Located in the rural district of Ohara, just outside central Kyoto, Sanzen-in Temple is surrounded by mountains and known for its peaceful setting. In early summer, fresh green maple leaves cover the temple grounds, making this one of the best times of year to visit!
Sanzen-in is home to two distinct gardens. One is Shuheki-en, a traditional pond garden fed by natural spring water. The other is Yusei-en, which is known for its vibrant moss garden and lush maple trees. As the two gardens offer different landscapes, we think it’s worthwhile to explore both. As you walk through Yusei-en, you may come across the temple’s Warabe Jizo statues. These small stone figures are placed among the moss beneath the maple trees and have become one of Sanzen-in’s most recognizable features.
Although Sanzen-in is a popular destination, the temple grounds remain relatively quiet compared to many of Kyoto’s central attractions. After your visit, you can stop along the approach to the temple to try local specialties from Ohara, including tofu dishes and shiso juice.
From our hotel, THE MACHIYA EBISUYA, Sanzen-in Temple can be reached in approximately one hour by taking a bus for Ohara from the Karasuma Matsubara bus stop. It is an easy day trip from the hotel, allowing plenty of time to explore the temple and enjoy lunch in Ohara before returning to central Kyoto! Feel free to ask our staff if you’d like more information.