Sanzen-in
三千院
Watch
Arrange stays, experiences and transport on external booking sites.
Temple of Moss and Quiet Mountains
Sanzen-in is a historic shrine and temple in Ohara, Kyoto. We've gathered 21 videos so you can explore it across the seasons on screen.
Sanzen-in is the most celebrated temple of Ohara, a serene mountain hamlet north of central Kyoto. A monzeki temple of the Tendai school with imperial connections, it is famed for the Yusei-en moss garden, where rounded maples and cedars rise from a carpet of emerald moss dotted with small, smiling jizo statues. The Ojo Gokuraku-in hall enshrines a graceful Amida triad. Hushed and contemplative in every season, Sanzen-in is the heart of Ohara's temple-dotted valley.
History & Culture
Tendai Roots
Its origins trace to a hermitage said to have been founded by the monk Saicho on Mount Hiei; it later moved and developed as a monzeki temple led by imperial princes.
The Amida Hall
The Ojo Gokuraku-in, enshrining its famous Amida triad, dates to the Heian period and remains the spiritual centre of the temple grounds.
Ohara, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
- Kyoto Bus #17 from Kyoto Stn to Ohara
- ~10 min walk from Ohara bus stop
9:00–17:00 (seasonal)
¥700
Hours and fees are a guide and may change — please check official information before your visit.
