One of Kyoto’s hidden pleasures, this temple was founded in 1680 to honour the priest Hōnen. It’s a lovely, secluded temple with carefully raked gardens set back in the woods. The temple buildings include a small gallery where frequent exhibitions featuring local and international artists are held. If you need to escape the crowds that positively plague nearby Ginkaku-ji, come to this serene refuge.
Hōnen-in is a 12-minute walk from Ginkaku-ji, on a side street above the Tetsugaku-no-Michi; you may have to ask for directions.
