Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple

Adashino Nenbutsu-ji化野念仏寺

Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple

Adashino Nenbutsu-ji化野念仏寺

Source: "Adashino Nenbutsuji's stone Buddhas" / Public Domain

About Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple

Adashino Nenbutsu-ji is a temple founded by the great monk Kūkai to offer solace to the souls of those who died without kin. Its most striking feature is Sai no Kawara, a field of approximately 8,000 stone statues and pagodas, each representing an unclaimed soul. The temple is famed for its annual Sento Kuyo ceremony, where thousands of candles are lit among the statues, creating a breathtaking 'river of light'. The grounds also feature a serene and less-crowded bamboo grove, offering a tranquil alternative to Arashiyama's main path.

Cultural Assets

Sai no Kawara (Stone Statues)

Artwork

A collection of approximately 8,000 stone Buddhist statues and pagodas, gathered to memorialize the souls of those who died without family to tend their graves.

Statue of Amida Buddha

Artwork

The main object of worship in the Hondō (Main Hall), a Kamakura-period statue of Amida Buddha.

Cultural Experiences

Sento Kuyo (Thousand Lights Memorial Service)

No Reservation Needed

Availability: Annually on the evenings of August 23rd & 24th

Hours

9:00 - 16:30

Last admission is at 16:00. Reception closes earlier (15:30) from December to February. The temple may close for bad weather or special ceremonies.

Admission

¥500

¥400 for junior/high school students. Free for elementary school students and younger.

Visit Duration

Approx. 90 minutes

A typical visit takes 1-2 hours to fully explore the Sai no Kawara, the bamboo grove, and the various temple halls.

Accessibility

Limited / Not Accessible

The temple is located in a mountainous area and involves walking on potentially uneven paths and steps, making it challenging for wheelchair users.

Best Time to Visit

The Sento Kuyo festival on August 23rd & 24th is a unique and moving spectacle. For a peaceful visit, a weekday morning is ideal to enjoy the bamboo grove and grounds in solitude.

Getting There

From JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, it is a 25-30 minute walk. Alternatively, take Kyoto Bus #92 from the station to the 'Toriiimoto Adashino-chō' stop.

Photography Policy

Photography is permitted in most outdoor areas. Photography may be restricted within the Sai no Kawara area itself. Tripods are prohibited.

Address

17 Sagatorimoto Adashinocho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8436

Phone

+81(0)758612221

Website

nenbutsuji.jp

Key Features

jodo shinshu shingon buddhism arashiyama kukai connection 8000 buddha statues sai no kawara sento kuyo festival bamboo grove less crowded good for meditation photogenic

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