basic information

Ohara is a rural town in northern Kyoto City, about one hour north of Kyoto Station. Ohara's main attraction is Sanzen-in Temple.

Sanzen-in's principal object of worship, a golden statue of the Amida Buddha, is displayed in the Ojo-Gokuraku-in, the temple's much photographed wooden building in the moss covered garden. Sanzen-in is particularly attractive (but also crowded) during the autumn leaf season, which usually peaks in mid November.

The pleasant road from the Ohara bus stop to Sanzen-in leads along a small river and is lined by numerous souvenir shops. Among the local specialties offered are various pickles, including "Ice Kyuri", Japanese cucumbers mildly pickled in seaweed flavored ice water.

Another famous temple in Ohara is Jakko-in. The temple was destroyed in an arson attack in the year 2000, but reconstruction works on the temple have been completed in 2005. It is said that the temple was founded by Shotoku Taishi in the seventh century.

Since 2004, Ohara has its own hot spring water, pumped to the surface from a depth of more than one kilometer. The water can be enjoyed at two local ryokan, Ohara no Sato and Ohara Sanso, not far from Jakko-in. If you do not stay at the ryokan, you can use the baths in combination with a snack or meal (advance reservation recommended).

Reconstructed Jakko-in Temple

"Ice Cucumbers"

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how to get there

From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line to its terminal station Kokusaikaikan Station (20 minutes, 260 Yen). From there take Kyoto Bus number 19 (bound for Ohara or Kodeishi) to Ohara (20 minutes, 340 Yen, two buses per hour).

Alternatively, take Kyoto Bus number 17 (bound for Ohara) directly from Kyoto Station to Ohara (60 minutes, 580 Yen, three buses per hour). This bus also stops at Shijo-Kawaramachi in the city center (45 minutes, 510 Yen to Ohara).

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34th of 41 most visited sights in Kyoto.
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hotels & ryokan

Tomiya Ryokan A traditional Japanese inn located 2 min walk from Kyoto Station. Close to bus terminal for all the attractions. Guest Inn Chita A small traditional inn run by a very kind staff. From 3500yen per guest. 10 min from Kyoto Station. Renewed in 2006. Gion Hatanaka A real Japanese inn in a quiet area of Gion, famous for Geisha. 15min walk to Kiyomizu-dera. 5min to Yasaka-jinja. Backpackers Hostel K's House Kyoto Voted No.1 hostel in Asia by Hostelworld customers. 9 mins walk from JR Kyoto station Bed from 2,500 yen. Ryokan Kinoe A comfort ryokan in Gion District. Quality services. 5 min to Gion Corner, Yasaka Jinja. Ponto-cho, Kiyomizu-dera nearby. Hotel Sugicho A ryokan in the center of Kyoto town. From 4000yen. 4 train stations are within walking distance. Try the Kyoto Kaiseki. Kyoto White Hotel From 4,150 yen per night. 3 minutes from JR Kyoto station.

tours and packages

Kyoto Tours Various English tours of Kyoto and surroundings. Atlas Japan Tour Customized tours emphasizing cultural experiences and communication to find real Japan. Education and exchange program available.

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