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Adashino Nenbutsuji, Kyoto

Bamboo Path to Adashino
Bamboo path leading to Adashino Nenbutsuji. Photo Creative Commons License solution 63.

Jizos
Field of stone Buddhas at Adashino Nenbutsuji. Photo under GFDL.

Cemetery
Another view of stone Buddhas and stupas. Photo Creative Commons License solution 63.

Temple
Temple buildings. Photo Creative Commons License solution 63.

Gate
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

Note: This information was accurate when published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

Travel Resources

Article Sources

Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:

  1. Adashino Nembutsu-ji - Fodor's Japan


Article last updated: 10/05/2009.




 

 


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