Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple
Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple is a unique temple near the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest that’s well worth visiting if you have the time!
Dating back to the 8th century, Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple is home to about 8,000 stone statues and pagodas, built to honor the departed souls of folks without family.
The row upon row of statues make for a unique and striking sight. And there is a bamboo grove here as well!
The temple is located in Adashino, in the Okusaga Mountains. The site of the temple has been a burial and memorial ground since long ago. In fact before burial became common, bodies were left here to be broken down by the elements.
After you’ve explored more popular sights like Tenryu-ji Temple, you may want to add Adashino Nenbutsu-ji to your itinerary if you enjoy local history and culture and want a unique experience in Arashiyama.
While the unique temple is worth visiting year round, cherry blossom bloom time and fall foliage time are particularly picturesque.
Planning a trip to the famous grove? Visit our Arashiyama Bamboo Forest home page for the complete rundown on every single detail!
And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Japan, check out some of the top things to do in Japan, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!
Visiting Information for Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple at a Glance
| Opening Hours | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, 9 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Dec-Feb (Gates close 30 minutes after) |
| Entrance Fee | 500 yen (USD 3.25) per person, high school/junior high 400 yen (USD 2.55) per student, younger kids free |
What to Do at the Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple
View the Thousands of Grave Markers
Called the Sai no Kawara, an enclosed space on the grounds of the Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple contains about 8,000 stone grave markers placed in the area over the centuries.
Set in orderly rows, the markers sometimes feature short pagodas or statues of Buddhist deities. A tall pagoda stands guard over the markers.
While you can take photos, please visit the site respectfully.
Step Inside the Main Hall
The main hall at the Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple dates back to the early 18th century. It houses an image of the Amida Buddha from the Kamakura period.
On the left side of the hall is a statue of Juichimen Kannon, a Bodhisattva with eleven heads. On the right side is a second statue of Amida.
View the Mizuko Jizo Shrine
The Mizuko Jizo Shrine sits at the back of the temple grounds. Here memorial services are held for babies that passed in infancy.
On the 24th day of every month, a special memorial service is held and people bring offerings.
Snap a Photo of the Bussharito Stupa
One of the unique structures on the property is a stupa, built in 1968 in the traditional Indian style. It is a brick dome-shaped structure that is uncommon in Japan.
The stupa serves as a resting place for the bones of the deceased. You can’t enter the stupa.
Also admire the torana, a stone gateway similar to ones found in India.
Walk the Serene Bamboo Grove
If you were frustrated by crowds at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, you will find a much less crowded grove here at Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple.
There is a pathway through the grove that you can stroll, posing for as many photos as you wish.
While the grove is smaller than the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, it is just as beautiful, with tall bamboo stalks that 20 meters (about 65 feet) or more.
Experience the Lit Lanterns at Sento Kuyo in August
On the last weekend in August of each year, a special memorial ceremony is held for folks that died with nobody to take care of their graves.
Candles are lit and sutras (sacred verses) are read.
During this time, lanterns are also lit along the street, making the neighborhood very atmospheric.
Klook.comAdashino Nenbutsuji Temple Access
You can walk from the Saga Arashiyama Station to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple in about 30 minutes (see map). The route is scenic, and en route you can walk the Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street, lined with houses built in old Japanese style.
The temple is also a 30-minute walk from the Randen Arashiyama Station, and about a 42-minute walk from the Hankyu Arashiyama Station.
Alternatively, from the Hankyu Arashiyama Station, take the Kyoto Bus towards Kiyotaki, and get off at the Toriimoto bus stop. From here, Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple is a 5-minute walk.
You can arrive by taxi as well, or bike. There is a bike parking area in front of the temple, but no car parking.
The address for Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple is 17 Saga Toriimotoadashinocho, Ukyo-Ku, Kyoto 616-8436.
Adashino Nenbutsu Hours
The Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4.30 p.m. Gates close at 5 p.m.
Between December and February, the temple is open until 3.30 p.m., with gates closing at 4 p.m.
The temple may occasionally be closed for special ceremonies so verify that it is open to the public on the date of your visit before you head there.
Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple Entrance Fee
There is an entrance fee of 500 yen (USD 3.25) per person for the Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple.
High school and junior high school students are charged 400 yen (USD 2.55) per student. Elementary school kids and younger enter free.
You can buy tickets at the entrance to the temple on the day of your visit.
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