Honnō-ji Temple (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Honnō-ji Temple?
What makes it 80% Couple-Friendly: Couples get a compact, atmospheric stop amid Teramachi; the shared walk, tomb visit, and small garden feel intimate, though brief grounds and scarce English signs curb deeper romantic immersion.
Positives:
- Free temple entry: You can explore the grounds and mausoleum at no cost, perfect for a budget-friendly date.
- Central location: Located steps from Kawaramachi Station, it’s easy to combine with central Kyoto attractions.
Challenges:
- Limited English signage: Most exhibit labels are in Japanese; bring an audio guide app or phrasebook.
- Early closing time: The museum closes at 5 PM (last entry 4:30 PM), so plan visits before late afternoon.
What is Honnō-ji Temple?
- A 14th-century Buddhist temple of the Nichiren sect, rebuilt after its destruction in the 1582 rebellion
- The site of feudal lord Oda Nobunaga’s death during Akechi Mitsuhide’s coup, commemorated by a memorial pagoda and an ancient ginkgo tree
- A compact urban sanctuary featuring traditional wooden halls and a tranquil courtyard nestled within Kyoto’s Teramachi district
What is so special about Honnō-ji Temple for couple trip?
- Stroll through historic courtyard gates and reconstructed halls
- Pay respects at Oda Nobunaga’s sacrificial pagoda and read bilingual plaques
- See original Sengoku-era artifacts in the Daihōden Treasure Museum
- Enjoy autumn ginkgo colors and a convenient shopping arcade walk
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time to explore the temple grounds, mausoleum, Treasure Museum, and a nearby arcade stroll.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Honnō-ji Temple
Stroll the temple grounds:
Walk from the vermilion main gate through the quiet courtyard to the reconstructed halls.
Tip: Arrive early to enjoy peaceful sights before crowds gather.
Visit Nobunaga’s Mausoleum:
Pay respects at Oda Nobunaga’s sacrificial pagoda in the courtyard.
Tip: Read the bilingual plaque to learn about his final moments.
Explore the Treasure Museum:
View original artifacts like the Lotus Mandala, Kano screen, and three-legged frog incense burner.
Tip: Purchase tickets (¥700 per adult) at the entrance and allow about 30 minutes inside.
Walk Teramachi-dori arcade:
After the temple visit, stroll the nearby covered shopping street for cafes and boutiques.
Tip: Try matcha sweets at a café along the arcade to complete your outing.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Honnō-ji Temple
- Hit the gates at 9 AM: Arriving at opening lets you enjoy the grounds before shops and crowds open nearby.
- Combine with nearby stroll: Pair your temple visit with Teramachi’s boutiques and cafes for a complete date.
Reviews of Honnō-ji Temple
Robert Walker
Beautiful temple, and the Oda Nobunaga exhibition was great
davazno1
Good place to visit , Oda Nobunaga's mausoleum nearby , no entrance fee , a nice nearby small museum (800 yen entrance fee) , there were no crowds , visited on 13 apr 2025
Sophia W
Noticed that Special Temple by hearing a monk’s chanting around 4:35pm Easter Sunday. Suddenly I found that’s the Mausoleum of Oda Nobunaga, who was regarded as the first "Great Unifier of Japan“🇯🇵 He was attacked then dead in that Temple, which remarked a legacy in Japanese History! Full of surprises in Kyoto, where’s an ancient Capital in Japan.
Ambiguous 64
A special part of Japanese history. While we couldn't enter the temple because they had a service on, we enjoyed the outside, and the museum next door.
Nikita Nymeros
A quite bigger temple and with a special edition Goshuin (only printed though). Very beautiful design ane worth the 700 yen.
When is the best time to visit Honnō-ji Temple (Kyoto, Japan)?
In mid-November, the ancient ginkgo beside Nobunaga’s pagoda turns vibrant gold—visit then for striking autumn colors.
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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Temple grounds entry | JPY 0 |
| Daihōden Treasure Museum (2 adults) | JPY 1,400 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 1,400 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Honnō-ji Temple
Address: 522 Shimohonnōjimaechō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8091, Japan
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About Honnō-ji Temple
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 75-231-533510 BEST nearby Activities
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