Taizo-in Temple
退蔵院
The most accessible sub-temple of the vast Myoshin-ji complex, featuring two contrasting gardens: a 500-year-old dry landscape garden and the modern "Yoin no Niwa" (Garden of Lingering Fragrance). Also houses Japan's oldest ink-wash painting, a National Treasure by Josetsu.
Key Architectural & Sacred Highlights
- Yoin no Niwa modern garden with weeping cherry
- Hyonen-zu painting (National Treasure) by Josetsu (1415)
- Two contrasting garden styles (medieval + modern)
- One of few always-open Myoshin-ji sub-temples
- Zen meditation sessions available (check schedule)
- Peaceful alternative to crowded tourist temples
📍 How to Get There
Nearest Station
Hanazono Station (JR Sanin Line) - 10 min walk
Step-by-Step Directions
- 1 From Kyoto Station: JR Sanin Line to Hanazono (12 min), walk 10 min
- 2 From Ryoan-ji: 15 minute walk south through residential area
- 3 Enter Myoshin-ji complex from south gate, Taizo-in is clearly signed
- 4 One of few Myoshin-ji sub-temples always open to public
Live Municipal Bus Approach GTFS-RT
Nearest Stop: Myoshinji-mae (妙心寺前) • ~4 min walk
Footwear & Accessibility Radar
Shoe Removal for Abbot Chambers / Shoes in Yoko-en Garden
Socks required for viewing Catfish and Gourd screen; outdoor garden stroll allows shoes.
Paved paths through the weeping cherry garden with barrier-free tearoom access.
Location & Maps
🗺️ Interactive map - zoom and pan to explore
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
35.029722 135.722222 💡 Tip: "View Location" shows the temple on the map. "Get Directions" navigates from your current position.
Best Time to Visit
Cherry blossom season (early-mid April) when the weeping cherry in the modern garden blooms spectacularly. The garden is designed to be beautiful year-round. Autumn also stunning. Morning for fewest visitors.
Contact & Info
35 Myoshinji Hanazono, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto 616-8035
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Nearby Temples & Shrines
These sacred sites are closest to Taizo-in Temple and easy to combine in a single visit.
Myoshin-ji Temple
妙心寺
Main grounds free, Hatto Hall tour 700 yen, Taizo-in sub-temple 500 yen · 1-2 hours (more if exploring sub-temples)
Ryoan-ji Temple
龍安寺
500 yen adults, 300 yen elementary/junior high students · 45 minutes to 1 hour (include time for rock garden contemplation and pond walk)
Ninna-ji Temple
仁和寺
Grounds free, Goten palace 500 yen, gardens 500 yen (1,000 yen combo in cherry season) · 1-1.5 hours (2 hours during cherry blossom season)
Hirano Shrine
平野神社
Free (temporary sakura garden area: 500 yen during peak bloom) · 30-45 minutes
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
金閣寺
500 yen adults, 300 yen elementary/junior high students · 1 hour (one-way walking path, can't turn back)
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
北野天満宮
Shrine free, plum garden 1,000 yen (includes tea and sweets, Feb-Mar only) · 45 minutes to 1 hour (2-3 hours during flea market)