Chionin Temple
temple
知恩院
Kyoto temple offering beautiful sights and a glimpse into the world of samurai from old Japan.
Chion-in is the head temple of Pure Land Buddhism, founded in 1234 on the site where the sect's founder Honen lived and died. The 24-meter Sanmon gate, Japan's largest wooden gate, sets the scale for a complex that overwhelms with sheer size. Inside, the Mieido main hall holds thousands of worshippers, and the temple keeps celebrated curiosities: a floorboard corridor that squeaks like birdsong underfoot, a ceremonially significant forgotten umbrella, and a 70-ton bell rung each New Year's Eve by a coordinated team of 17 monks. Despite its scale and historical importance, Chion-in draws far fewer visitors than nearby Kiyomizu-dera.
Remove shoes before entering any hall. Look for a shoe rack at the entrance. Carry a plastic bag for your shoes if none is provided.
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