Chion-in

このヴェニューを日本語で読む

Museums & Sights

Review

The entrance to Chion-in, the head temple of Buddhism’s Jodo sect, is as imposing as it is tragic. The world’s largest and oldest wooden gate is 24m high, 50m wide and houses the coffins of the master builder and his wife, both of whom committed suicide after the grand creation went over budget. The original temple was built in 1234 on the site of sect founder Honen’s death. Most of the current buildings date back to the mid 17th century, when the Tokugawa Shogunate funded a reconstruction. With such heavyweight backing, the architecture is imposing and includes a defensive ‘nightingale corridor’, with squeaky floorboards designed to sing like birds whenever anyone approached. The complex includes the 16th-century Hojo Garden, and the mid 20th-century Yuzen Garden, dedicated to the creator of yuzen dyeing.

Kyoto Shortlist

Review updated October 2009

Details

Address
400 Rinka-cho, Shinbashi Dori, Yamatoo-ji Higashi-iru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

Transport Buses 12, 46, 201, 203, 206; or Higashiyama station (Tozai line).

Telephone 075 531 2111

Open 9am-4pm daily.

Admission Admission Grounds free. Hojo Garden ¥400. Yuzen Garden ¥300. Both gardens ¥500.

Please note: All information is correct at the time of writing but is subject to change without notice.

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