Chion-in Temple

Welcome to Chion-in, the majestic head temple of the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism. Located in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, this temple is a place of immense scale and spiritual weight. …

Standing before us is the Sanmon, the main gate of Chion-in and a National Treasure of Japan. Completed in 1621 by order of Tokugawa Hidetada, it is 24 meters high and 50 meters wide, making it the largest wooden gate in the…

After passing through the Sanmon, you are faced with a choice of paths leading to the main temple complex. Directly ahead is the 'Otokozaka' or 'Men’s Slope,' a flight of fifty steep stone stairs. …

The Miedo, or the Founder’s Hall, is the spiritual center of Chion-in. This massive National Treasure was rebuilt in 1639 by Tokugawa Iemitsu after a fire. …

To the side of the Miedo lies the Amida-do, a smaller but equally significant hall. Originally built in the 16th century and relocated during the Meiji era, this hall is dedicated to Amida Buddha, the central figure of the Pure…

As we walk toward the higher ground of the temple precinct, we come to the Daishoro, the Great Bell Tower. This structure houses the Chion-in Bell, which was cast in 1633 and is one of the three largest bronze bells in Japan. …

No visit to Chion-in is complete without exploring its exquisite gardens. The Yuzen-en Garden, located near the Sanmon Gate, was created in 1954 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the birth of Miyazaki Yuzen, the father of…

As we descend the steps from the main courtyard and pass back through the great Sanmon Gate, take a moment to reflect on the immense scale and profound simplicity of Chion-in. We have walked through the headquarters of a faith…