The name 'Nisonin' translates to 'Temple of the Two Revered Ones,' referring to the statues of Shaka and Amida.
The temple was designated as a burial place for imperial family members, leading to its nickname 'Nison-in Goryo' (the Imperial Nison-in).
The grounds contain the grave of Fujiwara no Teika, the compiler of the famous Hyakunin Isshu poetry anthology.
The temple is built into the hillside of Mt. Ogura, which is historically associated with the development of Japanese landscape poetry.
During the Onin War in the 15th century, the temple was largely destroyed by fire before being rebuilt in the Edo period.
Nisonin Temple is a Tendai sect Buddhist temple in the Arashiyama district known for housing two primary statues: Shaka Nyorai and Amida Nyorai. The temple complex was established in the 9th century by the monk Jikaku Daishi Ennin. It served as a significant site for imperial burials, with several members of the Japanese imperial family interred on the grounds. The main approach, known as Momiji-no-Baba, is a wide gravel path bordered by hundreds of maple trees. The site features the Hon-do (Main Hall) which houses the principal dual statues. Visitors can access a small cemetery containing the tombs of notable figures from the Kamakura period. The temple grounds extend up the hillside towards the slope of Mt. Ogura. It remains a historically significant location linked to the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu anthology.
The wide gravel path (Momiji-no-Baba) framed by overhanging maple trees during the autumn season.
Walk the full length of the maple-lined path to appreciate the perspective from the gate.
Visit the elevated cemetery area for a quiet view overlooking the temple rooftops.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the path toward the back of the temple involves a moderate incline.
Do not attempt to walk to the temple directly from the main Arashiyama station area without checking a map, as the streets are narrow and winding.
Remove shoes when entering the wooden temple buildings; maintain a quiet voice; do not photograph the internal statues.
