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Chion-in Review
Read our Kyoto sights reviews. Or post your own.
Chion-in
- Address: 400 Hayashi-shita-cho 3-chome, Yamato-oji, Higashi-hairu, Shimbashi-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
- Category: Religious Sites
- Location: Higashiyama-ku
Fodor's Review:
To many, this is the most daunting temple gate in Japan, towering at the bottom of steep stairs that lead to one of Japan's larger temples, the headquarters of the Jodo sect of Buddhism. On this site, in the original temple, Honen, the founder of the Jodo sect, chose to leave this world by fasting to death in 1212. Like most Kyoto temples, it was repeatedly destroyed by fires and earthquakes; the oldest standing buildings are the Hon-do (Main Hall, 1633) and the Daihojo (Abbots' Quarters, 1639). The temple's belfry houses the largest bell in Japan, which was cast in 1633 and requires 17 monks to ring. To herald the New Year, the monks ring the bell -- as well as bells at other temples in Kyoto -- 107 times before midnight and once after to release people from the worldly desires of the old year. This ceremony is broadcast nationally. Leading to the Assembly Hall, the corridor behind the Main Hall, which houses the original Amida statue from Honen's time, is an uguisu-bari (nightingale floor). This type of floor is constructed to "sing" at every footstep to warn the monks of intruders. Walk underneath the corridor to examine the way the boards and nails are placed to create this inventive burglar alarm. From Kyoto Station take Bus 206 to the Gion stop. The temple is north of Maruyama Koen.
- Cost: ¥400
- Open: Mar.-Oct., daily 9-4:30; Nov.-Feb., daily 9-4; not all buildings open to public
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