Myoman-ji Temple

Myoman-ji is a major head temple of the Nichiren school located in the peaceful Iwakura district of northern Kyoto. Surrounded by spacious grounds, elegant gardens, and seasonal scenery, the temple offers visitors a tranquil atmosphere away from the crowds of central Kyoto.

The temple is especially famous for its nationally designated “Garden of Snow” (Yuki no Niwa), a celebrated dry landscape garden, and for preserving the legendary Bell of Anchin and Kiyohime, associated with one of Japan’s best-known medieval love stories.

History

Myoman-ji traces its origins to 1389, when the priest Nichiju established a temple in central Kyoto. Over the centuries, the temple was relocated several times due to warfare, urban redevelopment, and changing political circumstances.

In 1968, Myoman-ji moved to its present location in Iwakura, where its spacious grounds allowed for the construction of its current temple complex. Despite the modern relocation, the temple carefully preserved many important cultural treasures, including the famous Garden of Snow, traditionally attributed to the early Edo-period scholar and poet Matsunaga Teitoku.

The temple also houses the legendary Bell of Anchin and Kiyohime, connected with the famous Noh play Dojoji, making it an important destination for those interested in Japanese literature and performing arts.

Highlights

Garden of Snow

Admire one of Kyoto’s finest dry landscape gardens, beautifully expressing snowy scenery through white gravel.

Bell of Anchin and Kiyohime

See the famous bell associated with one of Japan’s most enduring legends.

Main Hall

Visit the spacious main hall at the heart of this historic Nichiren temple.

Five-story Pagoda

Enjoy one of the temple’s most recognizable landmarks rising above the peaceful grounds.

Seasonal Beauty

Experience cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, and colorful autumn leaves in a tranquil setting.

Visit Tips

Take time to quietly appreciate the Garden of Snow, where changing sunlight and the seasons create constantly shifting scenery. Autumn offers especially beautiful contrasts between colorful maple leaves and the white gravel garden.

Myoman-ji can easily be combined with visits to nearby Jisso-in Monzeki, the Former Residence of Iwakura Tomomi, Iwakura Shrine, and Miyake Hachimangu Shrine, making it an excellent destination for exploring northern Kyoto.