What to know
Chikurin-in (竹林院) is a Buddhist temple located on the border between the Naka and Kami Senbon areas of Mount Yoshino. For many years it served as lodging for practitioners of Shugendo mountain asceticism, but today it welcomes all travelers as a charming ryokan. Like most accommodations in Yoshino, Chikurin-in books up well in advance during the peak cherry blossom season.
The temple is also famous for its exquisite landscape garden, Gunpoen, which is said to have been designed by the legendary tea master Sen-no-Rikyu. The garden features a large pond surrounded by dozens of cherry trees and is open to visitors. Walking trails lead up the hill behind the pond to an archery ground, peaceful rest areas, and viewpoints overlooking the mountain slopes toward Kinpusenji Temple.
Chikurin-in Temple is a 30-minute walk from the upper station of the Yoshino Ropeway (Yoshinoyama Station).
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 8:00 to 17:00
- Closed
- No closing days
- Admission
- 700 yen (~$4.48)
- English name
- Original name
- Chikurin-in Temple
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.