Sanzen-in Temple, Kyoto

This temple is well worth a visit. We rented a car, but public transportation from Kyoto is also available. We enjoyed every minute, from the long and meandering path that takes you to the gate, to the gardens, to drinking delicious matcha while you soak up the beauty of the garden, to the tasty lunch we had in a restaurant with very simple but tasteful decor just outside the gate. Highly recommended.

It is a group of tourist attraction. You can spend all day in this area. Some restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops are nearby. Souvenir shops offer local picklings as well. The main temple has an amazing moss covered garden. July seems to be the best time to visit the ajisai garden in the temple.

I don't go to temples for the religious significance, only for the unique moments of tranquility I feel as I lay eyes on a piece of garden or an architectural feature. I think I caught this temple at s weird time, with overcast/drizzly weather and not yet in real fall leaf time. That said, many temples do offer a wonderful calming experience, especially in the rain and even without the leaves. This temple felt a little overhyped and did not really do it for me. Aspects of it were beautiful, and the landscaped garden area was huge, but it was a bear to get to and I didn't like having to figure out which of the parking lots wasn't a ripoff. (Answer: park as close as possible to the entrance and you will get the best deal.)

It was a great time, me and my husband went there to see the hydrangea/ajisai garden…and it was worth it! So many beautiful blue hydrangeas. We also love to see the zen garden from the main hall and the moss garden. The temple is really peaceful and energize me. One of Kyoto go-to list, just take the Bus number 17 bound to Ohara, and ride it till the last station (Ohara). From there you just need to walk another 12 minutes. The scenery of the surrounding area is worth to see, really captivating and relaxing! If you bought the one day pass, you must pay additional fare before you get off, so please be prepared. The entrance fee of the temple is 700¥ but it’s worth it! You’ll see different sensation and calmness from the temple itself and the surrounding area. Don’t forget to looking for Warabe Jizo, small statues that lies on the moss :)

Peaceful temple and adorable views🍁🍁 Best season visit👏👏