Located at the foot of Mount Ogura in Kyoto, the Nison-in temple is renowned for its fall colours. Built between 834 and 847, its original structure was burnt down during the Onin War (1467-1477). It is a relatively uncrowded temple, a quiet place to escape the crowds of Arashiyama.
Momiji-no-baba
After going through the main gate, a long, straight path leads t the temple entrance. In autumn, the path, bordered by maple and cherry trees, creates a beautiful red and yellow tunnel effect. Another face awaits visitors every season: pink in spring, green in summer and white in winter.
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The imperial messenger‘s gate
This door, now accessible to visitors, was only open for the emperor’s messengers.
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Mausoleum of the Priest Tanku
At the top of the stairs is the mausoleum of the priest Tanku who taught Nison-in. Its structure dates from the end of the Muromachi era (1336 to 1573).
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Cemetery
A large number of tombs of emperors and court nobles demonstrates the prestige of the temple. The cemetery contains the ashes of the emperors Tsuchimikado, Go-Saga and Kameyama. The levels are all linked to each other.
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As you can see in the pictures, the place was peaceful. In fact, most people stayed around the main temple structure!
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I recommend visiting Nison-in temple. It stands out from the rest of the temples of Kyoto. The fact that it is not (yet!) on the way of tourist groups makes it a special place. See also the article dedicated to the temples of Kyoto: visit of twenty temples annotated according to their interest and experience on the spot.
Access to Nison-in
Nison-in is a little remote and poorly served by public transport. Allow around 15 minutes on foot from JR Saga Arashiyama station (嵯峨 嵐山).
Official site of the temple: nisonin.jp (Japanese and English)
Admission: ¥ 500
Address: 27 Monzenchojin-cho, Saga Nison-in, Ukyo-ku