Sanzenin Temple (三千院) is a Tendai sect temple located in Ohara, Kyoto City. Its mountain name is Gyo-zan. The principal image is Yakushi Nyorai. It is also known as Sanzenin Monzeki.
Among the Tendai sect’s three monzeki temples, Sanzenin is the oldest in history. It is said to have originated when Saicho (also known as Dengyo Daishi), the founder of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei during the Enryaku era (782-806), established a structure near a large pear tree in the eastern valley of Mount Hiei, known as Higashito Minamiya, and named it “Ennyu-bo.” Later, when Prince Narihito became the head priest, it was named “Narihito Monzeki.”
Sanzenin is renowned as a temple where visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery in every season. Particularly, the cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn foliage are exceptional, attracting numerous tourists.
Within its precincts, there are many designated national treasures and important cultural properties. However, the allure of moss and the “Warabe Jizo” (childlike Jizo) are also highlights of Sanzenin.
Getting there
From Kyoto Station to Sanzenin Temple:
| Train and Bus | Kyoto Station ↓ Karasuma Line ↓ 20 minutes (10 stops) Kokusaikaikan Station Kokusaikaikan Ekimae Bus Stop ↓ Bus Number 特17/19 ↓ 22 minutes (21 stops) Ohara Bus Stop ↓ Walk about 12 minutes ↓ Sanzenin Temple (Cost 650 yen) |
| Car | About 40 minutes (19.1 km) |
Details
| Hours | March to December 7th /8:30 AM -5:00 PM December 8th to February / 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Admission | General: 700 yen Junior high school and high school students: 400 yen Elementary school students: 150 yen |
| Phone | +81 75-744-2531 |
| Address | 540 Ohararaikoincho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1242 |