basic information

Yoshiminedera is a temple of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism located in Kyoto's western mountains. Similar to Kiyomizudera on the opposite side of town, Yoshiminedera is built along the mountain side and looks out onto Kyoto. The temple grounds are spacious and there are many buildings distributed up the mountain side.

A disciple of Enryakuji named Gesan established Yoshiminedera as a personal retreat in 1029. In 1467 the temple was destroyed in the Onin War, but was rebuilt in 1621. The temple's main objects of worship are a Kannon statue carved by Gesan, and a Kannon statue given to the temple by Emperor Gosuzaku in 1042.

Sacred water of the Shakado

The Hondo

Yoshiminedera's main building, the Hondo, is located just after the Sanmon, the temple's main entrance gate. Beside the Hondo stands a treasure house, where some of the temple's artifacts are put on display. Paths extend up the mountainside from these buildings, and numerous smaller temple structures are located along the way. The views onto the city below are quite impressive.

In addition to the buildings, the temple has a few revered trees. One of these is a unique 600 year old pine tree that is only 2 meters tall but 40 meters wide. The temple area is particularly beautiful in combination with the changing colors of the fall season, which attract considerable crowds.

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how to get there

To reach Yoshiminedera, take either the JR Kyoto Line from Kyoto Station to Mukomachi Station (7 minutes, 170 yen) or the Hankyu Kyoto Line from central Kyoto to Higashimuko Station (20 minutes, 220 yen). From either station, the temple can be reached by Hankyu Bus #66 in 30 minutes and for 340 yen one way.

Note that bus #66 operates only four times per day on weekdays and 7-8 times per day on weekends and during the cherry blossom season in April, the hydrangea season in June, the autumn leaf season in November and the New Year holidays. There are no buses, at all, from January 6 to the end of February.

How to get to and around Kyoto

hours and fees

Hours:	8:00 to 17:00
Closed:	No closing days
Admission:	500 yen

news and reports

	Kyoto Autumn Color Report November 21, 2009
	Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Arashiyama November 19, 2009
	Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Higashiyama November 18, 2009
	Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Kurama November 16, 2009
	Kyoto Autumn Color Report November 12, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 15, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 12, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 7, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 4, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 1, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report March 30, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report March 25, 2009

travel community

Popularity of Yoshiminedera:
Users who have been to Kyoto: 1962
Users who have been to Yoshiminedera: 18

45th of 46 most visited sights in Kyoto.
396th of 555 most visited sights nationwide.

Ratings for Yoshiminedera:

japan-guide.com Rating:		outstanding
User Rating:	n/a	insufficient data

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Hotel Sugicho A ryokan in the center of Kyoto town. From 4000yen. 4 train stations are within walking distance. Try the Kyoto Kaiseki. Tomiya Ryokan A traditional Japanese inn located 2 min walk from Kyoto Station. Close to bus terminal for all the attractions. Japanese hotel, Ryokan Nishiyama Experience the real Japan at our affordable ryokan. Close to major tourist spots in Kyoto. 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. Gion Hatanaka A real Japanese inn in a quiet area of Gion, famous for Geisha. 15min walk to Kiyomizu-dera. 5min to Yasaka-jinja. Ryokan Hirashin 3min walk to Shijo Karasuma Sta. Spacious Japanese-style rooms. 140 years of history. Public baths renovated in 2006.

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