traveltowith

Find the Best Activities & Hotels for Families, Couples, and Solo Travelers

About UsContactTerms & ConditionsPrivacy Policy
© 2025 Traveltowith. All rights reserved.
t
Kyoto, couple trip, Things to Do
Japan/Things to Do in Kyoto, couple trip

Chion-in Temple (couple trip)

with kidswith babycouple tripsolo trip

How Couple-Friendly is Chion-in Temple?

79%Couple-Friendly
View Map

Couples enjoy sharing tranquil gardens, huge gate views and seasonal light-ups for photos, yet the lack of many benches and frequent steps can reduce comfort during long romantic walks.

Google
Reviews4.5/ 5
(from 7,366 reviews)

Positives:

  • Free core temple area: Entry to the Sanmon Gate and Mieidō Hall is complimentary, letting you explore main buildings at no cost.
  • Couple-friendly photo spots: The wide stone steps and garden views create intimate backdrops for shared photos.

Challenges:

  • Uneven stone steps: Some paths and steps are steep and uneven; wear sturdy shoes and watch your footing.
  • Limited English signage: Most explanatory signs are in Japanese; download a map or ask staff for directions.

What is so special about Chion-in Temple for couple trip?

  1. Explore the massive Sanmon Gate and inner Mieidō Hall together
  2. Stroll through Hojo and Yūzen-en Gardens at your own pace
  3. Collect a personalized goshuin stamp as a shared memento
  4. Relax with coffee or try Buddhist vegetarian dishes at Kasui-An
  5. Capture intimate photos framed by historic architecture and seasonal foliage
Chion-in Temple image 1
Chion-in Temple image 2
Chion-in Temple image 3
Chion-in Temple image 4
Chion-in Temple image 5

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Enough time to explore main halls, stroll the gardens, and collect a goshuin without rushing

(View Chion-in Temple on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in Chion-in Temple

Sanmon Gate & Mieidō Hall tour:

Walk under the 24m-high wooden Sanmon Gate into the Mieidō Hall, the temple’s core building.

Tip: Arrive at opening to feel the gate’s scale in soft morning light with fewer visitors.

Hojo & Yūzen-en Gardens stroll:

Explore two landscaped gardens with ponds, rock arrangements, and teahouses against Higashiyama hills.

Tip: Stay until sunset for warm light on the ponds and quieter paths.

Goshuin stamp:

Have your goshuin-chō inscribed in red ink at the temple office as a unique keepsake.

Tip: Bring your own stamp book and visit the desk in Mieidō Hall early to avoid lines.

Café Karin break:

Enjoy coffee, tea, and light desserts in a modern café adjacent to the temple grounds.

Tip: Order the matcha latte and sit on the terrace for a view of the temple roof.

Content Notice: Some content on this page may be written with the assistance of AI tools. We regularly update to ensure accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Gardens entry for twoJPY 1,000
Goshuin stamps for twoJPY 600
Café snacks for twoJPY 800
Omamori charms for twoJPY 1,000
Total EstimatedJPY 3,400

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

When is the best time to visit Chion-in Temple?

In spring, cherry blossoms frame the Sanmon Gate. In autumn, red maples glow in Yūzen-en Gardens. On New Year’s Eve, join the bell-ringing ceremony if you visit late December.

How to Maximize Your Visit to Chion-in Temple

  1. Arrive early: Visit right at opening to enjoy quieter gardens and clear photo spots without crowds.
  2. Combine nearby sights: Walk to Yasaka Shrine or Maruyama Park afterward to extend your day without extra transport.

Map of Chion-in Temple

Address: 400 Rinkachō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-8686, Japan

Map will load when you scroll here

Scroll down to view the interactive map

Reviews of Chion-in Temple

Powered by Google
Jamie Wojciechowski

Jamie Wojciechowski

Aug 2025

We visited the Chionin Temple as part of our walking tour of the historic district in Kyoto. The main gate is massive and so impressive leading into the larger area where the main temple is. Chionin is the head temple of the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism, one of the most popular Buddhist sects in Japan. The temple has spacious grounds and large buildings. The Sanmon Gate, Chionin's main entran...

itzwine

itzwine

Jul 2025

Beautiful temple design is worth visiting, but make sure to go through the right stair path. The left one from the entrance is for men, and the right one is for ladies. (Use the right side path if you're using kimono/dress)

Burak Kayabaşı

Burak Kayabaşı

Jun 2025

This is a beautiful, tranquil, and pristine area, genuinely offering a sense of peace. It's clear the place has been well-maintained and renovated. Its proximity to the city center makes it easily reachable. While climbing the stairs might be a bit exhausting, the experience is absolutely worthwhile.

Tiffany Chang

Tiffany Chang

Apr 2025

This temple is beautiful, and we got to visit during the special Sakura season lighting season where they illuminate the grounds at night. Worth visiting and going to the nearby Maruyama park when in Gion. Temple is free to visit with an adjacent rock garden which requires a small fee. Entrance for the special evening lighting also cost a fee.

Chris Katzer

Chris Katzer

Dec 2024

The temple is a serene and enchanting destination that perfectly embodies Japan’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Nestled amidst lush gardens, the temple’s architecture reflects traditional Japanese craftsmanship with intricate woodwork and graceful design. Visitors can explore peaceful courtyards and experience the calming sound of wind chimes swaying in the breeze. The temple’s tranquil atmosp...

← See other Things to Do in Kyoto (couple trip)

About Chion-in Temple

Opening Hours

Monday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+81 75-531-2111

See available options

Promo on Trip.com
T
Browse Trip.com

Explore Popular Things to Do

🇯🇵 Japan, couple trip

Things to Do in Tokyo, couple trip
Tokyo
Things to Do in Osaka, couple trip
Osaka
Things to Do in Kyoto, couple trip
Kyoto
Mount Fuji AreaSapporoHakoneFukuokaNagoya

🇰🇷 South Korea, couple trip

Things to Do in Seoul, couple trip
Seoul
Things to Do in Jeju, couple trip
Jeju
Things to Do in Busan, couple trip
Busan

🇦🇺 Australia, couple trip

Things to Do in Sydney, couple trip
Sydney
Things to Do in Melbourne, couple trip
Melbourne
Things to Do in Gold Coast, couple trip
Gold Coast
BrisbaneSunshine CoastCanberra

🇹🇭 Thailand, couple trip

Things to Do in Bangkok, couple trip
Bangkok

🇮🇩 Indonesia, couple trip

Things to Do in Bali, couple trip
Bali

🇸🇬 Singapore, couple trip

Things to Do in Singapore, couple trip
Singapore

How You Can Support Us

If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!

It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!

See available options

Promo on Trip.com
T
Browse Trip.com
traveltowith
HomeDestinationsAbout
Kyoto, Japan

searching for