What other travelers are saying about Heirin-ji Temple
Went there on December 4th. First up as another review mentioned, the main temple is closed to the public and Goshuin are suspended until beginning of March 2026, but the 500¥ are worth it nonetheless! You could actually see the main temple and hear the monks praying. The colors are mesmerizing, there aren't many tourists, which was amazing as well. You could walk through the area freely and really enjoy a temple for a change. Would totally recommend the trip!
Went here last December 2024 to enjoy the autumn leaves and it didn't disappoint. It was really beautiful. After paying for the entrance, you can freely walk around inside. The place was very spacious but there were still alot of closed areas. If you love nature, you will definitely enjoy this place. Loved the silence and the view. Just take note that you can't eat inside so there are no food stalls inside. A great place to stroll and enjoy nature.
Tourist be aware we were charged 500jpy for entrance to the temple but in the end it turned out you can’t see the temple. The temple is closed to public and you can see only small neighborhoods temples, Forrest and graveyard. Despite the fact they clearly mention Heirin temple on the ticket.
Visited today (late November 2022) and it was so worth-it having strolled around the complex in the afternoon. Many people came to see the leaves around probably because it's weekend, so I thought it's much better to see this on a weekday, if possible. The place seems to be kid-friendly as well and WCs are available within the area. The admission fee is ¥500 for adult. Some areas are off-limits, but it's shown anyway on the map provided at the entrance. It won't take much time to see the whole place, so you could take your time to walk. Benches are also visibly available under shaded areas, should you need to take a rest. Don't forget your lenses and cameras! 📷
Very old temple surrounded by maple trees. It's an hidden gem, not known to many tourists. It's very calm as it is away from the city. It takes about an hour to walk around the temple. Recommended to visit during Autumn season. Easily accessible by bus.
Yes, the temple hosts traditional Zen Buddhist ceremonies, meditation sessions, and special events during the New Year and autumn foliage season.
While Heirin-ji is primarily a training center for monks, it occasionally offers temple stay programs where visitors can experience monastic life.
Yes, there is a small entrance fee to help maintain the temple and its grounds. This fee supports the preservation of the historic site.
The temple features traditional Japanese Zen Buddhist architecture, with wooden structures, tatami-matted rooms, and minimalist designs reflecting Zen aesthetics.
The main deity is Shaka Nyorai (Buddha), along with other important figures like Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) and Jizo (protector of children and travelers).
