Hokanji Temple

Amazing structure tucked tightly in the back streets of Kyoto. Many cool attractions and shops nearby so you could make a day of walking around through all the alleyway shops and seeing the near by historical landmarks. Many cool things to see. This pagoda was a very cool structure but that’s all it is you cannot approach the structure and all photos must be taken over the surrounding walls so hard to find a good angle. I suggest walking the surrounding streets some of the alleyways to the south allow for a good angle to capture the amazement of the pagoda in the backdrop.

Entry is 400 yen and they only accept cash. You can go up to two floors. I think the view at night is even more beautiful, and the evening hours offer great lighting for photos. The surrounding establishments and shops are also lovely; you can easily find interesting and local items.

We didn’t go in as we went before 7am. It was a nice walk along the streets but I don’t know if it was worth the hype. It was cool but not cooler than some less busy temples. Crowds start very early so if you want a photo on an empty street, I’d recommend going at sunrise

We came during later in the afternoon and despite it still being crowded on a weekday, the place itself is still a must see. The architectural magnificence of the Japanese pagoda and building amazed us. We left near sunset so the view was amazing. Would highly recommend.

Hokan-ji Temple 法観寺 (Yasaka Pagoda). It is a 46-meter tall pagoda with graceful, sloping roofs on each tier, which lies in the middle of an old Kyoto neighborhood, between Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Yasaka-jinja Shrine. It is one of the unexpected treasures that reward the person on a casual stroll through the Higashiyama District. If you are travelling from Kyoto Station then your best option is to take a bus. There is a bus terminal located just outside the train station where you can find the 206 or 86 City Bus. Buses run every 10 minutes and are usually very punctual. The journey to Hokanji Temple should take around 10 minutes, where you will get off at the Kiyomizumichi stop. There are a few different streets around here with views of the temple, however you will want to make your way to Sannen-Zaka Path, which has the best views. To avoid confusion, you should take the second street on the right as soon as you get off the bus and follow the path straight until you arrive at the famous photo spot. You will know you have arrived on the correct street if the pagoda is straight in front of you. Visitors are allowed inside to marvel at the tower’s architecture, statues and fading paintings. Originally built by the Imperial Prince Shotoku in 589, the pagoda is said to have been inspired by a dream. The pagoda and the associated temple were destroyed and reconstructed several times up to 1440, of which the current pagoda stands to this day.