Sanzen-in, a lesser-known secret garden in Kyoto~

Sanzen-in is a temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, located in Ohara Raigoin-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City. It was established in the year 1118. The temple's main deity is a wooden statue of Amitabha Buddha, and the flanking attendant statues are both national important cultural properties. The temple is filled with ancient trees reaching for the sky, moss-covered grounds, babbling streams, and offers a delightful natural scenery throughout the seasons with cherry blossoms in April, azaleas in May, hydrangeas in July, and autumn leaves in the fall. Within the temple grounds is the Pure Land Hall, also known as Eishin-in, which is said to have been built by the monk Eishin; it was merged with Sanzen-in due to its proximity and now serves as the main hall of Sanzen-in. Although the exterior of this hall has been rebuilt over time, the interior retains the style of an Amitabha Hall from the late Heian period. Its garden dates back to the early Edo period and is considered one of the scenic beauties of northern Kyoto. Establishment date: 1118 Opening hours: 8:30~16:30 Admission fee: 700 yen Address: 540 Ohara Raigoin-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City Transportation advice: Take the Kyoto bus to 'Ohara' station and walk for about 10 minutes Recommended visiting time: 2-3 hours