Kyoto City
🗺️ Ogura Mountain Nison-in小倉山 二尊院
Kyoto City
About Ogura Mountain Nison-in
Standing at the foot of Mount Ogura, which appears in the anthology of waka poetry "Hyakunin Isshu," is a temple with deep ties to the emperor.
Details
Founded during the Jōwa era (834–848), the temple is home to the Three Imperial Tombs, which are said to contain the remains of Emperor Saga, Emperor Tokimune, Emperor Go-Tokimune, Emperor Go-Saga, and Emperor Kameyama. It is also a temple with deep connections to Hōnen Shonin.
The main deity's statue, known as the Nyorai statues, has been designated as an Important Cultural Property and is believed to have been created by the Kasuga sculptor during the mid-Kamakura period. It is enshrined in the center of the main hall, which underwent a major renovation in 2016 after 350 years. On the right side is the statue of Shakyamuni Nyorai, and on the left side is the statue of Amida Nyorai.
The temple grounds cover approximately 50,000 tsubo and include the main hall, Chikushimon (Tōmon), the main gate, Hachisha Shrine, Zankū Temple, and the bell tower. The main gate was relocated and donated by Kakuura Ryōi in 1613 from the Yakuyimon at Fushimi Castle and is designated as a cultural property of Kyoto City from the Muromachi period. Additionally, the Chikushimon, which is only accessible to imperial envoys, is also worth seeing.
Other notable sites include the Hachisha Shrine, which enshrines Ise Jingu, Matsuo Taisha, Atago Shrine, Ishiyama Hachiman Shrine, Atsuta Jingu, Hiyoshi Shrine, Yasaka Shrine, and Kitano Tenmangu, as well as the Bentendo, which enshrines Kuzuryu Daio and Uga no Kami.
The temple's approach is a well-known spot for viewing autumn leaves, featuring a 100-meter path with alternating maple and cherry trees, creating a stunning display of fiery red colors in the fall. The tea room "Misonotei," located behind the study hall, was relocated from the dressing room of Princess Kako, the sixth daughter of Emperor Mizuho, to Nison-in and is open for use during specific periods in spring and autumn. *Please check the opening hours before using "Misonotei."
Highlights
The main statues of Shakyamuni Buddha and Amitabha Buddha are important cultural properties. The area, covering approximately 50,000 tsubo, includes the temple complex, Hachisha Shrine, and Bentendo, which are designated cultural properties by Kyoto City. The temple approach is a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves. The tea room "Misono-tei" is open during specific periods in spring and autumn (please be sure to confirm in advance before visiting).
Recommended Tours & Activities
Essential Information
Address
27 Nagakami-cho, Arashiyama, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone
075-861-0687
Getting There
(1) Get off at the Kyoto City Bus stop "Saga Shakadōmae" and walk for about 10 minutes.
(2) Walk for about 15 minutes from the Keifuku Arashiyama Line "Arashiyama" station.
(3) Walk for about 19 minutes from the JR San'in Line "Saga Arashiyama" station.
Hours / Holidays
No days off.
Website
Visit official websiteLocation Tags
Kyoto City










