Shinnyodo
京都府
Tendai temple founded in 992, enshrining Saicho's 'Nodding Amida'; its three-storied pagoda amid autumn maples is a defining Kyoto autumn view
Founded
992
Type
Temple
Visited
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Access
About 6 min walk from Shinnyodo-mae bus stop (or 8 min from Kinrin-shako-mae)
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Overview
A Tendai temple formally named Shinsho Gokurakuji, founded in 992 when the monk Kaisan enshrined an Amida Nyorai from Mt. Hiei\'s Jokyo-do in the villa of Higashi-Sanjo-in Senshi. The principal image, called "Unazuki no Mida" (Nodding Amida), is named from the legend that it nodded three times during Saicho\'s training. Known as a prime spot for autumn foliage, the combination of the three-storied…
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Origins
Shinnyodo is traditionally said to have been founded in 992 (Shoryaku 3) when the Tendai monk Kaisan moved an Amida Nyorai image from the Jokyo-do hall on Mt. Hiei to the villa of Higashi-Sanjo-in Fujiwara no Senshi. The principal image is believed to have been carved by Saicho, the founder of Tenda…
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Shinbutsu Reijo Pilgrimage
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Divine Benefits
Purification
Rebirth in Pure Land
Cleansing impurity, spiritual purification, driving away evil. Rooted in misogi ablutions and goma fire rites.
Derived from the enshrined deity "阿弥陀如来"
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Visiting Information
Hours
9:00-16:00 (last admission 15:45).
Admission
Main hall/grounds free. Treasure/garden viewing: adults 500. Special openings: 800.
As of 2026-07-17. Subject to change.
Official Links
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