What to know
Yoshiminedera (善峯寺) is a Tendai Buddhist temple nestled in Kyoto's western mountains. Like Kiyomizudera on the opposite side of the city, it is built into the hillside and offers sweeping views over Kyoto. The spacious grounds feature numerous halls and structures scattered up the slope.
Founded in 1029 by a priest named Gesan from Enryakuji as a personal hermitage, the temple was destroyed during the Onin War in 1467 and rebuilt in 1621. Its main objects of worship are a Kannon statue carved by Gesan and another Kannon statue gifted by Emperor Gosuzaku in 1042.
The main hall (Hondo) stands just beyond the Sanmon gate. Next to it is a treasure house displaying temple artifacts. Paths climb the mountainside past smaller buildings, rewarding visitors with impressive views of the city below.
Among the temple's notable trees is a unique 600-year-old pine that is only 2 meters tall but spreads 40 meters wide. The grounds are especially stunning during autumn, when the foliage draws large crowds, typically peaking in the second half of November.
As of May 2025, Hankyu Bus no longer provides public transportation to Yoshiminedera, making it difficult to reach without a car.
To get there, take the JR Kyoto Line from Kyoto Station to Mukomachi Station (7 minutes, 200 yen) or the Hankyu Kyoto Line from central Kyoto to Higashimuko Station (20 minutes, 240 yen). From either station, take Hankyu Bus #63 to Haigata (灰方, 15 minutes, 290 yen one way, every 2 hours), then walk about 3.5 kilometers (45–60 minutes) to the temple.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 8:30 to 17:00 (from 8:00 on weekends and public holidays)
- Closed
- No closing days
- Admission
- 500 yen (~$3.2)
- English name
- Original name
- Yoshiminedera Temple
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.