Kyoto is nothing if not atmospheric. Even on rainy days (which there a lot of in Japan!), Kyoto is extraordinarily beautiful. Here are two of our favorite temples to go to when it's raining in Kyoto! 

 

1. Obakusan Manpuku-ji

Obakusan Manpuku-ji was founded in 1661 by Zen master Ingen Ryuki and is the head temple of the Obaku Zen Buddhist sect, one of the three sects of Japanese Zen Buddhism. The temple is also a teacing monestary for the temple's student monks. The temple was built in the architectural style of Ming dynasty China, and the temple is houses images of Buddha created by Chinese Buddhist sculptors. Until the Edo period, only Chinese Buddhist monks were abbots of the temple, and Manpuku-ji still  maintains Chinese-style rituals, creating a different kind of atmosphere than other Japanese temples. The temple is also largely enclosed/roofed, which makes it a great option to explore on a rainy day! 

 

Golden Hotei is the image of Buddha at Manpuku-ji, and is one of the "Miyako Shichifukujin," or one of the Seven Dieties of Good Fortune in Kyoto. 

 

During the rainy season in June to August, the lotus at Manpuku-ji are also in full bloom. 

While it's raining, Manpuku-ji is extremely quiet and peaceful, and is a great place to take time to explore and reflect. 

Logistics: 

-5 minute walk from JR Nara Line at Obaku Station/5 minute walk from Keihan Uji Line at Obaku Station

-Admission fees: Adults, 500 yen; junior high school and elementary school students 300 yen, 

2. Renge-ji

Renge-ji is a small temple in northeastern Kyoto. Although it's a small temple, it is well known in Kyoto is a great place to see autumn colors because of the many maple leaves on the temple grounds. 

The temple main hall garden surrounds a pond with a stone island in the middle. The garden is visible from tatami (bamboo mat) rooms in the temple where tea ceremonies are often performed. It is also a perfect space for maple leaf veiwing. 

The maple leaves are gorgeous all year round! Although most people come to Renge-ji in fall to see them, they are a vibrant green in june.

Renge-ji is a really peaceful spot out of the way from more crowded temples, and is a great place to come to relax and reflect. 

Logistics: 

-10 minute walk from Eizan Electric Railway Miyakehachiman Station

-Admission fees: Adults 400 yen; junior high school students and under, free

 

*Prices are subject to change without notice