Honnō-ji Temple (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Honnō-ji Temple?
What makes it 84% Solo-Friendly: A solo traveler can wander the free grounds, view Nobunaga’s tomb, and study artifacts quietly at low cost; central location and light crowds make the temple highly convenient and rewarding.
Positives:
- Free entry: Temple grounds are open and free from 6 AM to 5 PM.
- Central location: A short walk from Shijo Station and Teramachi shopping street.
- Low crowds: Early mornings offer near-empty grounds for solitude.
Challenges:
- Japanese signage: Most labels in the museum are only in Japanese.
- Narrow indoor spaces: The museum halls can feel cramped during peak hours.
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 solo trip?
- Walk the grounds where Oda Nobunaga’s final moments unfolded
- Enjoy free, quiet temple space ideal for solo reflection
- Capture striking shots of the vermilion gate and ancient ginkgo
- View rare Sengoku artifacts at the small on-site museum
- Combine history with a stroll along nearby Teramachi shopping street
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Enough time to explore the gates, mausoleum, and museum at a relaxed solo pace.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Honnō-ji Temple
Morning quiet reflection:
Sit on a bench near the main hall before 9 AM when grounds are nearly empty.
Tip: Arrive by 8 AM to enjoy silence and cool air.
Photograph the vermilion main gate:
Frame the bright gate against the city backdrop.
Tip: Use a wide-angle lens and shoot from the left side to avoid crowds.
Visit Oda Nobunaga’s mausoleum:
See the sacrificial pagoda and ancient ginkgo tree where Nobunaga died.
Tip: Read the bilingual plaque for context and go clockwise around the pagoda.
Explore the Daihōden Treasure Museum:
View Nobunaga’s armor, scrolls, and the three-legged frog incense burner.
Tip: Buy your ticket by 4:30 PM and bring an audio guide app for untranslated labels.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Honnō-ji Temple
- Combine with Teramachi stroll: After visiting, head down Teramachi-dori for cafes and boutiques.
- Start early: Beat the heat and crowds by arriving at opening time.
- Use audio guide apps: Download a Sengoku-period history guide for artifact context.
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)?
Visit in late November to see the ginkgo tree glow golden. Summers can be hot—bring water.
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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip subway to Shijo Station | JPY 520 |
| Daihōden Treasure Museum admission | JPY 700 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 1,220 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
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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