Honen-in
4.5
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
284 reviews
Excellent
124
Very good
116
Average
40
Poor
4
Terrible
0
Steve C
Canton of Vaud, Switzerland334 contributions
This small Edo period temple lies a 10 minute walk east of the Philosophers Walk. I visited the temple at the end of November 2007, just as the Maple Leaves were in their golden and red shades.
You reach the temple by either a wide winding path or a short series of stairs, from a small lane. Both of these routes raise you quickly from the road into the trees. Soon you see the entrance to the temple which is of itself charming and delightful. A raised, thatched gateway stands before you, framing the flaming autumn colours of leaves behind it. You stand in the hope that you can perfectly frame the entrance for a photo, for THE photo, but alas the numbers of people ensure that you do not see the gate pure and inviolate.
Walking inside, and descending once you have walked through the gate, you enter the small enclosure in which the temple stands. Trees and raised beds surround the small buildings.
As you may have gathered the entrance gate is possibly the main reason why one would visit the temple. But the temple as a whole is worth visiting and is a delightful distraction from the Philosophers Walk.
Well worth the detour.
You reach the temple by either a wide winding path or a short series of stairs, from a small lane. Both of these routes raise you quickly from the road into the trees. Soon you see the entrance to the temple which is of itself charming and delightful. A raised, thatched gateway stands before you, framing the flaming autumn colours of leaves behind it. You stand in the hope that you can perfectly frame the entrance for a photo, for THE photo, but alas the numbers of people ensure that you do not see the gate pure and inviolate.
Walking inside, and descending once you have walked through the gate, you enter the small enclosure in which the temple stands. Trees and raised beds surround the small buildings.
As you may have gathered the entrance gate is possibly the main reason why one would visit the temple. But the temple as a whole is worth visiting and is a delightful distraction from the Philosophers Walk.
Well worth the detour.
Written February 1, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thomas H
Greifswald, Germany25 contributions
Apr 2012 • Couples
I visited quite a few of the temples in Kyoto, but this one was my favorite. There are certainly bigger, more impressive ones, but none compare to Honen-in in terms of tranquility. There are very few tourists, and not too many locals, either - it really feels as being in a holy place.
Written October 22, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frank J
106 contributions
Nov 2018 • Solo
This is a Beautiful and very peaceful place and I love it here, its very small but very interesting, when your here just listen...all you here is birds singing and the fresh air. This is my second visit the last time was 2017 and its still marvelous and so very well looked after, The Japanese have fantastic style.
There's a small pond with fish in and a tiny bridge over it & all the woodland
is fascinating
See my photos
Highly Recommended
There's a small pond with fish in and a tiny bridge over it & all the woodland
is fascinating
See my photos
Highly Recommended
Written July 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wanderlust7342
HCMC125 contributions
Oct 2015 • Solo
This is like the anti-Ginkaku-ji. No flash, no hoards, no admission, no commercialization. It’s just a quiet, unassuming little temple in the woods and an opportunity for some repose after Ginkaku-ji. It’s a place you go to feel, rather than to see.
You kind-of have to stumble on it. There are no signs or Sanmon gate. There’s only a non-descript set of stairs off the street and your curiosity. From Ginkaku-ji, make a left at the Philosopher’s Path, walk several minutes and look for streets on the left that feed off the Path. One will be to Honen-in.
The first thing you come upon, after the stairs, is a small, moss covered, thatched-roof Sanmon gate of sorts. It’s disarming and charming and sets the tone for the rest of the visit. You’ll pass two rectangular mounds of sand, each with a raked-in pattern, which the only other visitor (an elderly Japanese man) told me are meant to symbolize water to purify your mind and body. They were the only evidence that this was not an abandoned temple, which would not be an unreasonable conclusion given its state.
There’s a stone bridge over water, then a stone walkway into a very small complex. There are a few small structures, stone fountains, a cave-like shrine with a Buddha set inside and a lot of moss.
If you're heading down the road from Ginkaku-ji, it's definitely worth stopping by.
You kind-of have to stumble on it. There are no signs or Sanmon gate. There’s only a non-descript set of stairs off the street and your curiosity. From Ginkaku-ji, make a left at the Philosopher’s Path, walk several minutes and look for streets on the left that feed off the Path. One will be to Honen-in.
The first thing you come upon, after the stairs, is a small, moss covered, thatched-roof Sanmon gate of sorts. It’s disarming and charming and sets the tone for the rest of the visit. You’ll pass two rectangular mounds of sand, each with a raked-in pattern, which the only other visitor (an elderly Japanese man) told me are meant to symbolize water to purify your mind and body. They were the only evidence that this was not an abandoned temple, which would not be an unreasonable conclusion given its state.
There’s a stone bridge over water, then a stone walkway into a very small complex. There are a few small structures, stone fountains, a cave-like shrine with a Buddha set inside and a lot of moss.
If you're heading down the road from Ginkaku-ji, it's definitely worth stopping by.
Written November 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
laurelee36
Dallas, TX162 contributions
Apr 2018 • Family
The long elegant tree covered wide walkway up to the temple puts you in a relaxing mood. Once inside the grounds there are some unique features to see. And there is usually some type of art exhibit with items for sale, also. The last 2 times we went it was pottery. Usually not crowded - the whole world seems to be at nearby Ginkakuji instead. We didn't pay to go inside - just enjoyed the pond/area outside. Tip: there is a restroom here...it's hidden on the left side in the back. Bus tip: after exiting head to the left and there is a bus stop for the 100 tourist loop bus. You can get on here before the whole world tries to get on at the next stop which is Ginkakuji.
Written April 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MillennialTraveler
London, UK263 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
Just off the Philosophers walk, this was one of the quietest temples - but by far one of the best. Less crowds, more time to appreciate the grounds without being ushered on by the next tourist looking for "the" photo. Beautiful in cherry blossom season.
Written May 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jo_Aberdeen_UK
Aberdeen, UK589 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
Well it surprises me how far down the list of attraction this temple is, probably because not many people visit, but they are missing out. This was one of our favourites. Its seated deep in the woods just off philosophers pass, and its the setting that makes it so stunning. We were the only people there and it was eery and tranquil at the same time
Written June 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DDS.LO
Taipei, Taiwan444 contributions
Jan 2012
This small temple has the calm and peaceful atmosphere located aside the path of philosophy.
Written January 31, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BadgerCT
Cape Town Central, South Africa2,024 contributions
If you are enjoying the Philosopher's walk and have time to spare then this makes a pleasant detour from the canal. Despite the dense cherry trees on the Philosopher's walk it got quite hot and the Honen-in is in deep shade. Otherwise, if pressed for time and already templed-out you can safely give it a miss.
Written January 25, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jueying
across the universe41 contributions
Nov 2019
This temple is a little off the beaten path, and much less visited than other temples in Kyoto. I appreciated the peace and tranquility, and found the moss-covered thatched roof of the front gate to be most charming and lovely.
Written November 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tracy
Sydney, Australia1 contribution
When does this place open?
DimasLaksani
Salatiga, Indonesia195 contributions
this place is opened from 6am-4pm
laineylains
Toronto, Canada45 contributions
how long in duration should I set aside to visit this temple?
ShadowBijou
Melbourne, Australia77 contributions
Only the temple grounds are open to the public (except during rare special occasions when the main hall is opened up for a fee) so you won't need to set aside anything more than an hour here.
Honen-in, Kyoto
Frequently Asked Questions about Honen-in
- Honen-in is open:
- Sun - Sat 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- We recommend booking Honen-in tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Honen-in tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Honen-in:
- (0.05 mi) Sakura Sansui
- (0.23 mi) Roku Roku
- (0.21 mi) Ginkakuan
- (0.30 mi) Guest House Aoi Nakamoto
- (1.70 mi) Mume
- Restaurants near Honen-in:
- (0.11 mi) Monk
- (0.06 mi) Riverside Café Green Terrace
- (0.08 mi) Ikana
- (0.09 mi) Pomme
- (0.05 mi) Kisaki
- Attractions near Honen-in:
- (0.21 mi) Ginkakuji Temple
- (0.20 mi) Philosopher's Walk
- (0.14 mi) Ginsuiyu
- (0.15 mi) Miroku-in Temple
- (0.15 mi) Shiawase Jizo