ABOUT
About this spot
Myoshin-ji is the head temple of the Myoshin-ji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, located in Hanazono, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto. Its mountain name is Shobozan and the principal image is Shaka Nyorai. The wide precinct in the northwest of old Heian-kyo has long been nicknamed the "Western Palace" by Kyoto residents, and more than forty sub-temples line its quiet stone-paved lanes. The temple began when Retired Emperor Hanazono wished to turn his villa into a Zen temple, and Kanzan Egen became its founding abbot; 1342 is regarded as the year of its founding. It was restored after being interrupted in the Muromachi period and again after the Onin War, and it flourished greatly in the Edo period. The highlight is the cloud dragon painted on the ceiling of the Dharma Hall by Kano Tanyu, said to have taken about eight years to complete. The bronze bell dated 698 is a National Treasure and is considered the oldest dated temple bell in Japan. Many buildings, including the Buddha Hall, the Sanmon gate and the bath house, are Important Cultural Properties. According to the official website, the main temple is open from 9:00 to 16:00 (tickets until 15:30), with an adult admission of 500 yen and 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students. The official site announces that, because of construction, only the Dharma Hall is open to visitors for about two years from May 2024, so please check the current situation before visiting. The paths through the precinct are open around the clock. From JR Hanazono Station, the south gate is about a five-minute walk. Ninna-ji and Ryoan-ji are within about 1 to 1.3 km, making it easy to combine them in a half-day walk.
Last updated October 26, 2026