Summary of Recommended Tourist Attractions in Fushimi and Uji Kyoto.

This article summarizes the main tourist attractions in Fushimi Ward in Kyoto City and Uji City.
In this area, you can find many power spots, such as Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, and Byodoin Temple, depicted on the 10-yen coin.
Be sure to check out this article and consider a trip to Kyoto.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of over 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan.

A typical visit doesn’t take much time, but if you choose to follow the path around Mount Inari, it will take about 90 minutes, requiring some physical stamina.
This route is more like a mountain hike, so it’s advisable to wear sneakers or comfortable clothing, similar to regular trekking attire.

“Inari” refers to the deity of food and grains, specifically the god known as “Ukanomitama.”
As a common motif, white foxes are often associated with this deity, and you can frequently find white foxes depicted on ema (wooden votive plaques) at Fushimi Inari Taisha and other Inari shrines.
It’s interesting to see a variety of doodles on each ema, each showcasing the unique personalities of the visitors.
Just observing them is enjoyable in itself.

And, the highlight of Fushimi Inari Taisha is undoubtedly the Senbon Torii, or the thousand torii gates.
Approximately ten thousand torii gates are dedicated within the shrine grounds.
Most of the tourists come here to see these vibrant and bright red torii gates.
It’s a consistently popular spot with long lines, so it requires patience to capture a shot without any people, just like in the photos.
Early morning or rainy days are also good times to aim for this.

Information

• Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 612-0882, Japan
• Map: Google Maps
• Access:
  • JR Nara Line – Inari Station (right at the station)
  • Keihan Main Line – Fushimi Inari Station (5 minutes on foot)
• Phone: 075-641-7331
• Visiting Hours:
• Shrine: Open 24 hours
• Prayer Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Reception closes around 4:00 PM)
  • Charm and Amulet Distribution: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Admission: Free
• Official Website: Fushimi Inari Taisha

Byōdō-in

Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts numerous cultural treasures, including the national treasures “Hoodo” (Phoenix Hall) and the “Amida Nyorai seated statue.”

Among these, the “Hoodo” is so iconic that it is featured on the 10-yen coin in Japan, and the phoenix image, symbolizing rebirth, graces the reverse side of the 10,000-yen banknote.
So, these historical and artistic elements are indeed quite familiar to many, despite their cultural significance.

The magnificent temple, which preserves the late Heian period architectural style, was established in the mid-11th century.
It all began when Fujiwara no Yorimichi, a regent at the time, transformed his father’s villa, known as “Ujiden,” into a temple.

In the Heian period, Uji, the location of Byodoin Temple, was renowned for the abundance of aristocratic villas, presenting the image of a resort area situated just a little outside the capital.

Moreover, during that era, there was a growing fascination among the aristocracy and clergy with Pure Land Buddhism, characterized by the aspiration for rebirth in the Pure Land and salvation in the afterlife.
The construction of a temple in Uji, which resembled the Pure Land, reflects the desires and spiritual inclinations of the people of that time.

Now, Byodoin’s most prominent feature, the “Hoodo” or Phoenix Hall, enshrines the “Amida Nyorai seated statue.”
The statue is surrounded by “Cloud-Gathering Bodhisattva” figures, which appear to dance in the heavens, creating a serene ambiance inside the hall.

However, it is said that during its original construction, the temple’s walls, pillars, and ceilings were adorned with colorful paintings, and the sacred space was filled with the magnificent artwork surrounding the golden Amida Nyorai.

The resplendent and vibrant decorations of that era can still be experienced at the Byodoin Museum Hoshokan, so be sure to check it out.

Information

• Address: 116 Ujirenge, Uji, Kyoto Prefecture
• Map: Google Maps
• Access:
  • 10-minute walk from JR Nara Line’s Uji Station
  • 10-minute walk from Keihan Uji Line’s Uji Station
• Phone: 0774-21-2861
• Opening Hours:
  • Garden: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Last entry at 5:15 PM)
  • Inside the Phoenix Hall: 9:30 AM to 4:10 PM
    • (Entry starts at 9:00 AM, with a maximum capacity of 50 visitors per time slot, on a first-come, first-served basis)
  • Byodoin Museum Hoshokan: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:45 PM)
  • Museum Shop: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Seal Collection Office: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Admission Fees:
  • Garden and Byodoin Museum:
    • Adults: 600 yen
    • Middle and high school students: 400 yen
    • Elementary school students: 300 yen (Children under elementary school age are free)
  • Inside the Phoenix Hall: 300 yen (Groups of up to 50 visitors every 20 minutes)
• Official Website: Byodoin

Daigoji Temple

In the southern part of Kyoto, one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots is known as “Daigo no Hanami” at Daigo-ji Temple.
The origins of the temple date back to Saint Hōzan, a disciple of the famous monk Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi), who established a small hermitage on Mount Daigo.
Daigo-ji is the head temple of the Shingon sect’s Daigo school.

While most of the current temple buildings were constructed during the Momoyama period and onwards, the five-story pagoda, built in the year 952 (Tenryaku 6), stands as one of Kyoto’s oldest wooden structures and is designated as a national treasure.

The story goes that the cherry trees at Daigo-ji were initially planted by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who created a grand cherry blossom viewing event by planting around 700 cherry trees in the area.
This tradition lives on, with the annual “Toyotomi Hideyoshi Hanami Parade” taking place on the second Sunday of April, in commemoration of the “Daigo no Hanami” event hosted by Hideyoshi.

The sight of Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms, double-flowered cherry trees, and weeping cherry trees blooming all over the mountainside is truly breathtaking.
Among them, the vibrant red weeping cherry blossoms at Sanbō-in and the weeping cherry trees at Reibōkan are must-see attractions.

Daigo-ji Temple is also famous for its autumn foliage. The leaves begin changing color in mid-November, with the peak viewing season typically occurring from mid-November to mid-December.
Particularly, the area around the Benkei-do Hall is well-known for its vibrant autumn foliage, making it a popular spot for photography.

Since it tends to be less crowded compared to the cherry blossom season, the autumn foliage season is an excellent time to leisurely explore Daigo-ji Temple.

Information

• Address: 22 Daigohigashiojicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
• Map: Google Maps
• Access: A 15-minute walk from Daigo Station on the Tozai Subway Line
• Phone: 075-571-0002
• Closed on: Open all year round
• Opening Hours:
  • Sanboin, Reibo-kan, Garan: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Ticket sales end at 4:00 PM)
    • From the day after the first Sunday in December to the end of February: 4:30 PM (Ticket sales end at 3:30 PM)
  • Udaigo: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Strict descent by 5:00 PM)
    • From the day after the first Sunday in December to the end of February: 3:00 PM (Strict descent by 4:00 PM)
• Admission Fees:
  • Adults: 1,000 yen
  • Middle and High School Students: 700 yen
    • During the spring period: Adults – 1,500 yen, Middle and High School Students – 1,000 yen
• Official Website: Daigo-ji Temple

Mimuroto-ji

The Mimuroto-ji, also known as the 10th temple of the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, is an ancient temple said to be founded during the Nara period by Emperor Kōnin.

Within its grounds, there is a large garden spanning 5,000 square meters, and it’s renowned as the “Hydrangea Temple” due to its splendid display of approximately 10,000 hydrangea bushes comprising around 50 different varieties.
Each year from June 1st to mid-July, it opens to the public as the “Hydrangea Garden,” offering the opportunity to see various rare hydrangea species.

In addition, from late April for about a month, the temple features the “Azalea and Rhododendron Garden,” with around 20,000 azalea bushes and 10,000 rhododendrons, all displaying vibrant and captivating colors.

As the hydrangeas fade, lotus flowers start to bloom, and the “Lotus Garden” opens for visitors. This temple is a beloved destination for flower enthusiasts in Kyoto.

If you find a blue heart-shaped hydrangea, your wish will come true, and if you come across a pink heart-shaped hydrangea, your love will be fulfilled.
This rumor has spread, and it’s become popular among women to search for heart-shaped hydrangeas.
The exact locations are not disclosed, so you’ll need to make an effort to find them.

Information

• Address: 21 Tsutsuji Shigadani, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Kyoto Prefecture
• Map: Google Maps
• Access: 15 minutes on foot from Keihan Mitsuitsuji Station
• Phone: 0774-21-2067
• Closed: August 13-15, December 29-31
  • (Admission will be suspended in case of severe weather warnings)
• Opening Hours:8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Until 4:00 PM from November 1 to March 31)
• Admission Fees:
  • [Regular] Adults: 500 yen Children: 300 yen
  • [February 18 – July 17 and mid-November] Adults: 1,000 yen Children: 500 yen
• Official Website: Mimuroto-ji Temple

Shoju-in (Furin-ji)

Shoju-in is a temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect located in Uji-Tawaracho, Kyoto.
It is situated in a natural, picturesque rural setting, and the entire temple grounds exude a tranquil atmosphere, where time seems to flow slowly.

The “猪目” (Inome) windows in the guest hall of Shoju-in Temple are designed in the shape of boar’s eyes, resembling the eyes of a wild boar.
They serve as protective and fire-repelling elements, believed to bring good luck, which is why they are used for decoration throughout the temple grounds.
Furthermore, due to the resemblance of the Inome shape to a heart, these windows are also known as “windows that beckon happiness,” symbolizing good fortune and well-being.

During the summer, Shojukin Temple hosts a “Wind Chime Festival” where over 2,000 colorful wind chimes adorn the temple grounds.
The beautiful sounds of the wind chimes fill the air, creating a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
Additionally, Uji-Tawaracho, the location of Shojukin Temple, is known for being about 5 degrees Celsius cooler than central Kyoto during the summer.
This makes it an ideal destination for summer tourism in Kyoto, offering relief from the heat.

As part of the restoration of the ceiling paintings in the main hall that were created 300 years ago, there are ceiling paintings painted by renowned calligraphers and Japanese painters, representing Japan.
A total of 160 paintings, themed around flowers and Japanese landscapes, cover the ceiling of the guest hall, allowing you to appreciate the vivid and unique beauty of the ceiling that is not commonly seen in other temples.

Information

• Address: 149 Okuyamadagawa Kamijo, Uji-Tawara-cho, Tsuzuki-gun, Kyoto
• Map: Google Maps
• Access:
  • Approximately 30 minutes by taxi from JR Uji Station
  • about a 10-minute walk from the Keihan Bus stop “Shojyuin-guchi”
• Phone: 0774-88-3601
• Closed: Open all year round
• Opening Hours:
  • [Normal] 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • [Winter (December – March)] 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Admission Fees:
  • [Normal] 600 yen (includes tea and sweets)
  • [Wind Chime Festival Period] 700 yen (includes tea and sweets)
• Official Website: Shoju-in (Furin-ji)

Conclusion

Did the charm of this area come across to you?
Kyoto offers many other spots where you can experience deep history and magnificent nature.
These are summarized in other articles, so please be sure to check them out.