Myoshinji Temple

Myoshinji Temple（妙心寺） is the head temple of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.Myoshinji Temple is the largest Zen temple in Japan, measuring approximately 500 m east to west and 619 m north to south, and has 46 temples in its vast grounds of approximately 100,000 tsubo.

The Hatto and bathrooms are open for set viewing times and guided tours with explanations are available.The Hatto ceiling is decorated with cloud and dragon paintings (dragons glaring in all directions) by Kano Tanyu.The bathroom (Akechi Bath) is said to have been built by the monk Mison Song (Mitsuhide Akechi’s uncle) for the purpose of mourning Mitsuhide Akechi.

On June 18, the gate, which is normally closed to the public, will be open to the public for a special viewing.In August, the Buddhist event of welcoming and sending off ancestors (“Shory-Omukae“（welcome the spirits of one’s ancestors） on August 9 and 10 and “Shory-Okuri”（Sending out ancestral spirits） on August 16) is held.

To get to Myoshinji Temple from Kyoto Station, take a 10-minute JR train ride and a 5-minute walk from Hanazono Station.