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Myoshin-ji 妙心寺

Checked October 2026 · next check January 2027 · 1 post since 2013

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Visiting Myoshin-ji today

  • What it is: A large Rinzai Zen temple complex in north-western Kyoto, founded in 1337, with about 50 sub-temples, most of them closed to the public.
  • Getting there: JR Hanazono Station is about 5 minutes' walk away (10 minutes and ¥200 from Kyoto Station), or Myoshinji Station on the Keifuku Kitano Line is about 3 minutes' walk.
  • Admission and hours: Hatto Hall, with its dragon ceiling painting, costs ¥500 and is open 9:00-16:00 (last entry 15:30); Taizo-in costs ¥700, 9:00-17:00.
  • Zazen: The Shunko-in sub-temple runs a 120-minute Zen and tea session in English and Japanese for groups of 8 to 10, and you must book ahead through its contact page; check its schedule calendar for dates.
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Fresh spring greenery, and autumn leaves in November

Checked against: Myoshinji Temple - japan-guide.com · Shunkoin Temple - Zen meditation. Check opening times and prices before you go.

Myoshin-ji on Shibuya246

Photos and stories from our visits, as they were written at the time.

Photos

Zazen Meditation at Myoshinji

Myoshinji Temple is in the Hanazono quarter in Kyoto. It is a wonderful complex of temples where you can enjoy strolling through the old pathways and imagine you are back in time. A number of the temples have gardens open for public display and some offer zazen sessions for the public also.