What to know
Mimurotoji (三室戸寺), founded about 1200 years ago in the northern hills of Uji City, is known as the "flower temple" for its expansive gardens that showcase seasonal blooms. Visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms in early April, azaleas in early May, hydrangeas in June, lotuses in July and August, and autumn colors in late November.
The main hall, built in the early 1800s, houses the temple's principal image: a thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva. In front of the hall, statues of an ox and a rabbit invite interaction. Touching the stone ball in the ox's mouth is said to bring victory in endeavors, while reaching into the stone sphere before the rabbit grants wishes if the egg-shaped object inside stands upright.
The temple grounds also feature a striking three-tiered vermilion pagoda, an Amida Buddha hall, and a statue of Ugajin—a local deity with an old man's head and a snake's body. Patting Ugajin is believed to bring fortune and good luck.
Bus number 40 runs every 1-2 hours between JR Uji Station, Keihan Uji Station, and Mon-no-mae bus stop, a five-minute walk from the temple. The one-way ride costs 230 yen and takes eight minutes from JR Uji Station or three minutes from Keihan Uji Station. Alternatively, it's about a 15-minute walk from Keihan Mimuroto Station or 20 minutes from Keihan Uji Station or Uji Bridge.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 8:30 to 15:10
- Closed
- December 29-31 and a few days around Obon in mid August
- Admission
- 1000 yen (~$6.4)
- English name
- Original name
- Mimurotoji Temple
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.