Arashiyama to Adashino Nenbutsu Temple
Arashiyama – Adashino Nenbutsu Temple 嵐山～化野念仏寺
Overview
Arashiyama is one of the best-known areas of Kyoto and Japan. It is famous for its river views, Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryuji Temple, a bamboo forest, and much more. The Arashiyama – Adashino Nenbutsu route goes up through the bamboo forest, runs close to the Okochi Sanso Villa, crosses the JR Saiin Line tracks, passes through an elegant neighborhood. At this point, you will be entering an area dotted with many small temples. On the right is the Sagano Doll House (more formally known as the Kyoto Japanese Folk Dolls Museum), and then finally up a hill and on the left is Adashino Nenbutsu Temple.
Actor Denjiro Okochi was a major film star from the 1920s until his death in 1962. He is today better remembered for the villa he built, Okochi Sanso.
The villa and gardens cover 20 thousand square meters. They include several buildings, lovely gardens, a sweeping view of the entire city of Kyoto, and on the other side a view down into the Hozu River below.
Adashino Nenbutsu Temple was founded by Kobo Daishi to honor anonymous dead souls - the area was used as a dumping ground for corpses in ancient times. In August, "sento kuyo," a ceremony dedicated to the spirits of the dead, takes place and about ten thousand stone statues are lit up with candles.
Adashino Nenbutsu Temple dates to the ninth century. In the 12th century, the priest Honen lived here. The name itself means "Praise to the Buddha Amida."
Much of the temple is a graveyard. For those interested in going to the "sento kuyo" Obon celebration, reservations are required. Write to the temple directly by June.
The Kyoto Japanese Folk Dolls Museum is a fun place to see some of Japan's wonderful dolls.
Getting to the Starting Point
If you are coming from downtown or even the Golden Pavilion, it is a long ride. From Gosho (Imperial Palace), riding along Marutamachi Dori it will take you 20 - 30 minutes to get there.
If that puts you off, there is a rental shop in Arashiyama close to the Hankyu Arashiyama train station. Bikes are 800 yen per day.
Note: At the peak times of year - cherry blossom season and fall foliage - the main street of Arashiyama is a war zone: cars, buses, and pedestrians vie for space. Cycling can be difficult in places, especially on weekends and national holidays.
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| Bamboo Forest | Adashino Nenbutsu Temple |
Directions
Head along the main street away from the river. Enter the bamboo forest by turning left – see map – at the ice cream store. You may have to walk here depending upon the season and the number of people.
Going through the bamboo forest, you have the option of stopping at Okochi Sanso Villa. At a fork in the road, before you get to Nonomiya Shrine, head up to the left about five minutes. It is worth a visit. From there, go back to Nonomiya shrine. Turn left, cross the JR train tracks. You will wind through an elegant neighborhood, ride past a large field, and climb up past many tempes.
Total Riding Time
Two to three hours riding time from Keifuku Arashiyama Station and back.
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| Adashino Nenbutsu Temple | Arashiyama |
More Information
Adashino Nenbutsu
17 Adashino-cho, Toriimoto, Saga, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
075 861 2221
Entrance Fee: 500 yen
Okochi Sanso Villa
8 Tabuchiyama-cho Saga Ogurayama Ukyo-ku Kyoto
075 872 2233
Open: 9 am – 5 pm
Adults: 1,000 yen
Elementary School Students: 500 yen
075 861 2221
Kyoto Japanese Folk Dolls Museum
12 Busshoden-cho Saga Torimoto Ukyo-ku Kyoto
075 872 2233
Open: 9:30 am – 5 pm
Adults: 800 yen
Students: 500 yen
075 882 1421
Tenzan no Yu (public bath)
Three-minute walk from Arisugawa Station on the Keifuku Line
075 882 4126
Open: 10 am – 1 am
Adults: 1,000 yen
Elementary School Students: 500 yen
Map
Arashiyama to Adashino Nenbutsu Temple Route
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