Adashino Nenbutsuji

Religious spot
★ 4.9 (12K+ reviews) • 295K+ booked
Escape the bustling crowds of Kyoto's famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and discover the hauntingly beautiful Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple, a serene sanctuary nestled in the scenic Sagano area. This hidden gem in Kyoto's tranquil northwest offers a peaceful retreat with its own enchanting bamboo grove and a poignant history that invites reflection and respect. Known for its tranquil atmosphere and historical significance, Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple captivates visitors with the profound sight of 8,000 stone statues dedicated to souls who passed without kin. Nestled in the serene hills of the Sagano district, this unique destination offers a glimpse into Japan's spiritual heritage, inviting travelers to explore its sacred grounds and pay homage to the souls of the departed.
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17 Sagatoriimoto Kaganocho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 616-8436, Japan
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Adashino Nenbutsuji Reviews

4.9 /5
12K+ reviews
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Andrew *****
1 Jul
Amy did is awesome job of getting the group to the sites we wanted to see. she was helpful in explaining the different areas we went as well as taking pictures if you asked her.
1+
Mary *****
1 Jul
Such a peaceful and scenic ride—perfect for relaxing and soaking in Arashiyama's natural beauty!
1+
클룩 회원
30 Jun
I usually prefer independent travel, so I was reluctant to take a package tour. The schedule is tight, there is little freedom, and sometimes a semi-mandatory shopping schedule is included, so I have always chosen to plan my trips on my own. However, this trip was my boyfriend's last trip to Japan before he leaves for the US for a few years, so I put a lot of thought into the planning and wanted an efficient and satisfying schedule. Then, I found out about the Kyoto bus tour of 'Travel One Bowl' on the internet, and since the reviews from actual users were all positive, I made a reservation with half doubt. To conclude, I was very satisfied. I was able to enjoy the beautiful bamboo forest of Arashiyama, Togetsu-kyo Bridge, the dazzling Kinkaku-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari with its numerous red torii gates, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the symbol of Kyoto. I was able to leisurely enjoy Kyoto's key attractions with ample time. There was almost no time error in the schedule, so I was able to enjoy the trip as planned, which was especially satisfying. Even though I went without any information, the route and explanation were clear, so I was able to tour without any confusion. When I told the guide that the air conditioning seemed weak, he took immediate action and kept checking to see if there were any inconveniences, so I was impressed by the service. The bus was comfortable, the guide was cheerful and kind, and the photo shoots at each photo spot were really sincere. He also told me the best photo spots, so I got a lot of great photos. This was my first time with such a kind guide. Thank you, guide Jeong Sang-hoon! I had no idea where to eat in a new place, but he gave me detailed information about good restaurants, cafes, and souvenirs, so it was much easier and more informative. Thanks to him, I was able to make really precious memories with my boyfriend, and it was a trip full of warm memories. Next time I go to Japan, I want to go to Fukuoka, and I want to use Travel One Bowl again. Thank you for creating memories that will last a long time.
2+
Klook客路用户
30 Jun
I hope you all come to take this photo. The service is great, there are so many choices, the clothes are all new, neat and beautiful, and basically any style can be satisfied. Every clerk has a very good service attitude.
전 **
30 Jun
"You know <Travel One Bowl>? I'm Inma! <Travel One Bowl>, so I ate! I went to a cafe! I went shopping! I went sightseeing! I did everything!" It was really the best trip! Kyoto is a place where it's hard to move between tourist spots. If you just stay in Kyoto for a few days, you can enjoy the atmosphere of Kyoto and take your time sightseeing... But what if!!! If you come to Osaka and can't miss Kyoto and stop by for a day, there are so many things you want to see, but you have to wait for the bus. What about a taxi? Oh~ It's so expensive... Especially these days, when the temperature is over 30 degrees and it rains sometimes, it's just stressful. That's what the weather was like when we actually visited... If you brought adults or have children, it would be even more chaotic... In times like this! "Travel One Bowl"'s Kyoto tour was the perfect product. The important explanations are finished on the bus! We only go to the important points together, and from then on, you're free. It was a program that only combined the advantages of a real package and independent travel. Of course, because of the nature of the package, you may not feel like you have enough time... But "Travel One Bowl" has the longest stay time at each tourist site compared to other Kyoto tours. Thanks to that, we were able to take a lot of pictures, eat at a restaurant we had already chosen, visit a cafe twice, and go around cute shops to buy furikake and souvenirs, and eat famous snacks~ Even if you don't have a restaurant or cafe in mind, the guide will give you a map and send you a list of recommendations via KakaoTalk, so don't worry~ If you say, "I'm hot and tired, I want to rest," you can wait in the air-conditioned bus until the other travelers come back~ Also, at Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji, they took pictures with the camera you brought, and they said they would edit them and send them to you~ They even sent you a Japanese fortune-telling translation via KakaoTalkㅋㅋㅋ → Thank you to our guide, Seo Chae-hee, for doing all this! I really recommend it!
2+
Sandra ***********
30 Jun
Unfortunately, it rained heavily on the day of travel, but the ride on the Sagano Romantic Train was still unforgettable. The entire train crew bids you a sweet farewell upon departure, and the conductor tells you all about the route. There's a great little museum and café at the station, and all in all, the ride is highly recommended; the river and the forests are beautiful.
2+
클룩 회원
30 Jun
It's June 30th. I went on a tour with Noh Min-ho as a guide. It's absolutely impossible to do this without a tour in such hot weather. The guide's detailed explanations and ample viewing time were great. The guide's guide to the meals and tea house were also good. I had the very cheap 950 yen cold udon with egg and ma, and it was so delicious. I really appreciate the sense of taking a few pictures for me. My wife really liked Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The temple itself was nice, but it was also appealing to be able to see many places near it. I will recommend this to my friends who couldn't come with me because their reservation schedules didn't match~ Kyoto~! If you want to save time and see everything, go with the Travel One Bowl Tour~~!!
2+
Rosalyn *****
30 Jun
shout out to our tour guide anson. nice and friendly. destinations were great and we were given ample time to visit each. convenient and practical tour. thank you klook!
2+

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Remarkable Landmarks and Must-Visit Sights

8,000 Stone Statues

Step into a realm of reflection and reverence at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, where approximately 8,000 stone statues stand as silent sentinels. Each statue, a poignant tribute to those who passed without family, weaves a tapestry of history and humanity. As you wander through this sacred space, feel the weight of centuries and the stories of souls remembered since the Meiji era. It's a moving experience that invites contemplation and connection with the past.

Sento-Kuyo Ceremony

Immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty of the Sento-Kuyo Ceremony, a luminous event held annually on the last weekend of August at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple. As the sun sets, thousands of candles flicker to life, casting a warm glow over the stone statues. This spiritual gathering is a heartfelt homage to the lost souls, creating a breathtaking spectacle that touches the heart and soul. Join the community in this profound act of remembrance and witness the temple transform into a sea of light and tranquility.

Bamboo Grove

Discover a hidden gem at the back of Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple—the tranquil Bamboo Grove. This serene enclave offers a perfect escape into nature, where the towering bamboo sways gently in the breeze, creating a soothing symphony of rustling leaves. Unlike the bustling paths of more famous bamboo forests, this peaceful spot invites you to capture the beauty of Kyoto's natural landscapes in solitude. It's an ideal location for photography and quiet reflection, providing a unique perspective on the timeless allure of bamboo.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple, founded by the esteemed monk Kukai in the 8th century, is a place steeped in history and cultural reverence. This sacred site has long been associated with funerary rites, serving as a poignant reminder of those who passed away without family. The thousands of stone statues scattered across the temple grounds stand as silent sentinels of the past, inviting visitors to reflect and pay their respects. Archaeological evidence highlights its use as a graveyard since the Heian period, further cementing its historical importance.

Local Cuisine

While exploring the serene surroundings of Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple, don't miss the chance to wander through the nearby Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street. This charming area is lined with traditional Japanese-style houses that have been transformed into delightful shops and restaurants. Here, you can savor the authentic flavors of Kyoto, indulging in local delicacies that offer a true taste of the region's culinary heritage.

Seasonal Beauty

The temple grounds of Adashino Nenbutsuji are a feast for the eyes, offering vibrant natural beauty throughout the year. In the autumn months, the Japanese maple trees burst into a stunning array of red hues, creating a breathtaking contrast against the ever-lush green of the bamboo forest. This picturesque setting provides a perfect backdrop for visitors seeking tranquility and inspiration in nature's seasonal splendor.