning mist or golden afternoon light. Walking through the bamboo-lined paths leading to the temple feels like stepping back in time, offering a peaceful contrast to Kyoto’s more crowded attractions. If you visit in summer, the temple’s candle-lit ceremony creates an unforgettable spiritual experience. For those seeking a tranquil and contemplative spot away from the crowds, this hidden gem is a must-visit.

#japantrip #travel #summer #temple #kyoto #japan #thingstodo Nestled in the tranquil outskirts of Arashiyama, Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple is a place where history and spirituality intertwine. This temple is home to thousands of weathered stone statues, standing in solemn memory of those who passed without families to remember them. The atmosphere is both peaceful and deeply moving, especially in the early morning when the mist lingers over the stone monuments. Beyond its historical significance, the temple offers a scenic bamboo path, a quiet alternative to the crowded Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. If you’re looking for a spot to reflect, appreciate history, and escape the crowds, Adashino Nenbutsu-ji is a must-visit.

#tokyotravel Address: 17 Sagatoriimoto, Adashinocho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan 🇯🇵 Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple is located in Arashiyama, Kyoto City. The temple grounds are filled with hundreds of stone statues built to honor the spirits of the homeless. around the beginning of the 9th century, the monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of the Mantrayana sect of Japanese Buddhism, wandered into the area and found the bones of many homeless people left unburied. He asked the locals to help build a temple. behind the temple is a beautiful bamboo path that is not crowded. It is a place of beautiful architecture and many historical relics and cultural relics. The surrounding environment of the temple is quiet, making it a wonderful place and well worth a visit. #historicculture #ukyoward #kyoto #japan

#japantrip #travel #japan #temple #solotrip #thingstodo #kyoto #summer Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple is a serene and poignant spot in Kyoto, known for its 8,000 stone memorial statues honoring the souls of the departed. As I wandered through its mossy grounds, surrounded by ancient trees and peaceful silence, I felt a deep connection to the history and spirituality of the place. Practical tip: Visit in autumn for a magical view of the temple’s grounds adorned with vibrant foliage. The serene atmosphere and historical significance make it a beautiful and contemplative escape from Kyoto’s busier spots.

#goingplaces Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, located in Kyoto’s Arashiyama district, is a poignant and historical site dedicated to honoring the spirits of the forgotten. Founded in the 8th century, this temple is known for its hauntingly beautiful grounds, adorned with over 8,000 stone rakan statues, each representing a disciple of Buddha. These statues were placed to commemorate those who passed away without families to honor their memory. Over centuries, it became a sacred space for remembrance and spiritual reflection. 🚊Getting There: Adashino Nenbutsu-ji is easily accessible via a short walk from central Arashiyama or by bus. #hiddengem #kyoto #traveljapan #japan

#goingplaces At Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple in Kyoto’s Arashiyama district, visitors will find a smaller, tranquil bamboo grove that offers an alternative to the crowded paths of the nearby Sagano Bamboo Forest. This peaceful grove sits at the back of the temple, blending seamlessly with the temple grounds, where thousands of stone Buddha statues are dedicated to the souls of those who passed away without families to remember them. Unlike the bustling Sagano Bamboo Grove, Adashino Nenbutsu-ji’s bamboo grove is more secluded, allowing for quiet contemplation among the towering bamboo and moss-covered stones. 🚊Getting There: Adashino Nenbutsu-ji is accessible via a short walk or bus ride from central Arashiyama. #japan #traveljapan #kyoto #hiddengem

#localguides beautiful city, an extra tip , do a walking tour at night you will be able to take the most beautiful pictures without people in the background our tour guide was awesome. Ahh and don’t go to Arishitama bamboo forest , instead go to ADASHINO NENBUTSU-JI temple, no many people go there and you can take the best photo with a bamboo forest only for you ( picture #1 ).

The word Huayuan is sad. In ancient times, the war was constant, and those who had no relatives and no wars were mostly buried in the wilderness. Huaye Buddhist Temple was originally a place of burial. The master of the empty sea that was founded in this courtyard built a temple with great compassion and surpassed countless wilderness souls. The most striking thing in the temple is the Eight Thousand Stone Pagodas. Every August, thousands of lights are supported, attracting countless souls to return. Address: 17/hh, Okinawa-cho, Kanagawa-cho, Kanazawa-ku, Kyoto City Opening hours: 9:00~16:30 Tickets: 500 yen Touring time: 45 minutes