Hosen-in Temple, Ohara, Kyoto, Japan - Image 1
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Hosen-in Temple Ohara Kyoto

4.6
·1k reviews·Kyoto, Japan

A tranquil Buddhist temple in Kyoto's Ohara village, famed for its 'picture frame' garden and a unique blood-stained ceiling.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Opening hours

Experience quiet serenity

CrowdLow
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Hosen-in Temple, Ohara, Kyoto, Japan - Image 1

Hosen-in Temple Ohara Kyoto

Best Time

Opening hours

Experience quiet serenity

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil Buddhist temple in Kyoto's Ohara village, famed for its 'picture frame' garden and a unique blood-stained ceiling.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"Enjoy a peaceful escape with matcha overlooking a stunning garden, a true gem in Ohara."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive at Opening

Beat the crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with a tea ceremony.

🍵 Enjoy the Matcha

The admission fee includes a delicious bowl of matcha and a sweet.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 'Picture Frame' Garden

The 'Picture Frame' Garden

Main Hall

A meticulously framed view of a serene garden, offering a unique perspective and a moment of quiet contemplation.

Instagram
Blood-Stained Ceiling

Blood-Stained Ceiling

Main Hall

A historically significant ceiling, stained with the blood of samurai, offering a poignant and unique glimpse into the past.

Instagram
Matcha Tea Experience

Matcha Tea Experience

Tatami Room

Enjoy traditional matcha tea and a sweet treat while overlooking the tranquil garden.

InstagramReddit
Ancient Pine Tree

Ancient Pine Tree

Main Garden

Admire a magnificent 700-year-old pine tree, shaped like Mt. Fuji, a testament to nature's artistry.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Escape the Kyoto Crowds

Hosen-in Temple in Ohara offers a serene escape from Kyoto's bustling city center. Plan your visit to this tranquil spot for a peaceful experience, especially if you're seeking a less crowded alternative. Instagram

Embrace the Garden Views

The temple's renowned 'picture frame garden' is a highlight. Consider visiting during autumn for stunning fall foliage or in other seasons to appreciate its year-round beauty. Instagram

Best Times

When
Opening hours
Why
Experience quiet serenity
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn (November)
Why
Stunning fall foliage
Crowd
Medium
When
Rainy days
Why
Atmospheric and peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

やっぱり、日本っていいなぁ。                        This is Yasaka Dori (八坂通り)in Kyoto, the road leading to Hokanji Temple(法観寺). #japan #kyoto #八坂通り
@achadayoo_
253.1K likes • 3M views

🎯 Arrive at Opening

Beat the crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with a tea ceremony. Reddit

🍵 Enjoy the Matcha

The admission fee includes a delicious bowl of matcha and a sweet. InstagramReddit

Mochi case in Kyoto, Japan. #horror #horrortok #analoghorror #truestory #scarystories
@horror_clip9
37.7K likes • 3.3M views
✨ Hidden in the quiet village of Ohara, just north of Kyoto, Sanzen-in Temple feels like stepping into another world. Surrounded by moss gardens, ancient cedars, and stone statues covered in green, it’s one of Kyoto’s most peaceful escapes. The temple’s serene halls open to views of a lush garden where time seems to slow down, inviting you to sit, breathe, and soak in the beauty of Japanese trad...
maris_adventures_in_japan
3.3K likes • 62.6K views

🌳 Don't Miss the Other Garden

Beyond the main view, explore the smaller, often overlooked garden. Reddit

🚌 Getting There

Ohara is a bit of a journey, but worth it for the tranquility. Instagram

📍宝泉院 / Hosen-in Temple 🗾Kyoto🇯🇵 京都大原にある宝泉院。鴨居と敷居、柱をフレームに見たてて観賞する額縁庭園が素敵な静かなお寺🥰 大原来たらほとんどの方が有名な三千院だけ行って帰るけど他も素敵な場所多いからぜひ行ってみてほしい! 個人的に大原で三千院以外で行ってほしい神社仏閣👇🏻 ①宝泉院 この動画のお寺。あと紅葉も綺麗🍁 ②寂光院 三千院とは逆方向にある静かなお寺。あと紅葉も綺麗🍁 ③古知谷阿弥陀寺 美しいのに大原で一番静かなお寺。あと紅葉も綺麗🍁 ④出世稲荷神社 大原の街並みを一望できる神社。あと紅葉も綺麗🍁 ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ ✔🗓2025 / 6 ▪️Beautiful places in japan🇯🇵 ▪️Please check out➴⡱@matcha.camera ▫️𝙲𝚊𝚖𝚎𝚛𝚊:  iPhone15p...
matcha.camera
6.2K likes • 81.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive at Opening

Beat the crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with a tea ceremony. Reddit

🍵 Enjoy the Matcha

The admission fee includes a delicious bowl of matcha and a sweet. InstagramReddit

🌳 Don't Miss the Other Garden

Beyond the main view, explore the smaller, often overlooked garden. Reddit

🚌 Getting There

Ohara is a bit of a journey, but worth it for the tranquility. Instagram

💰 Entry Fee

Expect around ¥800-¥900, which includes tea and a cookie. Reddit+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Hosen-in Temple for its serene atmosphere, beautiful 'picture frame' garden, and the unique experience of enjoying matcha tea while overlooking the scenery. The historical significance of the blood-stained ceiling is also a notable point of interest. While some find the admission fee a bit high, most agree it's a worthwhile escape from Kyoto's crowds.

"Quite easy to reach. However it was hot day, +32 C. View to the Garden was impeccable. Relaxing to just sit and sip Green Tea on Tatami. Restrooms there. See the bloody stains. Staff will help to tell story. ¥800/person, with Tea and Cookie"

Ismo Anttila

"Beautiful temple, i believe the admission was ¥900 but that comes with a tea service. I thoroughly enjoyed drinking matcha and looking out over the gardens and 700 year old pine tree. Everything in this temple was built with so much intention and the lady serving tea was very kind and showed guests features of the temple. A definite must see in Ohara"

Olivia Monk

"I recommend going at the opening hour to experience the quiet time with the tea and scenery"

Mi Yeon Kim

What People Like

Beautiful garden views
Peaceful atmosphere
Matcha tea experience

What People Dislike

Admission fee

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hosen-in Temple is located in the Ohara area, about an hour from Kyoto Station. You can take a bus, such as the #17 or #18, which will take you to the Ohara bus stop. From there, it's a short walk to the temple. Instagram+1

While it requires a bus journey, many find it manageable. Some visitors opt for taxis for a more direct route, especially if traveling in a group. Instagram

Buses are the most common public transport option. Consider the travel time as part of your day trip planning. Instagram

Yes, it's a popular day trip destination for those seeking a quieter side of Kyoto. Allow ample travel time. Instagram

Routes #17 and #18 from Kyoto Station are frequently mentioned for reaching the Ohara area. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The admission fee is typically around ¥800 to ¥900 per person. This usually includes a bowl of matcha tea and a small sweet. Reddit+1

Yes, the admission fee generally includes a traditional matcha tea service and a cookie, enjoyed while overlooking the garden. Reddit

Information on discounts is not widely available, but the price is considered reasonable given the included tea experience. Reddit+1

While specific hours can vary, it's best to aim for opening time to experience the temple at its most peaceful. Reddit

Tickets are typically purchased upon arrival at the temple. It's advisable to check their official website for the most current information. Reddit

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

The primary draw is the stunning 'picture frame garden' and the unique 'blood-stained ceiling' from Fushimi Castle. Instagram+1

You'll be served traditional matcha tea and a sweet in a tatami room, with a beautiful view of the garden. The staff may share insights about the temple. InstagramReddit

Compared to central Kyoto attractions, Hosen-in is generally much quieter, especially if you visit early. InstagramReddit

Yes, restrooms are available for visitors. Reddit

The ceiling is made from the wood of Fushimi Castle and is stained with the blood of samurai who committed seppuku there, serving as a historical reminder. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed in the garden areas, but it's always respectful to check for any specific signage or ask staff. Instagram+1

The 'picture frame garden' offers iconic shots. The ancient pine tree and the autumn foliage (if visiting in season) are also highly photogenic. Instagram+1

While enjoying your tea, you can capture the serene atmosphere. Be mindful of other guests and maintain a respectful silence. Instagram

Early morning light can be beautiful, especially if you're aiming for a peaceful, less crowded shot of the garden. Reddit

Focus on framing the garden through the temple's architecture and capturing the unique textures and colors. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Hosen-in Temple offers a peaceful experience, the focus on quiet contemplation and the historical significance of the blood-stained ceiling might be more suited for older children or adults. The journey to Ohara is a bit longer, so keep travel times in mind. The tea ceremony is a nice touch, and children might enjoy the unique garden views. Instagram+1

Consider pairing a visit to Hosen-in with nearby Sanzen-in Temple, which often has more visually engaging elements for younger visitors, like moss gardens and statues. Pack snacks and drinks, as dining options in Ohara might be more limited than in central Kyoto. Instagram

🧘 Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers

Hosen-in Temple is an ideal destination for solo travelers seeking tranquility and a break from the usual tourist hustle. The serene atmosphere, the opportunity for quiet reflection in the garden, and the traditional matcha tea experience are perfect for a mindful visit. InstagramReddit

Arriving early is highly recommended to fully immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance. The temple's location in Ohara further enhances its secluded feel, making it a true sanctuary. Reddit

📸 Photographers

For photographers, Hosen-in Temple offers unique framing opportunities with its 'picture frame garden.' The interplay of light and shadow, the ancient pine tree, and the seasonal foliage provide ample subjects. Instagram+1

Aim for the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for softer light. Be respectful of other visitors and the sacred nature of the site when capturing your shots. The historical elements, like the blood-stained ceiling, also offer intriguing photographic narratives. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Serenity of Ohara

Hosen-in Temple is nestled in the charming village of Ohara, located to the north of Kyoto. This area is known for its rural atmosphere and tranquil temples, offering a stark contrast to the bustling city center. Many visitors come to Ohara specifically to escape the crowds and find a more peaceful side of Kyoto. Instagram+1

Ohara itself is dotted with several beautiful temples, including the well-known Sanzen-in Temple. Hosen-in, while perhaps less famous than Sanzen-in, offers its own unique charm and a deeply serene experience. The journey to Ohara, typically by bus, is part of the experience, allowing you to see the landscape change as you leave the city behind. Instagram+1

When visiting Ohara, consider dedicating a good portion of your day to explore not just Hosen-in but also the surrounding area. The slower pace of life here is a welcome respite, and the natural beauty, especially during autumn, is captivating. Instagram+1

The Art of the Japanese Garden

Hosen-in Temple is celebrated for its exquisite gardens, particularly its 'picture frame garden.' This design intentionally frames a view of nature, creating a living artwork that changes with the seasons. The temple's main garden features a 700-year-old pine tree, meticulously shaped to resemble Mount Fuji, showcasing the Japanese art of garden design and horticultural skill. InstagramReddit

The temple's gardens are designed for contemplation and appreciation. Visitors are invited to sit in the tatami rooms and gaze out at the meticulously maintained scenery. This practice of 'borrowed scenery' (shakkei) integrates the surrounding landscape into the garden's design, creating a harmonious and immersive experience. Instagram+1

Whether you visit during the vibrant colors of autumn, the lush greens of summer, or even a quiet, rainy day, the garden at Hosen-in offers a unique aesthetic. The interplay of light, shadow, and natural elements creates a constantly evolving masterpiece. Instagram+1

Historical Echoes: The Blood-Stained Ceiling

One of the most striking and historically significant features of Hosen-in Temple is its 'blood-stained ceiling.' This refers to the wooden floorboards from the former Fushimi Castle that were repurposed as the temple's ceiling. These boards bear the bloodstains of samurai who committed ritual suicide (seppuku) on them during the tumultuous Sengoku period. InstagramReddit

This unique element serves as a somber reminder of Japan's feudal past and the intense battles that once took place. The temple staff are often willing to share the history and significance of these stains, adding a layer of profound historical context to your visit. Reddit

While it might seem unusual, the blood-stained ceiling is a powerful testament to the temple's long history and its connection to significant events in Japanese samurai culture. It offers a different perspective on historical preservation and storytelling within a sacred space. Instagram