Nisonin Temple
Nison-in二尊院
Nisonin Temple
Nison-in二尊院
About Nisonin Temple
Nison-in, the 'Temple of the Two Revered Images', is a historic Tendai sect temple founded by imperial decree in the Heian period. Named for its twin principal deities, Shaka Nyorai and Amida Nyorai, it symbolizes the complete spiritual journey from this life to the next. The temple is famed for its wide, maple-lined approach, the 'Momiji-no-baba', which creates a spectacular tunnel of autumn color. It also boasts a deep literary connection as the site of Fujiwara no Teika's villa, where the 'Ogura Hyakunin Isshu' poetry anthology was compiled.
Cultural Assets
Standing Statues of Shaka Nyorai and Amida Nyorai
Important Cultural PropertyTwo exquisite wooden statues representing the sender from this world and the welcomer into the Pure Land, embodying the temple's core theology.
Portrait of Priest Honen
Important Cultural PropertyA significant painting of the founder of the Jodo sect, designated as an Important Cultural Property.
Main Hall (Hondo)
Cultural Property of KyotoThe primary hall of worship, designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by Kyoto City.
Cultural Experiences
Bell of Happiness (Shiawase no Kane)
No Reservation NeededAvailability: Daily
Karuta Hajime Ceremony
No Reservation NeededAvailability: Annually on November 3rd
Open every day.
Free for children (elementary school age and younger) and visitors with a disability certificate.
Allow 30-60 minutes to walk the approach, visit the main hall, and see the imperial graves.
The temple is located on a hillside with gravel paths and stone steps, which may present challenges for wheelchair users.
Best Time to Visit
Autumn (late Nov) is peak season for the famous maple tunnel. Late afternoon offers magical light through the leaves.
Getting There
From Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station (15-20 min walk). Alternatively, take the Randen line to Arashiyama Station (15 min walk).
Photography Policy
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the Main Hall. Tripods are not permitted anywhere on the grounds.
