Guide
Mimuroto-ji is located in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, and serves as the 10th sacred site of the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. As a distinguished temple of the Shugendo tradition, it has long been a center of spiritual devotion. It is most widely celebrated as the 'Hydrangea Temple' (Ajisai-dera), where the grounds are blanketed in a sea of colorful hydrangeas during early summer. Beyond the hydrangeas, the temple features meticulously maintained gardens such as plum blossom and azalea gardens, offering a diverse range of natural beauty depending on when you visit.
The temple honors Kannon Bodhisattva as its principal deity and holds a significant position as the 10th station of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. Deeply intertwined with the history of Uji City, the site houses many structures designated as Tangible Cultural Properties of Kyoto Prefecture. As a prestigious center for Shugendo-related practices, it has welcomed countless pilgrims throughout the centuries. The temple grounds provide a profound space where traditional Japanese religious culture and the natural world coexist harmoniously, featuring various historic buildings and sacred Buddhist statues.
The greatest draw of Mimuroto-ji is its seasonal gardens. In spring, you can witness the elegance of weeping plum blossoms and the vibrant colors of Kurume and Hirado azaleas. In early summer, the temple is transformed by a spectacular display of hydrangeas. As a sacred site of the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, visitors can also explore historic architecture and sacred Buddhist figures. A leisurely stroll through the grounds allows you to experience the serene atmosphere of a traditional Japanese landscape, dotted with meaningful stone monuments and ancient structures.
Mimuroto-ji offers a completely different landscape depending on the season. From mid-February to late March, the 'Weeping Plum Garden' comes alive, signaling the arrival of spring. In mid-April to early May, the azalea gardens provide a brilliant burst of color. The hydrangea season in early summer is perhaps the most popular and spectacular time to visit. We recommend visiting during daylight hours to fully appreciate the vivid colors of the gardens and the intricate details of the Buddhist statues. Please check the seasonal opening schedules before your visit.
Visitors can participate in the tradition of receiving a Goshuin (sacred temple seal/stamp). Please note that during the first three days of the New Year and throughout the month of June, Goshuin may be provided as a written slip rather than being written directly into your book. Walking through the gardens to appreciate the changing seasons is a quintessential experience here. Additionally, experiencing the pilgrimage atmosphere as part of the Saigoku 33 Kannon circuit offers a deep cultural connection to Japanese traditions.
Mimuroto-ji is situated in the historic Uji area of Kyoto. This region is rich in cultural heritage, and visitors can easily combine a trip to the temple with sightseeing at other nearby historical landmarks and shrines in the Uji area.
The temple grounds are quite extensive and feature various slopes, stairs, and uneven paths. We highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. If you wish to receive a Goshuin, please bring your own Goshuin book (cho) and writing utensils to ensure a smooth process. Note that Goshuin reception is suspended between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. Additionally, please be aware that temple visits may be canceled or restricted in the event of severe weather warnings; we recommend checking the official website for the latest updates before traveling.