Bishamondo Monzeki | Review by wendy

Bishamondo Monzeki

A prestigious temple of the "Tendai Sect Kyoto Gokashitsu Monzeki," known for its cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage.

14 Sep 2026 See More

Bishamondo Monzeki is a prestigious temple belonging to the “Five Monzeki Temples of the Tendai School in Kyoto.” It is also a well-known Kyoto destination for cherry blossoms in spring and fall foliage in autumn. Unfortunately, there were no fall colors to enjoy when I visited, so it was missing some of autumn's vibrant colors, but that actually allowed me to appreciate a different kind of quiet beauty.

I took a leisurely walk from JR Yamashina Station to Bishamondo. There were few cars and people along the way, making the walk especially pleasant, as if I had the entire road to myself. Compared with the huge crowds at Kyoto's popular attractions, this place really felt as peaceful as having it all to myself. With no crowds of tourists, there was less noise and more relaxation. Even though I missed the fall foliage season I had been looking forward to most, the walk still felt very worthwhile.

Other Reviews by wendy

Zuishinin Temple

The head temple of the Zentsuji school of Shingon Buddhism, it is said to be the place where Heian-period poet Ono no Komachi spent her later years. The current halls were rebuilt after the Keicho era, and the main hall, built in the shinden-zukuri style, enshrines the principal image, a seated Nyoirin Kannon Bosatsu statue designated as an Important Cultural Property, a seated Kongosatta statue by Kaikei, and a seated Amida Nyorai statue said to be the work of Jocho.
- Gion, Higashiyama, Yamashina
- Shrines & Temples
14 Sep 2026 See More

Zuishinin Temple has deep ties to the famous Heian-period poet Ono no Komachi and is also a well-known spot for viewing plum blossoms in Kyoto. I visited in the summer this time, so there were no plum blossoms to enjoy, but I unexpectedly discovered a different kind of peaceful beauty. The weather was excellent that day, and the blue sky and greenery made a beautiful backdrop for the historic temple. It looked good from every angle.

What I liked most was how few visitors there were. The entire place was quiet and relaxing, without the noisy crowds found at Kyoto's popular attractions, giving it an extra sense of peaceful Zen. It's an easy walk from Ono Station on the Kyoto subway and is perfect for a leisurely little trip. If you like quiet, traditional temples, I'd actually recommend taking a walk here rather than visiting the popular attractions.
Yasaka Koshindo

A temple built in a famous tourists spot in Kyoto called Higashiyama, where other famous sights such as the Kiyomizu Temple and Yasaka Shrine are located. The official name of the temple is "Daikokusan Kongoji Koshindo,” but is well-known as "Yasaka Koshin-san" in the local area. It is said that this was where the Koshin faith, which derived from Chinese Taoism, first started in Japan, and is also one of the three Koshin in Japan.
- Gion, Higashiyama, Yamashina
- Shrines & Temples
14 Sep 2026 See More

A cute little shrine that's perfect for a quick stop while exploring Kiyomizu-dera! The most eye-catching feature of Yasaka Koshindo is the colorful “wish monkeys” hanging all around the grounds. The individual colorful cloth balls are so bright and cute that you can't help taking photo after photo just standing beside them.

This place also attracts many visitors in kimono who come specifically to take pictures, making the whole scene feel very Kyoto. But whether or not you're wearing a kimono, the colorful balls make a great backdrop for photos. Because it's so popular, the crowds are truly unbelievably huge! If you want a more complete, unobstructed shot, you may need to wait patiently for a while.

When walking around the Kiyomizu-dera area, don't forget to stop by this colorful little spot and take a few cute photos with a Kyoto feel!
Kodaiji Temple

At the foot of Mt. Higashiyama, Kyoto, northeast of Hokanji Temple known for Yasaka Pagoda, there is a zen temple. After the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, his wife Nene (Kita-no-Mandokoro) moved from Osaka to Kyoto and retired into religion.
- Gion, Higashiyama, Yamashina
- Shrines & Temples
14 Sep 2026 See More

Kodaiji Temple was built by Nene, the principal wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to mourn her late husband and pray for the repose of his soul. It was also where she spent her later years and was laid to rest. Steeped in history, Kodaiji is also one of Kyoto's premier fall foliage spots.

Unfortunately, this visit was in the summer, so instead of mountains covered in brilliant red leaves, there was the lush greenery of the season. Walking through the dry landscape garden, bamboo paths, and historic buildings, Kasa-tei and Shigure-tei quietly tell the story of tea ceremony culture, while traces of Nene and Hideyoshi's history still seem to linger.

Even without the red maple leaves I had been looking forward to most, Kodaiji in summer was still peaceful and charming. Slow down, listen to the wind blowing through the bamboo grove, and watch the shadows of the trees sway. Amid the bustle of Kyoto, it's a quiet corner where you can settle your mind.