Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, Kyoto

Sagano, also known as Saga, sits peacefully north of Arashiyama, offering a serene escape from the crowds. This preserved area echoes Japan's past, with its narrow streets and traditional architecture nestled amidst lush wooded hills. Charming shops, eateries, and offbeat temples make it an ideal spot for a walk.

One standout attraction is the Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, perched atop a small hill. Renowned for its bamboo grove and vibrant autumn colors, the temple is most notable for its 8,000 stone statues honoring those who passed away without descendants. Dating back to 811 AD, the current temple, built in 1712, stands on a former burial ground for the less fortunate, with the statues depicting Jizo, the guardian of the deceased. Each August 23rd and 24th, candles illuminate the statues, symbolizing the return of ancestral spirits.

Tip:
Respect the sanctity of the inner graveyard; photography is strictly prohibited in this sacred space.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Fg2.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kyoto. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
Sight Location: Kyoto, Japan (See walking tours in Kyoto)
Sight Type: Religious

Walking Tours in Kyoto, Japan

Create Your Own Walk in Kyoto

Creating your own self-guided walk in Kyoto is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Arashiyama and Bamboo Grove Walking Tour

The Arashiyama district of Kyoto is slightly out of the way for tourists, but that means you can enjoy it more comfortably.

Undoubtedly, the most popular attraction here is the iconic Bamboo Grove, a mesmerizing forest of towering bamboo stalks that sway gently in the breeze, creating an ethereal atmosphere. This serene setting is a must-visit for travelers seeking tranquility amidst... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles

Gion District Walking Tour

Gion, one of Kyoto’s most captivating districts, is deeply rooted in Japan’s cultural heritage. Located in the Higashiyama (the so-called “Eastern Mountain”) neighborhood, its history dates back to the Sengoku period, when it began as a hospitality area for pilgrims visiting Yasaka Shrine. By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, it had evolved into a renowned entertainment quarter,... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles

Kyoto Shopping and Food Tour

The cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is just as famous as a shopper’s paradise and, without a doubt, the best place in the country to buy traditional and modern Japanese goods. Souvenirs, food, bargains, and various “one-of-a-kind items” are all up for grabs here.

In addition to its shopping scene, Kyoto boasts a rich culinary heritage, from Michelin-starred restaurants to humble street... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

Walk on Philosopher's Path

Looking for a scenic walk with a side of existential pondering in Kyoto, you're inevitably bound to end up on the Philosopher’s Path. Winding its way for about two kilometers along the leafy canal that carries water from Lake Biwa to the foothills, this picturesque walking trail once served as the thinking route of Nishida Kitaro. Back in the first half of the 20th century, the famed... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

Higashiyama Walking Tour

It'd be fair to say that Kyoto is a theme park for lovers of history, religion, and all things deeply, unmistakably Japanese. If so, Higashiyama Ward, with its long lines, can easily be recognized as its star attraction. Tucked along the city’s eastern edge-hence its poetic name translated as “Eastern Mountain”-this district is where Kyoto flaunts its heritage like a geisha in full... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

Imperial Kyoto Walking Tour

Kyoto served as Japan’s imperial capital for over 1,000 years, from 794 to 1869, beginning with Emperor Kanmu’s relocation of his court to Heian-kyō (which is Kyoto’s former name). Though political power eventually shifted to the shogunate and later to Tokyo, Kyoto remained the cultural and symbolic heart of Japan. Its long association with the imperial court helped shape it into a refined... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles

View all walking tours in Kyoto, Japan

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The old capital of Japan, the city of Kyoto has once again been the talk of the world lately, thanks to the bestselling "Memoirs of a Geisha" book and the namesake Hollywood blockbuster movie. Renowned for its impeccable craftsmanship, Japan has so much to amaze a foreign eye with. Many of...