Founded in 1723 as a temple of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. Today it is a Rinzai sect temple. Located at the foot of Mt. Matsuo in the western part of Kyoto City, the temple commands a panoramic view of the city from the vantage point at the top of the stone steps. The temple’s eighth abbot felt enlightened by the sound of the bellbugs chirping in unison, and this was the impetus for keeping them. The temple is also popular for its “Suzumushi Sermon,” in which the bellbugs preach the teachings of Buddhism and Zen in an easy-to-understand, light-hearted manner, and during the spring and fall tourist seasons, visitors sometimes line up to see the performance. Many visitors from all over Japan come to the temple to make a wish to “Kofuku Jizo Bosatsu (Happy Jizo),” who is said to grant one wish only.
8,000 bell bugs live in the Shoin. The sounds of their chirps are soothing.
The “Kofuku Jizo” (happy guardian deity) who will come to fulfill your wish if you tell him your address.
Suzumo-ji Temple (Kegon-ji Temple) is located at the foot of Mt. From the temple at the end of the stone steps, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto City.
Suzumushi Seppo, a light-hearted narrator of Buddhist teachings, Zen lectures, etc.
Hours 9:00-17:00 (Admission until 16:30)
Admission fee
Adults 500 yen
Children 300 yen (4 years old to junior high school students)
45 min. by city/Kyoto bus from JR Kyoto Stn.
15 min. on foot from Matsuo Station on the Hankyu Arashiyama Line