Temple
Honen-in
法然院
A small temple a short walk east of the Philosopher's Path, entered through a thatched gate between raked sand mounds.
Key facts
- Station
- Ginkakuji-michi bus stop (Kyoto City Bus 5, 17)12 min walk
- Admission
- Free entry
- Typical visit
- 20 min
- Hours
- 6:00 to 16:00
- Website
- www.honen-in.jp
Tip
The grounds are free; the main hall opens only for short periods in early April and late November, for a fee.
01Where to stay
Stay nearby
This place is in Okazaki and Northern Higashiyama. Median hotel rate in the latest sample: US$534 per night. Where to stay in Okazaki and Northern Higashiyama
Prices and availability come from the booking sites and can change.
02Map
Nearby places
- Street Philosopher's Path 哲学の道 A stone path of about 2 km along a canal of the Lake Biwa Canal system, between Ginkaku-ji and the Nanzen-ji area. Free entry 45 min 8 min walk
- Temple Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) 銀閣寺（慈照寺） Built in 1482 as the retirement villa of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa and converted into a Zen temple after his death. Paid entry 45 min 10 min walk
- Temple Eikan-do (Zenrin-ji) 永観堂 A Jodo sect temple north of Nanzen-ji known for its autumn colours, its hillside Tahoto pagoda and a statue of the Amida Buddha with his head turned to the side. Paid entry 1 h 15 min walk
- Temple Nanzen-ji 南禅寺 Head temple of one of the schools of Rinzai Zen, at the foot of the Higashiyama hills. Paid entry 1 h 7 min walk
Sources · Verified 24 September 2026