Pure Land Paradise: A Return to Serenity

This Jodo sect temple, located in Kyoto's Arashiyama near Sagatoriimoto, is a 15-minute walk from Arashiyama Station. It is renowned for its approximately 8,000 stone Buddha statues and pagodas, as well as its tranquil maple and bamboo forest. The 8,000 stone Buddha statues and pagodas commemorate unclaimed souls, creating a solemn atmosphere. Every August, the "Thousand Lantern Offering" is held, where candles are lit to honor these souls, creating a dreamlike and moving scene. In autumn, the maple leaves and bamboo forest paths are breathtakingly beautiful, making it a perfect spot for photography. Admission is ¥500, and the temple is open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, offering a chance to experience Zen and historical tranquility. Due to its proximity to the traditional architectural area of Sagatoriimoto and Seiryoji Temple (0.5 km), the temple can be combined with a visit to Daikakuji Temple or the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (1.5 km) for a day trip. Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple was founded in 811 by Kobo Daishi (Kukai) to honor the unclaimed remains exposed in the Adashino area. Originally named Gochizan Nyoraiji Temple, it was later converted into a Nenbutsu (chanting Buddha's name) hall by Honen Shonin and renamed Nenbutsuji Temple. During the Heian period, Adashino, along with Toribeno near Kiyomizu Temple and Rengeoin near Senbon Enmadō, was one of Kyoto's three major burial sites, where remains were often left exposed in the wild. In the mid-Meiji period, locals gathered scattered stone Buddha statues and pagodas into the temple grounds, forming today's "Saiin Kawara." Saiin Kawara features approximately 8,000 stone Buddha statues and pagodas arranged neatly, commemorating unclaimed souls. The solemn and awe-inspiring atmosphere feels as if one is listening to Buddhist teachings. Photography is prohibited to show respect, and visitors must follow the temple's guidelines. Every year on the evenings of August 23-24, the "Thousand Lantern Offering" is held, where thousands of candles are lit to honor unclaimed souls. The candlelight reflecting on the stone Buddha statues creates a mystical and dreamlike scene, making it a unique summer night experience in Kyoto. Admission for this event is approximately ¥1,000. The temple showcases distinct seasonal beauty, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant maple leaves in autumn. A bamboo forest path behind the temple leads to a cemetery, offering a serene and tranquil space for reflection. During the autumn foliage season, the maple trees surrounding Saiin Kawara display stunning colors. Address: 17 Adashinocho, Sagatoriimoto, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, located in the outskirts of Arashiyama near the Atago Ancient Path. Access: From Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station, then walk approximately 20 minutes or take a taxi (around ¥1,000).