Hourinji Temple

Hourinji Temple（法輪寺） was originally founded in 713 at the request of Emperor Genmei.Horinji Temple is also mentioned as a representative temple in Sei Shonagon’s Pillow Book “Tera no Dan”.

The principal deity, Kokuzo Bosatsu, is one of the three Kokuzos in Japan and is also known as “Saga no Kokuzosan” (the Kokuzos of Saga).Since the Kokuzo Bosatsu (Bodhisattva of the Emptiness) bestows wisdom and good fortune, men and women of thirteen years of age come from all over Japan to make the Jusanmairi (also known as Chie-mairi) pilgrimage.

From the observatory on the north side of the main hall, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Kyoto, including the Togetsu Bridge, the torii-shaped torii of the Gozan Bonfire, Mount Hiei, and Kyoto Tower.

To get to Horinji Temple from Kyoto Station, take a 16-minute JR train ride, or an 18-minute walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station.