Timeline
06:19
Arrive at the temple gates before they open. The doors unlock at 08:00, so use this time to settle in, grab your ticket, and find a quiet spot inside the grounds.
07:04
Watch the sunrise. At 07:04 the sun breaks the horizon. The light sets toward the WSW, illuminating the temple structures and the surrounding hills in the early morning glow.
07:34
Take a slow walk through the temple grounds while the morning light is soft and the crowds have not yet arrived.
Local tip
The temple is open from 08:00 to 17:00 daily. If you arrive before opening, you will need to wait outside until the gates open at 08:00. There are no food or drink shops nearby, so bring water and a snack if you plan to stay for the full duration.
Check before you go
- Temple opening hours: 08:00-17:00 daily.
- Admission is ¥400 (¥500 during special exhibit).
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Kyoto (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).