Horin-ji
Arashiyama, Kyoto
Source: kokuzohourinji.com, checked 11 Oct 2026.
Horin-ji sits halfway up Arashiyama on the far side of the river, and the monk Gyoki founded it in 713. From the stage-like terrace beside the main hall you look out over Togetsukyo, Sagano, the Higashiyama hills and the city. On the way up, the little Denden-gu shrine guards electricity and radio waves.
Insider tip
It's the temple for Jusan Mairi, when children who turn 13 by the traditional count come to pray for wisdom. Togetsukyo started as this temple's bridge, built by its monk Dosho and known as Horin-ji Bridge until the Edo period. The terrace stays closed all day on the night of the Daimonji bonfire in August.
What's on near Horin-ji
Upcoming events within a ten-minute walk of Horin-ji, from the weekly Kyoto events calendar.
Arashiyama Autumn Fireworks
京都 嵐山秋花火2026
Time Fireworks from 20:30, about 5 minutes Station Arashiyama (Randen), 1 min walk
A short fireworks show over the river by Togetsukyo Bridge, about five minutes from 20:30 on both nights. The organisers say Nakanoshima Park gives the best view, and there's no parking, so come by train.
Arashiyama Lantern Floating
嵐山灯籠流し
Time 19:00 to 21:00 Station Arashiyama (Hankyu), 5 min walk
Lanterns for the dead are floated on the Oi River from Nakanoshima Park on the night of the Okuribi, and the Toriigata bonfire can be seen from round Togetsukyo from 20:20. A lantern with a memorial tablet is ¥1,500, staff set it on the water for you, and high or low water can stop the floating.
Mifune Matsuri Boat Festival
三船祭（車折神社）
Time About 13:00 to 14:15 Station Arashiyama-koen bus stop (City Bus 28)
Kurumazaki Shrine recreates a Heian boating party on the river just above Togetsukyo, with a dragon-headed boat, fans floated on the water and bugaku dance from the decks.
Antonio Campoy, CC BY 2.0 Cormorant Fishing at Arashiyama
嵐山の鵜飼
Time 19:00 and 20:00 to 15 Aug, 18:30 and 19:30 from 17 Aug Station Saga-Arashiyama (JR Sagano Line)
Fishermen work trained cormorants on the Oi River after dark, and you watch from roofed boats alongside. Shared boats were ¥3,000 for about an hour in 2026, cash only and sold at the pier that evening, with none on 16 August, while meal and private boats are booked online.
Arashiyama Momiji Matsuri
嵐山もみじ祭り
Time 11:30 to 17:00 Station Arashiyama (Randen), 2 min walk
Boats on the river above Togetsukyo Bridge re-create the boating parties of Heian nobles, with imayo songs, court music and dance on the water and the banks. It's called off if it rains.
Antonio Campoy, CC BY 2.0 Nearby
Around Arashiyama
Bamboo at first light, then the maple temples under Mount Ogura
Arashiyama is on Kyoto's north-western edge, where Togetsukyo Bridge crosses the Oi River with wooded hills right behind it. You'll want the bridge, Tenryu-ji and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and so will everyone else. Go early. Then walk north into Sagano. Its temples line the foot of Mount Ogura, and it's quieter at the far end, which Kyoto's official tourism site calls Okusaga.
Arashiyama has 30 places on the Roam Kyoto map: 14 shrines and temples, 4 landmarks, 3 parks and gardens, 2 restaurants, 2 bathhouses, 1 cafe, 1 museum, 1 viewpoint, 1 shop and 1 neighbourhood. Read the Arashiyama guide.
Good to know
- What is the address of Horin-ji?
- Arashiyama Kokuzoyama-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto (in Japanese: 京都府京都市西京区嵐山虚空蔵山町).
- How do I get to Horin-ji?
- The nearest station is Arashiyama (Hankyu). Horin-ji is in Arashiyama, Kyoto.
- How much does Horin-ji cost?
- Nothing. Horin-ji is free to visit.
- How long do you need at Horin-ji?
- Plan for 30 min.
- When is the best time to visit Horin-ji?
- Clear days.
Stay near Horin-ji
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