Overview

This small, secluded Jodo temple named after its founder, Honen, escapes most of the crowds at the nearby Silver Temple and is an oasis of serenity tucked up in the forested eastern hills. As you enter through the thatched, wooden gate, a pair of lovely raked-stone gardens appear, whose designs are changed regularly by the monks. On the right is a small hall that is often used for an exhibition or as event space. If the rear of the temple is open, you can cross the bridge over the carp pond and carry on to see an exquisite statue of Kannon, the Bodhisattva of mercy. Admission is free.