Sennyuji Temple

Sennyu-ji

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A historically significant temple renowned as the imperial family's mortuary temple, offering stunning gardens, precious Buddhist statues, and remarkable architecture. The autumn foliage is particularly breathtaking, attracting numerous visitors.

Shrines and Temples
Historic Sites
World Heritage

HighlightsServes as the mortuary temple for the Imperial Family, housing the mausoleums of numerous emperors and imperial family members.
Features the Butsuden (Buddhist hall), Kaisan-do (founder's hall), and Omon (main gate), all designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
Offers beautiful seasonal scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage.
Houses precious Buddhist statues, including a seated statue of Kannon known as the Yang Guifei Kannon.
Includes numerous sub-temples (tatchu-ji), each with unique attractions.

Basic Information

Address: 36 Sennyuji Yamanouchi-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture Search for tourist attractions in Kyoto

Access: 10-minute walk from Tofukuji Station on the JR Nara Line or Keihan Main Line. Also accessible via Kyoto City Bus routes 202, 207, and 208, getting off at "Sennyuji-michi" stop, followed by a 10-minute walk. Show route

Op.Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Cld.Days: Wednesday

Fee: Adults ¥500, High school students ¥300, Junior high school students and younger: Free

INFO: Sennyuji Temple boasts a vast expanse, so allow ample time for exploration. Autumn, particularly during the peak foliage season, sees significant crowds, so we highly recommend visiting with extra time to spare.

HP: http://www.sennyuji.com/

Overview

Sennyuji Temple is the head temple of the Sennyuji school of Shingon Buddhism, located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto. Founded in 1216, it flourished from the late Kamakura to the Muromachi periods, enjoying the deep patronage of the Imperial Court. Established at the behest of Emperor Gosaga, it's known as the "Imperial Family's Mortuary Temple" due to the presence of mausoleums for numerous emperors and imperial family members. The temple grounds are home to many historically significant structures, including the Butsuden (Buddhist hall), Kaisan-do (founder's hall), and Omon (main gate), all designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The temple also offers beautiful seasonal scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage. The autumn leaves are especially spectacular, painting the entire mountainside in fiery reds and yellows. Sennyuji Temple also encompasses several sub-temples known as tatchu-ji. Each of these sub-temples boasts unique gardens, Buddhist statues, and architecture, adding to the temple's rich tapestry of attractions. Sennyuji is a serene and beautiful temple where history and nature harmoniously coexist. It's a must-visit destination when exploring Kyoto.

Sennyuji Temple

Highlights

Basic Information

Overview

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