Honnō-ji Temple (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Honnō-ji Temple?
What makes it 66% Kids-Friendly: Kids can hunt the three-legged frog and glimpse samurai relics in under an hour and for little money, but no play area, many stairs, and few child-friendly panels limit educational fun.
Positives:
- Free entry: Temple grounds are open and free for all ages.
- Compact layout: Small size makes it easy to explore with young children.
- Nearby shops: Teramachi-dori offers snacks and rest spots after your visit.
Challenges:
- No baby facilities: No dedicated nursing or diaper-changing rooms on site.
- Uneven paths: Some gravel areas can be hard for strollers; bring a carrier or small wheels.
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 with kids?
- Free temple grounds with easy walk for young kids
- Legend-based frog hunt to engage children
- Oda Nobunaga’s mausoleum connects kids to history
- Small Treasure Museum shows samurai artifacts
- Close to Teramachi-dori for snacks and rest
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Small grounds and a quick museum keep kids engaged without tiring them.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Honnō-ji Temple
Three-legged Frog Hunt:
Walk the courtyard to find the incense burner shaped like a frog.
Tip: Tell kids the legend of its croak before 1582 to spark their imagination.
Visit Oda Nobunaga’s Mausoleum:
See the memorial pagoda built for the feudal lord in 1582.
Tip: Read the English plaques to share his story with older kids.
Explore Daihōden Treasure Museum:
View samurai armor, scrolls, and tea bowls inside a small museum.
Tip: Buy timed-entry tickets online to skip the line and keep kids happy.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Honnō-ji Temple
- Arrive early: Visit at opening to avoid crowds and let kids explore quietly.
- Time your museum visit: Book the first slot for a calmer experience without long waits.
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 autumn, the courtyard ginkgo turns bright yellow—plan a visit in late November for colorful leaves and fewer crowds.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult museum ticket (per person) | JPY 700 |
| Child museum ticket (per person) | JPY 300 |
| Snacks at nearby market | JPY 500 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 2,500 |
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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