Chion-in, Kyoto: Travel To Ancient
Japanese Buildings

At Chion-in temple in Kyoto, Japan it`s all about SIZE.

Although followers of the temple`s Jodo school of Buddhism might disagree, it is hard to deny that when they built things for the Chionin, they weren`t constructed half heartedly.

Let`s start with this Japanese Temple`s largest gate shall we.

The "Sanmon" gate is an amazing 24 meters (79 feet) high and approximately 50 meters wide.

Having survived all kinds of natural disasters and war since its construction in 1621, it is not only one of the biggest but also one of the oldest such gates in Japan.

It`s hard to really appreciate this Japanese gate`s size just from reading its dimensions. This thing is huge, made of wood and built almost 400 years ago. When you think of it like that, it`s hard not to be impressed.

Next up is the main hall (Mieido) which was reconstructed in 1639. At 45 meters long by 35 meters wide, it can hold up to about 3000 people.

A feature of the main hall, most commonly associated with Nijo Castle, are its nightingale floors.

If you do visit, something to keep an eye out for is an umbrella.

Yes, an umbrella.

Called the "Wasuregasa" or the Forgotten Umbrella, it sits in the front eaves of the main hall. There are a few stories as to why this ancient umbrella is there.

One tale says that the master carpenter Jingoro Hidari accidently left it there, thus it was "forgotton." More likely though is the story that he left it there as a way to attract the rain. Having been constructed of wood, fire was a constant threat to the Mieido, so he believed that the umbrella would protect the temple from burning down, by bringing the rain.

Whatever the truth, the umbrella seems to be doing a good job of protecting the hall so far.

The headquarters for Jodo school of Buddhism, this Kyoto temple was established in 1234. The Jodo school teaches that if one simply believes in Buddha you will be reborn in the Pure Land (Jodo). Founded by Honen in 1175 it became popular among common people due to its uncomplicated teachings and continues to have a large following. The Temple was built on the sight where Honen both taught and died.

Chion-in Japanese Bell
Welcomes Japanese New Year

On any given New Years Eve, Chion-in Temple`s main attraction is it`s Japanese bell.

Cast in 1636, it is of course huge.

- 3.3 meters in height

- 2.7 meters in diameter

-And weighs 70 tons.

If you work in the service industry, it is the kind of bell you would probably love to put on the front desk with a notice reading "Ring for Service."

As part of Japanese New Year Eve tradition, 17 monks perform the ritual ringing of the bell 108 times.

Opening Hours:

Temple Grounds: 24/7

Temple Buildings: 9:00am - 4:00pm

Closed:

3:30pm October - February

Entry: Free