Nestled along the wooded slopes of Higashiyama just off the Philosopher’s Walk, Hōnen-in offers an intimate, tranquil escape from Kyoto’s more crowded sights. Entering past a picturesque moss-covered thatched gate and two purifying raised sand mounds, visitors are greeted by lush green gardens and a quiet, contemplative atmosphere. A wooded pathway leads deeper into the grounds to a serene cemetery, home to the grave of renowned Japanese novelist Jun’ichirō Tanizaki. The temple is especially enchanting in the early morning, when dew covers the moss and silence envelopes the forest.
- Temples
- Buddhist Temples
- Gardens
- Cemeteries
- Historic Sites
- Literary Landmarks
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