Kyoto > Hidden Temples in Northern Arashiyama (嵐山)

North of Arashiyama (嵐山), one of the most popular tourist areas in Kyoto (京都), there are temples hidden away where mass tourism cannot reach. Away from the crowded area, these temples offer an atmosphere of serenity. Surrounded by mountains and enveloped in lush bamboo forests, these ancient enclosures offer a unique experience, almost devoid of tourists, and a glimpse into the tranquil essence of Japan.

Adashino Nenbutsu-ji (あだし野念仏寺)

Founded in the 9th century, the Adashino Nenbutsu-ji temple has more than a thousand years of history and is one of the most solemn places in the area. Originally built to remember the souls without family or identity who perished in the Heian period (794-1185), the temple is surrounded by hills and greenery, with more than 8,000 stone statues dedicated to these souls. Every August, during the “Sento Kuyo” festival, the statues are lit with candles, creating a spiritual and awe-inspiring spectacle among the trees and bamboo. The unique atmosphere of the place allows visitors to connect with Japanese spirituality in an environment full of history.

Gio-ji (祇王寺)

Gio-ji is a temple with origins in the Kamakura period (1185-1333), famous for its moss garden that extends in harmony with nature. Its history is linked to the story of Gio, a courtesan who lived a tragic story of love and abandonment in the 12th century. She decided to retire to this temple after being left by Taira no Kiyomori, a powerful lord of the time. Gio-ji is surrounded by a beautiful bamboo forest, where the light filters through the trees and the dense moss that covers the ground. To visit it is to immerse yourself in the beauty of classical Japan, far from the hustle and bustle, in a space that seems to float in time.

Danrin-ji (檀林寺)

Danrin-ji, originally built in the 9th century by the famous monk Kukai, is one of the first Zen temples in Japan, and although it has undergone many reconstructions, it retains its spiritual essence. In its day, Danrin-ji was an important center for Zen learning in Kyoto. Surrounded by dense vegetation and bamboo forests, the temple seems like a hidden refuge in nature. Visitors can lose themselves in the tranquility of this setting and let the peace of the place inspire an introspective experience.

Takiguchi-dera (滝口寺)

Takiguchi-dera, also with origins in the Heian period, is a temple that holds the tragic story of Taira no Kiyotsune, a young samurai who faced a story of love and suffering. The temple houses ancient documents and relics of this story, and its peaceful atmosphere invites exploration and reflection. The setting, surrounded by streams and small wooden bridges, is ideal for a walk among pure and traditional nature. This is a place where visitors can contemplate history and enjoy the tranquility offered by Japanese spirituality.

With a history spanning over a thousand years and a location away from the busy Arashiyama, these temples are the best way to explore a lesser-known side of Kyoto. The peace and historical atmosphere that surrounds these grounds allows visitors to experience the essence of Japan in a space free from the crowds and tourist bustle.