Daitoku-ji Temple

Free entrance in the city, almost nobody in the streets. The bonsai garden is small but impressive, considering the age of the bonsai, up to 800 years !

This place gave much needed serenity after battling the crowds at the other tourist spots. You pay to get into the few open temples but it was so calm and peaceful, so zen. One of my fave visits.

Beautiful and serene temple in Kyoto, you also can join Zazen Meditation session in the weekend evening at 16.30-17.30 and it only ¥1000 (incl tea ceremony after zazen)

Very big palace complex with 4 temples you have have to pay if you want to see them. Not many tourist came here but it was worth it

Some temples are commercialized, this is the total opposite. Serene and peaceful sprawling concept, but most temples are closed and there is not much else to see.

We did not visit the gardens because it was unfortunately too late when we got there but the entire area was by itself just worth the visit. There is such a sense of peace when walking the paved alleys of the Daitoku-ji Temple and the many buildings scattered around are just so beautiful. There was also a gated area with big bamboo, unfortunately it was closed but if you have a chance it looked formidable from its entrance. Overall I would definitely recommend coming here with more time at your disposal so that you can also visit the bonsai and zen gardens (which you will be able to access for a fee).

Daitoko-ji temple is a wonderland. I wish I had more time to spend here. I was here for 3 hours, but could have spent several more. It is a large temple complex with many buildings and gardens to explore, all of them quite different from the next. I went in late summer and it was beautiful. There were not too many people here. I also got to explore one of the private gardens that is not usually open to visitors and it was worth the added expense. Some of the gardens require a small fee to enter, and it is cash only so bring some cash with you. Most of them range from ¥400 - ¥1000, and are worth it to explore. There is a world-class Bonsai exhibit, which was the highlight of my visit, as I am an avid gardener and intermediate bonsai artist.

We purchased an experience to meditate with a Buddhist Monk named Daitokuji Daijiin. We had an engaging conversation about the advancement of technology on learning, enjoyed freshly prepared green tea and found some internal peace momentarily but a memory to last a lifetime. Otherwise most of this shrine is closed, so doing a tour/experience such as this, is your ticket closer inside.