Mimurotoji Temple – UJI (Kyoto)

Believed to have been built in the 8^th century, Mimurotoji is famous as the 10^th of the “33 Holy Places of the Western Country,” a series of temples dedicated to Kannon which used to be a popular pilgrimage route in ancient times. In this temple’s main sanctuary are a gilt bronze statue of the thousand-armed Kannon, a statue of Shakyamuni and a statue of Bishamonten.

The temple is also notable for its Muromachi-period (1333-1568) karesansui (waterless rock and sand garden) and its kaiyu-style garden (many pleasure style garden for strolling) full of colorful azaleas, rhododendrons and hydrangeas. There is a stone monument in the temple grounds dedicated to the tragic Ukifune, a character of the Uji Chapters of the Tale of Genji, and another inscribed with a poem by Matsuo Basho.

At any time of the year Mimurotoji has spectacular floral displays, especially its azaleas, hydrangeas and lotus blossoms, which is why it is known as the ‘Flower Temple.’

Hondo

Famous Sumo Wrestlers Hand Prints

Prayer Wheel

Formal name: Mimurotoji 　三室戸寺
Mountain: Myōjōzan 明星山

Buddhist denomination: Shingon - Honzan Shūgen sect

Principal Image: Senjū Kannon (Thousand-armed Kannon)
Open to the public: Once every 33 years

Address: 〒611-0013京都府宇治市莵道滋賀谷21

Phone number: 0774-21-2067

Opening hours: 8:30 - 16:00

Entry Fee: 500 yen

Temple Website in Japanese