Honen-in Temple

As the name suggests, “Honen-in temple” is a temple where Honen Shonin, the founder of the Jodo sect of Buddhism, used to practice with his disciples. Although it is famous for its autumn leaves and camellia trees, the area is also considered an idyllic hideaway. Although it is possible to pray inside the precincts for free, the temple grounds are only open to visitors during the spring and autumn. While here, there are many fun little spots to pop by, the first being the roof of the San-mon (Mountain Gate). It's a popular photo spot because it resembles an onigiri, or rice ball.
And if you pass through the San-mon (Mountain Gate) , you will see white sand mounds called “Byakusadan.” The features of the temple vary according to the season, and this harkens to the atmosphere of the garden of the temple in Kyoto. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your feet as the garden is covered with a wonderful moss. Honen-in temple is situated just a bit away from the Tetsugaku-no-michi （The Philosopher's Walk） pedestrian walkway and it is the perfect temple to escape from the bustle of the city.