⛩️ Kaya Nenbutsu-ji Temple

Located on the way from the center of Arashiyama in Kyoto to Kiyotaki, this is a Jōdo-shū temple. In ancient times, Hanaya was a famous site for wind burial. Kōbō Daishi built Gochizan Nyorai-ji to gather and bury the remains that had been abandoned in the wild and to hold memorial services. Later, Hōnen Shōnin established a Pure Land Buddhist practice site and renamed it Nembutsu-ji. Within the grounds, "Saiin Kawara" is lined with about 8,000 stone Buddhas and stone pagodas, which are the graves of the deceased buried in the Hanaya area long ago. In the mid-Meiji period, these centuries-old unclaimed graves were excavated and gathered in one place, arranged as if they were listening to teachings. Every August, a "Sen Lantern Offering" is held, where candles are lit to honor the unclaimed souls, and the countless candle lights create a dreamy late summer scene. In spring, when cherry blossoms bloom, and in autumn, when the trees turn red, the temple's scenery changes with the seasons. The bamboo grove leading to the cemetery behind the temple is a subtle yet beautiful spot for enjoying the scenery.

A Jodo Shinshu temple located in Sagano. It was built by Kobo Daishi to concentrate and honor the remains that were abandoned nearby for wind burial. The temple grounds house around 8,000 stone Buddhas and stone pagodas. Every August, a candlelight ceremony called "Sen-dō Kuyo" is held to honor the unclaimed spirits. The bamboo grove behind the temple grounds is a quietly popular attraction.