🕓 2025/4/13
＃観光地
Mornings wrapped in mist, temples illuminated by light, bell sounds carried by the wind…
Table of Contents
- Top 5 Famous Temples and Shrines in Arashiyama
- 1. Tenryuji Temple | Finding Inner Peace at a World Heritage Zen Temple
- 2. Nonomiya Shrine | A Power Spot that Inspired The Tale of Genji
- 3. Jojakko-ji Temple | A Tranquil Temple Famous for Autumn Foliage
- 4. Nison-in Temple | A Notable Temple to Enjoy Both Cherry Blossoms and Autumn Foliage
- 5. Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple | A Hidden Temple with Unique Rakan Statues
- Introduction
- Top 5 Famous Temples and Shrines in Arashiyama
- 1. Tenryuji Temple | Finding Inner Peace at a World Heritage Zen Temple
- 2. Nonomiya Shrine | A Power Spot that Inspired The Tale of Genji
- 3. Jojakko-ji Temple | A Tranquil Temple Famous for Autumn Foliage
- 4. Nison-in Temple | A Notable Temple to Enjoy Both Cherry Blossoms and Autumn Foliage
- 5. Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple | A Hidden Temple with Unique Rakan Statues
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
Kyoto’s Arashiyama is generally known for its natural scenery such as the bamboo grove and Togetsukyo Bridge, but in fact, this area is home to many historically significant temples and shrines.
이러한 사찰과 신사들은 단순한 관광지를 넘어, **마음을 가다듬고 깊은 치유를 경험할 수 있는 “아라시야마다운 체험”**을 선사하는 장소입니다.
In this article, we carefully select and introduce five especially recommended temples and shrines among the many located in Arashiyama.
From a World Heritage-registered Zen temple to a shrine connected to The Tale of Genji, a notable temple with stunning cherry blossoms and autumn foliage, to a hidden gem lined with distinctive stone Buddhas — we provide an in-depth look at the diverse charms of each temple and shrine.
Top 5 Famous Temples and Shrines in Arashiyama
Kyoto’s Arashiyama is home to numerous temples and shrines scattered throughout the area.
Among them, we have carefully selected five that are particularly popular and historically and culturally significant.
The beauty of gardens, literary connections, scenery that changes with each season, and creative artistry — pilgrimages to Arashiyama’s temples and shrines, filled with diverse charms, offer new discoveries with every visit.
1. Tenryuji Temple | Finding Inner Peace at a World Heritage Zen Temple
As the head temple of the Rinzai sect’s Tenryuji school, it is a renowned temple representing Arashiyama and registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
몽창소석(夢窓疎石)이 조영한 ‘소겐지 정원(曹源池庭園)’은 아라시야마를 차경으로 삼은 회유식 정원으로 유명합니다.
Beautiful scenery can be enjoyed throughout all four seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, green maples in summer, autumn foliage in fall, and snow scenery in winter.
법당 천장에 그려진 가야마 마타조(加山又造)의 ‘운룡도(雲龍図)’도 놓쳐서는 안 될 명소입니다.
- Main Highlights: Sogenchi Garden, Cloud Dragon painting, Zen architectural style
- Recommended Season: Spring/Autumn (early morning special viewings are especially popular)
- Time Required: About 60 minutes
2. Nonomiya Shrine | A Power Spot that Inspired The Tale of Genji
A small shrine quietly nestled within the bamboo grove.
이세 신궁에 봉사하는 미혼의 황녀인 ‘사이오(斎王)’가 정결 의식을 치른 장소이며, 『겐지 이야기』 ‘사카키의 장’에도 등장하는 유서 깊은 신사입니다.
자연목 그대로의 ‘구로키 도리이(黒木鳥居)’와 이끼로 덮인 경내가 환상적인 분위기를 자아냅니다.
It is also known as a place with spiritual power for matchmaking and academic success, making it very popular.
- Main Highlights: Kuroki Torii, moss garden within bamboo grove, Tale of Genji setting
- Recommended Season: Year-round (the tranquility of early morning is especially charming)
- Time Required: About 15 minutes
3. Jojakko-ji Temple | A Tranquil Temple Famous for Autumn Foliage
A Nichiren sect temple located on the hillside of Mt. Ogura.
이름은 불교 이상향 ‘조작코도(常寂光土)’에서 유래되었으며, 그 이름에 걸맞은 고요함과 맑은 기운이 깃든 명찰입니다.
In autumn, the grounds are dyed in blazing autumn foliage, and the contrast between the vermilion multi-story pagoda and the autumn leaves is like a painting.
The view of Sagano from the hilltop is also superb.
- Main Highlights: Multi-story Pagoda, Autumn Foliage Tunnel, Shigure-tei ruins of Hyakunin Isshu
- Recommended Season: Autumn (foliage) / Fresh green season also popular
- Time Required: About 30-45 minutes
4. Nison-in Temple | A Notable Temple to Enjoy Both Cherry Blossoms and Autumn Foliage
‘석가여래’와 ‘아미타여래’ 두 분을 본존으로 모시는 텐다이종의 사찰.
정문에서 본당으로 이어지는 ‘단풍의 바바(紅葉の馬場)’는 가을에는 붉은 단풍, 봄에는 벚꽃 가로수로 유명한 장소입니다.
The magnificent main hall and burial grounds of historical figures are also full of attractions, making it a temple you will want to visit in both spring and autumn.
- Main Highlights: Two Buddha statues, Momiji no Baba, historically significant main gate
- Recommended Season: Spring (cherry blossoms) / Autumn (foliage)
- Time Required: About 30-40 minutes
5. Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple | A Hidden Temple with Unique Rakan Statues
A distinctive Tendai sect temple where over 1,200 rakan statues with individually different expressions fill the grounds.
These stone statues were carved by ordinary worshippers from the Showa era onward, each possessing different expressions and poses for endlessly enjoyable viewing.
아라시야마 중심에서 조금 떨어진 조용한 위치에 있어 여유롭게 산책하고 싶은 분께 추천드리는 ‘숨은 명소’입니다.
Main Highlights: Rakan statues, moss-covered stone Buddhas, Bell of the Three Treasures
Recommended Season: Year-round (especially summer greenery and autumn foliage)
Time Required: About 45-60 minutes
[ Arashiyama Top 5 Temples & Shrines Comparison Table ]
| Temple/Shrine Name | Sect/Type | Features and Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Tenryuji | Rinzai sect (Zen temple) | World Heritage / Sogenchi Garden / Cloud Dragon painting / Famous garden with Arashiyama as borrowed scenery / Related to Ashikaga Takauji |
| Nonomiya Shrine | Shinto (Shrine) | Tale of Genji setting / Kuroki Torii / Grounds within bamboo grove / Matchmaking & academic success power spot |
| Jojakko-ji | Nichiren sect (Temple) | Mt. Ogura hillside / Stunning multi-story pagoda / Famous autumn foliage / Hyakunin Isshu and Fujiwara no Sadaie ruins |
| Nison-in | Tendai sect (Temple) | Dual enshrined Shakyamuni & Amida / Momiji no Baba / Famous for spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage |
| Otagi Nenbutsu-ji | Tendai sect (Temple) | Over 1,200 distinctive rakan statues |
