Kinpusenji Temple

Kinpusenji Temple (金峯山寺), also known as Kinpusen-ji, is a Buddhist temple located in Yoshino, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the head temple of the Shugendo sect of Buddhism and is part of the Yoshino-Kumano National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Kinpusenji Temple is dedicated to Zao Gongen, the main deity of Shugendo, and is famous for its two main buildings: the Zao Hall (Zaodo) and the Nio-mon Gate. The Zao Hall is one of the largest wooden structures in Japan and is home to three large statues of Zao Gongen, known as the Three Great Buddhas of Yoshino. These statues are hidden Buddhas and are only revealed to the public during special occasions. The Nio-mon Gate, located at the entrance of the temple, is an impressive structure adorned with intricate carvings and paintings.

The temple is also known for its beautiful gardens, which are designed in the traditional Japanese style. Visitors can stroll along the garden paths, enjoy the serene atmosphere, and admire the cherry blossom trees in the spring and the colorful foliage in the fall.

Kinpusenji Temple is an important cultural and historical site in Japan. It has a rich history dating back to the 8th century and has been an important center of Shugendo practices and traditions. The temple has undergone numerous renovations and restorations over the centuries, preserving its unique architecture and cultural significance.

Getting there

By Train and Ropeway

• Take the Kintetsu Railway to Yoshino Station
• From Yoshino Station:

1. Walk 3 minutes to Senbonguchi Station (Yoshino Ropeway base station)
2. Take the Yoshino Ropeway to Yoshinoyama Station (3 minutes)
3. Walk about 10 minutes from Yoshinoyama Station to the temple

From Major Cities

From Kyoto:

• Take Kintetsu limited express to Kashihara-jingu-mae Station
• Transfer to a train bound for Yoshino Station
• Total journey time: About 1 hour 45 minutes
• Cost: 2,550 yen

From Nara:

• Take express train from Kintetsu Nara Station
• Transfer at Yamato-Saidaiji and Kashihara-jingu-mae stations
• Total journey time: About 1 hour 40 minutes
• Cost: 880 yen (express) or 1,750 yen (limited express)

From Osaka:

• Go to Abenobashi Station
• Take Kintetsu limited express to Yoshino Station
• Journey time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cost: 1,480 yen

Details

Hours	8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Admission	Adults: 800 yen Junior high school and high school students: 600 yen Elementary school students: 400 yen
Phone	+81 746-32-8371
Address	2498 Yoshinoyama, Yoshino, Yoshino District, Nara 639-3115
Official Website	https://www.kinpusen.or.jp/