top of page

Adashino Nenbutsu-ji
化野念仏寺

Adashino Nenbutsu-ji is a Jōdō branch Buddhist temple nestled against the mountains in the northwestern-most corner of Kyōto. Its history dates back to the early ninth century, and the precincts leave an impression different to those of most other temples found in Kyōto: thousands of small stone Buddha statuettes are placed in a central courtyard. Historically, people have abandoned the bodies of the death. In the early twentieth century, the statuettes have been collected and brought to their present location. Every year on 24 August, candles are lit-up to commemorate the dead. Photography within the courtyard is prohibited, but shooting pictures from outside is allowed.
Asides from the statuettes, an Indian-style Stupa, and a small bamboo grove, are also found within the precincts. Maple foliage is particularly beautiful in this temple, but a visit to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji should be included on any itinerary in this area.

Admission: open year-round
Nearby places of interest: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, Hiranoya, Giō-ji

Peak maple at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji.

Peak maple at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji.

Spring 春
Summer 夏
Autumn 秋
Sentō Kuyō Memorial (23-24 August) / 千灯供養

© 2018-24 Patrick Vierthaler. Last Updated: 14 December 2024 (JCT).

All rights reserved. No reproduction or other use of any

photographs without the author's explicit permission!

About Me | Research CV | Contact and Inquiries

For EXIF data please look at my Flickr.

  • Flickr Social Icon
  • Instagram
All rights reserved. Please contact me if you are interested in my work.
bottom of page