Bukkō-ji Temple

Very nice temple. Tranquil, green and very zen. They also a design shop - D-department - on the temple ground. Very nice shop. There is also a coffee shop. It‘s a great place to relax for a bit after strolling through Kyoto‘s alleys. Or just enjoy the beautiful trees. And while other temples tend to be super crowded this temple is very quiet.

Bukkoji Temple is the head temple of the Shinshu Bukkoji sect, and was moved to its current location by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1586. Although it is located in the city, it is a quiet temple that you can easily drop in to.

Bukko-ji Temple is a true hidden gem — peaceful and free from the usual crowds of tourists. Unlike many other temples, you can actually go inside and explore, which makes the visit feel much more personal and authentic. During my stay in Japan, this was one of the most memorable stops, offering a quiet glimpse into Japan’s ancient culture and spiritual atmosphere.

Serene. While waiting to check into accommodation we walked a short while and came upon this temple. The air was crisp but the sun was glowing and warm. A handful of other visitors came in and wandered through, we sat down in a quiet corner and took in the calming beauty. We stayed about 30 minutes enjoying the craftsmanship in the beautiful wood carvings.

Beautiful Buddhist temple in heart of Kyoto. The amazing wooden architecture. Entrance free. Great place to relax and meditation. Place is very calm and quiet.

(We visited in September.) A beautiful and serene temple in the middle of a quiet neighborhood. It was located in the heart of Kyoto, not too far from the train station and close to Nishiki market. There’s no entrance fee, but shoes need to be removed before going up the stairs and inside the temple. There’s a café in store as well. A well-maintained and clean space as well as very peaceful and beautiful.

Bukkoji Temple (仏光寺), located in the heart of Kyoto, Japan, is a historic Buddhist temple with deep ties to the Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land) sect of Buddhism. Established in 1212 by Shinran Shonin, the founder of Jodo Shinshu, the temple was originally built to propagate the teachings of the Pure Land path, emphasizing salvation through faith in Amida Buddha. Bukkoji Temple is distinct for its more intimate and community-oriented atmosphere compared to Kyoto’s larger temples. Its architectural style reflects simplicity and functionality, embodying the egalitarian spirit of Shinran’s teachings. The main hall, or Hondo, is the spiritual centerpiece of the temple, where followers gather for chanting, prayer, and dharma talks. The hall enshrines a statue of Amida Buddha, symbolizing boundless compassion and wisdom. Historically, Bukkoji played a significant role in the development of the Jodo Shinshu movement and its spread throughout Japan. The temple became a central hub for the teaching and practice of Shinran’s philosophy, focusing on the belief that enlightenment is accessible to all, regardless of social status or education. Today, Bukkoji continues to serve as a place of worship, reflection, and community engagement. Its tranquil surroundings, including a small garden and traditional wooden structures, provide visitors with a serene escape from the bustling city. While less frequented than Kyoto’s more famous temples, Bukkoji offers a profound connection to Japan’s spiritual heritage and the enduring legacy of Shinran Shonin’s teachings.

I found this temple because my accommodation was nearby. It is definitely a more local temple, you won't find many tourists. We saw them hosting morning exercises for senior citizens at 8am on temple grounds, which was refreshing to see them so involved with the community. There are two main halls - one with the Buddha as the main statue and one with the founder as the main statue. There isn't much else to the grounds. However, the halls are large and plenty of benches to sit and pray or just think. It's beautiful on the inside. I saw another reviewer attended a ceremony so I wanted to do the same. I went for the 7am morning chanting and enjoyed it. It was very peaceful. If you have the time, stop by.