Nison in Temple Kyoto

The city of Kyoto is the historical and cultural core of Japan. Historians say that the city was first settled in the 7th century by the Hata, a Korean clan. The city grew in terms of importance wealth and power when the Japanese Imperial family made the city their home. Earlier known as Heian-kyo (meaning capital of peace and tranquility) the city was one of earliest examples of urban planning. In this era the city witnessed the growth of many important architectural, literary, religious and cultural landmarks. In fact the city boasts of more 1600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines and innumerable gardens and museums. The city’s richness of heritage and culture is known allover the world, so much that sixteen of Kyoto’s temples have been designated World Heritage sites by the UNESCO. One of Kyoto’s less important, though in no way less beautiful, temples is the Temple of Nison-in.

The Nison-in temple belongs to the Tendai sect and was founded in the early half of the 9th century. The name of the temple is derived from the two idols that are housed here. Both are images of incarnations of Buddha. In fact the word Nison loosely translated means two revered images. The two images are of Shaka Nyorai or Buddha, who is believed to be the one that guides us in our present life and of Amida Nyorai or Amitabha, the enlightened one who leads our souls in our afterlife. Both these images have been designated as Important Cultural Properties. These two statues of the Buddha date back to the Heian era.

The Main Hall of the temple was destroyed by fire and was reconstructed in 1521. It is said that the Main gate of the temple was transferred from the Fushimijo Castle.
The cemetery at this temple is made instantly recognizable by its many slopes and contains the tombs of both emperors and members of the then imperial family. The temple also contains some splendid example of fusuma, the Japanese art of wood paneling.

The famous priest Honen often preached in this temple and a portrait of him relaxing and soaking in the ofuro (Japanese bath) is also housed in this temple. On the fourth Sunday in May, the temple hosts a reconstruction of a Heian-era literary card game which is enacted by women in traditional garments.

The temple is a popular haunt for tourists during the momiji season or the Japanese maple viewing season.

Entry Fees: 500 Japanese Yen
Open Hours: 9am-4.30pm daily.
Address: Saga Nison'in Monzen Chojin-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, 616-8425
Phone: +81 (0)75 861 0687
Nearest Station: Torokko Arashiyama
Neighborhood: Ukyo-ku

If you are looking for the rich ornate decor of temples like Kinkaku-ji then Nison–in is not the place for you. However if you want to experience just what is it about autumn leaves and the momiji season that make the people of this country burst out into sentimental haikus then do drop by. Your tired eyes will thank you for it!

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