Myoshin-ji Review

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Myoshin-ji

  • Address: Ukyo-ku, Kyoto

Fodor's Review:

Japan's oldest bell—cast in 698—hangs in the belfry near the South Gate of this 14th-century temple, and is still rung daily to regulate the schedules of the monks. Emperor Hanazono was confirmed enlightened by the founder of Daitoku-ji, Kokushi, after many years of cloistered Zen practice. Thus his villa was converted into a temple; the work required so many laborers that a sprawling complex of buildings was built to house them. In all, there are some 40 structures, though only four are open to the public. Beware of the dragon on the ceiling of Myoshin-ji's Hatto (Lecture Hall). Known as the "Dragon Glaring in Eight Directions," it looks at you wherever you stand.

Within the complex, the temple Taizo-in has a famous painting by Sanraku Kano called Four Sages of Mt. Shang, recalling the four wise men who lived in isolation on a mountain to avoid the reign of destruction. The garden of Taizo-in is gentle and quiet—a good place to revive. The temple structure, originally built in 1404, suffered like the rest of the Myoshin-ji complex in the Onin Civil War (1467-77) and had to be rebuilt. Buses 61, 62, and 63 all stop at the Myoshin-ji-mae stop.

  • Cost: ¥400 for Myoshin-ji; additional ¥400 for Taizo-in
  • Open: Daily 9:10-11:50 and 1-4
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