Adashino Nenbutsuji, Kyoto
Bamboo path leading to Adashino Nenbutsuji. Photo
solution 63.
Field of stone Buddhas at Adashino Nenbutsuji. Photo under GFDL.
Another view of stone Buddhas and stupas. Photo
solution 63.
Temple buildings. Photo
solution 63.
Temple gate and stupa. Photo licensed under GFDL.
Location map and aerial view of Adashino Nenbutsuji. For a larger interactive view, see our Kyoto Map.
At the hilltop temple of Adashino Nenbutsuji in Kyoto, thousands of stone Buddha statues mourn the dead who have been brought here since the Heian period. The main hall contains a medieval Amida Buddha.
History
From the Heian (794-1185) to Edo (1603-1868) periods, the destitute of the Adashino area brought their dead to this hill, leaving the bodies exposed to the elements. Receiving no tombstone or proper burial, their souls were honored by stone Buddhas.
The main temple hall at Adashino Nenbutsuji was built in 1712.
What to See
A 30-minute walk along a country lane from Saga Arashiyama leads past Nison-in, souvenir shops, and noodle restaurants before heading up a small hill. Here a beautiful bamboo path surrounds visitors in green as they approach the temple.
The primary focus of the temple is the extraordinary field of about 8,000 roughly-carved stone Buddhas, who honor the souls of the dead that were left here. The sight is especially evocative in the late afternoon, as the shadows beneath the figures lengthen.
The main temple hall, built in 1712, contains a medieval sculpture of the Amida Buddha created by Tankei in the Kamakura Era (1185-1333).
Festivals and Events
On August 23 and 24, at a Buddhist ceremony called Sento-kuyo, more than 1,000 candles are lit at Adashino Nenbutsuji in honor of the spirits of ancestors.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Adashino Nenbutsuji; Adashino Nembutsu-ji |
| Location: | Kyoto, Kansai, Japan |
| Categories: | Buddhist Temples; Cemeteries |
| Faith: | Buddhism |
| Status: | active |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 35.026835° N, 135.664592° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | 17 Adashino-cho, Toriimoto, Kyoto, Japan |
| Hours: | Mar-Nov daily 9-4:30 Dec-Feb daily 9-4 |
| Festival: | August 23-24 (Sento-kuyo) |
| Cost: | ¥500 |
| Public transport: | Bus #72 at the Toriimoto stop |
Travel Resources
- Kyoto Map - our detailed interactive map of Kyoto, plus hand-picked links to more
- Kyoto Guided Tours - book sightseeing tours and activities in Kyoto
- Kyoto Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Kyoto Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Kyoto Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Kyoto tourism
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Adashino Nembutsu-ji - Fodor's Japan
Article last updated: 10/05/2009.
