Chionin Temple

Chionin (知恩院) is the head temple of the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism, which has millions of followers and is one of the most popular Buddhist sects in Japan. The temple has spacious grounds and large buildings that convey the sect’s enormous influence on Japanese religious life.

The Sanmon Gate

The Sanmon Gate, Chionin’s main entrance gate, is located alongside the road between Maruyama Park and Shorenin Temple. Standing 24 meters tall and 50 meters wide, it is the largest wooden temple gate in Japan and dates back to the early 1600s. Behind the gate, a wide set of stairs leads to the main temple grounds.

History of the Jodo Sect

The priest Honen was initially a follower of the Tendai sect at the mountain temple of Enryakuji. Buddhism during Honen’s time was limited to monks and aristocrats, and was not available to commoners who lacked the resources or learning to partake in Buddhist rituals. In 1175, Honen was introduced to Chinese texts claiming the possibility of salvation by simply proclaiming faith in the Buddha Amida, and soon after he founded the Jodo sect.

The central premise was that Amida had created a paradise (Jodo, “pure land”) that anyone could enter after death by simply reciting the name of Amida in faith. This gave common people the same opportunity for salvation as priests or aristocrats. The sect became enormously popular among the masses, though it met with opposition from established sects.

What to See

At the center of Chionin is an open area with stone paths connecting the temple’s main buildings. The massive Miedo Hall houses the principle object of worship: a statue of the priest Honen. Nearby is the Amidado Hall, housing a statue of Amida Buddha.

Beyond the Miedo, a path leads up the hillside to several small buildings. The Seishido Hall is the oldest building on the grounds, dating back to 1530. There is also a mausoleum containing Honen’s ashes. Elsewhere on the grounds stands a massive bell that was the largest in the world from the 17th to the 19th century.

Gardens

The Hojo Garden is built alongside the priest’s living quarters behind the Miedo Hall — a traditional Japanese garden designed by a monk in the mid-1600s. The Yuzen Garden, located beside the Sanmon Gate, was designed in modern times and includes both rock and pond gardens built along a slight incline.

Getting There

Located just north of Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto’s Higashiyama District. A 10-minute walk from Higashiyama Station on the Tozai Subway Line (15 minutes, 260 yen from Kyoto Station) or a 5-minute walk from Chionin-mae bus stop (20 minutes, 230 yen from Kyoto Station by bus 206).

Hours and Admission

Temple buildings open 9:00 to 16:30 (entry until 16:00). No closing days. Temple admission is free. Hojo and Yuzen Gardens: 9:00 to 16:30; 500 yen combined (400 yen Hojo only, 300 yen Yuzen only). Garden ticket sales end at 15:20.