Apr. 08, 2021 UPDATE

Chion-in

- 知恩院 -
Traveler Friendly
English brochures are available at the tourist information center at the entrance. You can feel the teachings of the Jodo Shu, Pure Land Sect, as you walk around the temple and hear the sound of Amitabha chanting.
Information
English brochures are available at tourist information center at the entrance
Languages spoken
Japanese only
1855 26 7.0 1 reviews
Apr. 08, 2021 UPDATE

Chion-in

- 知恩院 -
Traveler Friendly
English brochures are available at the tourist information center at the entrance. You can feel the teachings of the Jodo Shu, Pure Land Sect, as you walk around the temple and hear the sound of Amitabha chanting.
Information
English brochures are available at tourist information center at the entrance
Languages spoken
Japanese only
1855 26 7.0 1 reviews
Story & Recommendation
Chion-in Temple – Jodo-shu Pure Land Buddhism, Chanting and Vegetarian Lunches
Located behind and to the north of the Yasaka Shrine, Chion-in is a Jodo-shu Pure Land Buddhist temple founded by the father of the Jodo-shu school, Honen (1133-1212).
Honen’s teachings are often referred to as “Nembutsu chanting” as they require one to chant nothing but the name of Amitabha. When you visit the temple, you may be able to hear temple monks doing a Nembutsu chant.

Chion-in Temple is made up of multiple ancient structures designated as national treasures, including the Mieido hall and Sanmon gate. As the temple is one of very high standing, it also regularly plays host to various Buddhism ceremonies as well.
These include one of the ideal forms of worship, Jodo-shu Pureland Buddhist sermons.

Another interesting aspect of the temple is the fact that it offers traditional Shojin Ryori vegetarian meals derived from the dietary restrictions of Buddhist monks.
These lunches are also provided inside a part of the temple usually off limits to visitors.
If you’re interested, please refer to Notes in the Details section of this article for more information.
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User Reviews
7.0 Great
experience7.0 access7.0 photogenic7.0
Lars
Nov. 19, 2018
Details
Open Hours
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Reservations
All reservations for the Shojin Ryori vegetarian lunches must be made at least 5 days in advance. Please call +81 75-531-2208 or FAX +81 75-531-2228 for reservations. ※The Shojin Ryori and lunch boxes aren't offered form 2020 August.
Closed
None
Price range
Yuzen-en Garden: Ages 15+: ¥300lAges 6-14: ¥150 Hojo-teien Garden: Ages 15+: ¥400lAges 6-14: ¥200 Multi-garden ticket: ¥500
Credit cards
Not accepted
If you’ve ever wanted to try Shojin Ryori, you can do so at Chion-in Temple. The temple offers two kinds of Shojin Ryori for either ¥3,000 or ¥4,000, and a regular lunch box for ¥1,500. The Shojin Ryori and lunch boxes are offered inside a part of the temple normally off-limits to visitors. All reservations must be made at least 5 days in advance. Please call +81 75-531-2208 or FAX +81 75-531-2228 for reservations. ※The Shojin Ryori and lunch boxes aren't offered form 2020 August.
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