Honnō-ji Temple (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Honnō-ji Temple?
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 to grounds: The temple grounds have no admission fee. You can enter and exit at your own pace.
- Compact layout: The site is small and close to shopping streets, making it easy to combine with other family activities.
Challenges:
- Limited English signage: Most information signs are only in Japanese. Use a guidebook or translation app for explanations.
- Stairs and narrow halls: The Treasure Museum has steps and tight spaces. Encourage kids to hold hands and watch their step.
What is so special about Honnō-ji Temple for with kids?
- Search for the frog-shaped incense burner and learn its legend
- Walk under the bright vermilion gate and courtyard freely with no fees
- Explore historical artifacts in the Treasure Museum with child-friendly ticket prices
- Visit Oda Nobunaga’s tomb and read bilingual plaques for a quick history lesson
- Combine with nearby Nishiki Market for snacks and more family fun
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to explore the grounds, museum and let kids move at their own pace without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Honnō-ji Temple
Three-Legged Frog Hunt:
Kids search for the frog-shaped incense burner in the Daihōden Treasure Museum.
Tip: Tell them the legend of the frog croaking before Oda Nobunaga’s attack to spark their imagination.
Main Gate & Courtyard Stroll:
Walk under the bright vermilion gate and through the small courtyard free of charge.
Tip: Let children run safely in the open space then gather at the gate for a group photo.
Visit Oda Nobunaga’s Tomb:
See Nobunaga’s mausoleum and read short Japanese-English plaques.
Tip: Encourage older kids to spot the dates and key names for a simple history lesson.
Explore the Treasure Museum:
View armor, scrolls, tea bowls and the Lotus Mandala inside the museum.
Tip: Buy child tickets (¥300 each) and focus on the colorful folding screens to keep younger kids engaged.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Treasure Museum tickets (2 Adults) | JPY 1,400 |
| Treasure Museum tickets (2 Kids) | JPY 600 |
| Snacks at Nishiki Market | JPY 800 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 2,800 |
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 Honnō-ji Temple?
In summer, arrive before 10 AM to avoid heat on the open grounds. In winter, bring a warm layer as breezes pass through the gate area.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Honnō-ji Temple
- Time it before lunch: Visit early at the temple, then walk 5 minutes to Nishiki Market for kid-friendly snacks.
- Use an audio guide app: Download a Sengoku-period tour app for clear English explanations of key artifacts.
Map of Honnō-ji Temple
Address: 522 Shimohonnōjimaechō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8091, Japan
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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.
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 75-231-5335See available options
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