Suzumushi-dera (Kegonji Temple)
鈴虫寺（華厳寺）
Known as the "Cricket Temple" because it keeps thousands of suzumushi (bell crickets) that sing year-round in temperature-controlled rooms. Famous for its entertaining monk lectures on happiness and its wish-granting Jizo statue that supposedly walks to your home to grant one wish.
Key Architectural & Sacred Highlights
- Thousands of bell crickets singing year-round
- Entertaining monk lectures on happiness
- Wish-granting Jizo that "walks to your home"
- Tea and sweet included with admission
- Unique experience unlike any other temple
- Popular with Japanese visitors seeking wishes
📍 How to Get There
Nearest Station
Bus stop Suzumushidera (Bus 73)
Step-by-Step Directions
- 1 From Kyoto Station: Bus 73 to Suzumushidera (55 min)
- 2 Near Saiho-ji (Moss Temple) - combine if you have reservations
- 3 From Hankyu Matsuo-Taisha Station: 15 minute walk
- 4 Popular temple - expect queues on weekends (arrive early)
Live Municipal Bus Approach GTFS-RT
Nearest Stop: Kokedera / Suzumushidera (苔寺・すず虫寺) • ~2 min walk
Footwear & Accessibility Radar
Shoe Removal for Cricket Monk Lecture Hall
Sit on tatami floor with tea and wagashi sweet; socks mandatory.
Ascending stone staircase lined with yellow warning banners to the temple entrance gate.
Location & Maps
🗺️ Interactive map - zoom and pan to explore
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
34.991944 135.681944 💡 Tip: "View Location" shows the temple on the map. "Get Directions" navigates from your current position.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings for shorter queues. The cricket singing is year-round (temperature controlled). The entertaining monk lecture is in Japanese but the atmosphere is enjoyable regardless of language comprehension.
Contact & Info
31 Matsumuro Jigadani-cho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto 615-8294
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Sacred Sites of Kyoto
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Nearby Temples & Shrines
These sacred sites are closest to Suzumushi-dera (Kegonji Temple) and easy to combine in a single visit.
Saiho-ji (Moss Temple)
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3,000 yen (includes sutra copying experience) · 1.5-2 hours (includes required sutra copying)
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine
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Umenomiya Taisha Shrine
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Tenryu-ji Temple
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Okochi Sanso Villa
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1,000 yen (includes matcha green tea and sweet) · 45 minutes to 1 hour (enjoy tea and views)
Nonomiya Shrine
野宮神社
Free · 10-15 minutes