Hosen-in Temple

The basics

Inside the quiet temple, visitors sip on traditional Japanese green tea while observing the ancient tree and gardens through the windows. Outside, visitors place their ears to a pair of bamboo tubes that stretch down into the ground from a small wooden terrace. It's said that the sounds heard from water dripping into a water basin symbolize harmony in the universe.

Things to know before you go

• The temple is a must-visit for travelers interested in Samurai history and Japanese spirituality.
• Be prepared to remove your shoes before entering.
• Discounted admission for children is available.
• The temple is not accessible for wheelchair users and those with strollers.

How to get there

The temple is situated in Ohara in Northern Kyoto and the fastest way to reach it is by train or bus. The Karasuma Subway line terminates at Kokosaikaikan Station, where Kyoto bus number 19 connects to Ohara. Bus number 17 provides direct service from Kyoto Station to Ohara.

When to get there

The temple accepts visitors every day of the week and is a year-round attraction. Because Kyoto is relatively temperate, visitors are common year-round. However, the temple gardens are particularly beautiful in the spring, when seasonal flowers bloom, and in the autumn, when the leaves begin to change colors.

The Bloody Temples of Kyoto

This temple is not the only one in Kyoto that displays blood-stained floorboards out of respect to the samurais at Fushimi Castle. Other temples include Genkoan, Myoshinji, Shodenji, and Yogenin, all right in town. If you look carefully, you may notice the outlines of hand and footprints.