Chion-in(7): Hojo Garden, set off by the landscape of the mountains

Let’s now proceed to Hojo Garden, located behind the main hall. 

This garden is laid out around a central pond. 

It is said to have been designed in the mid seventeenth century by a Buddhist monk named Gyoku-en, who had a strong connection with renowned landscape architect of the time Kobori Enshu. 

The beauty of the garden is set off by the majestic buildings and the landscape of the Higashiyama mountains which surround it, creating scenery with an extraordinary atmosphere. 

Take some time to stop and really revel in this wonderful sight.

Chion-in(6): The seven wonders of Chion-in

In Chion-in, there are seven wonders which have been passed down through the ages. 

One of the most interesting is Uguisubari-no-roka, meaning “nightingale hallway.” 

As you walk the hallway from Miei-do through Shue-do to Hojo, you will hear a sound reminiscent of the cry of a nightingale.

 If you try to walk more quietly, the sound is actually heard more loudly. 

It plays the role of an alarm, informing listeners of the intrusion of any suspicious persons. 

Now turn your attention to a drawing of a cat on the hallway of Hojo. 

No matter where it is viewed from, left or right, its eyes seem to follow you. 

It is believed that the picture represents the mercy of Buddha, who is watching over us from all around.

Chion-in(5): Shue-do: a place for ascetic rituals

On the left, towards the main hall, stands Shue-do, meaning “assembly hall.” 

This building connects to Miei-do via a corridor. The area is said to be as wide as that of a thousand tatami mats. It has been used as a place of ascetic practices since time immemorial. 

The “shue” in the hall’s name refers to its purpose as a place where monks gather to learn by listening to lectures. During the repair period of Miei-do, Shue-do plays the role of the main hall of the temple complex, while the image of Honen has also been enshrined here. 

Visitors must be sure not to miss this wonderful opportunity to see the Honen image up close.

Chion-in(4): Miei-do: a hall of overwhelming scale

As you pass through San-mon and ascend a steep stone staircase known as Otoko-zaka or “male slope,” which was featured in the movie “The Last Samurai,” you will see a majestic building crowned with a huge roof on your left. 

This is the main hall, called Miei-do, meaning “hall housing an image.” 

The huge building, 35 meters in width and 45 meters from front to back, enshrines the image of Honen, the priest who was the founder of the Jodo sect.

 The hall is closed until 2018 due to large-scale repairs which will go on for eight years. 

The repair site resembles a construction site for a new high-rise building; imagining what the hall will look like after its repairs, who can resist the temptation to plan a second visit in the future?

Chion-in(3): San-mon: the gate that greets visitors

The highlight of Chion-in is surely the two-storey San-mon gate located to the front of the building. 

This San-mon is the largest wooden gate in Japan, standing 24 meters in height and 50 meters from side to side. 

The upper floor of the two-level San-mon structure houses a Buddha statue. This gate allows visitors a glimpse of how magnificent this temple is.  

Cross the street from Gion, and walk along the approach in front of you. 

Catching your first glimpse of the massive structure of San-mon is a heart-stopping moment. 

This huge wooden gate is on top of the hill, and looking up at the gate as you walk underneath it is an awe-inspiring sight.

Chion-in(2): A spiritual place flowing with sacred energy

Let’s now step into the huge main hall. There will be chanting monks and worshiping pilgrims, amidst an atmosphere infused with the scent of incense. 

As the head temple of the Jodo sect whose believers are among the most numerous for any sect in Japan, Chion-in welcomes hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year. 

For visitors from overseas, one way to think of the temple is as a kind of “Vatican” of the Jodo sect. 

Chion-in is a place to get a glimpse of how the Japanese people engage with their religion, and to experience some of this sacred energy for yourself.

Chion-in(1): A majestic temple with a solemn atmosphere

Chion-in is without a doubt one of the most impressive sightseeing spots in Kyoto.

The biggest draw of Chion-in is the solemn atmosphere that is found at this spot. The first impression of those visiting the temple for the first time is of its large and imposing building. 

This is a much-visited spot, located closer to the center of Gion commercial district than any other sightseeing location, but when you step into the temple grounds you will be surprised at how quiet and sonorous it feels inside. 

A priceless part of Kyoto’s historical and cultural heritage, Chion-in continues even today to be a place of worship for numerous people who come to perform Buddhist chanting as part of their ascetic rituals. 

The view from the hill where the temple is located is also noteworthy. A visit to Chion-in in the early morning on a sunny day is a refreshing experience. 

Why not rise early and come to the temple first thing in the day?