Myoshin-ji

京都府京都市右京区花園妙心寺町1Open in Google Maps ↗Official site ↗

Founded in 1342, Myoshinji is the head temple of the Myoshinji school of Rinzai Zen and one of Japan's largest Zen temples, with 46 sub-temples in its precincts. The Dharma hall ceiling's cloud-dragon by Kano Tan'yu, eight years in the making, is breathtaking. Sub-temples regularly open to visitors include Taizo-in (home of the national treasure Hyonenzu), Keishun-in, and Daishin-in. Fewer crowds than the downtown temples — good for a quiet visit.