A Comprehensive Guide to the Charms of Mimuroto-ji Temple, the "Hydrangea Temple" in Uji, Kyoto | Admission Fees, Access, and Estimated Visit Time

When it comes to places to visit in Kyoto during the rainy season, Mimuroto-ji Temple in Uji City is a must-see. Affectionately known locally as the “Hydrangea Temple,” the sight of some 20,000 hydrangea plants blanketing the temple grounds is renowned as one of the most beautiful sights in all of Kyoto. Known not only for its hydrangeas but also for azaleas, lotus flowers, and other seasonal blooms, it is truly a “Temple of Flowers.”

In this article, the KYOTREAT editorial team will provide a detailed overview of Mimuroto-ji Temple, covering its history, highlights, and practical information such as admission fees and how to get there.

Table of Contents

■About Mimurodo-ji Temple

■The History of Mimurodo-ji Temple

■Highlights of Mimurodo-ji Temple

■Admission Fees and Hours

■Directions and Travel Time

■summary

■What Is Mimurodo-ji Temple?

Mimuroto-ji Temple, located in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, is a special head temple of the Shugendo sect and the 10th temple on the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. Its principal image is the Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva. The temple grounds are centered around “Yorakuen,” a vast garden spanning approximately 5,000 tsubo with varying elevations, making it a recommended destination for those who wish to take their time exploring the site.

The current main hall was built in Bunka 2 (1805). Together with the three-story pagoda, the bell tower, and the Amida Hall, it has been designated a Kyoto Prefecture Cultural Property.

■The History of Mimuroto-ji Temple

The history of Mimurodo-ji dates back to the Nara period. According to temple tradition, around the first year of the Hōki era (770), Emperor Kōnin ordered an investigation into the cause of a miraculous phenomenon in which a golden divine light shone into the imperial palace nearly every night; it is said that the Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva appeared from a pure pool deep in the mountains. Deeply delighted by this, Emperor Kōnin moved his imperial residence to this location, enshrined this Kannon statue as the principal object of worship, and named the temple “Omuroto-ji”—marking its founding.

Later, because the three emperors—Kōnin, Kazan, and Shirakawa—established summer palaces in this area, the temple came to be known as “Mimurodō-ji.” Since its founding, the temple has been deeply revered by members of the imperial family and the nobility; however, during the Muromachi period, the main hall burned down, destroying the large principal image. The smaller image, however, survived the fire and has been enshrined to this day as the “Kannon of Protection Against Fire.” The temple continued to experience periods of prosperity and decline, including during the Battle of Makishima Castle, until the current main hall was rebuilt in the 2nd year of the Bunka era (1805) during the Edo period, and it remains standing to this day.

■Highlights of Mimurodo-ji Temple

Mimuroto-dera Temple in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, is famous as a hydrangea temple. Please refer to the many highlights of the temple.

○ The hydrangeas are a spectacular sight, with approximately 20,000 plants.

One of Mimuroto-ji Temple’s most iconic attractions is the “Hydrangea Garden,” which is open to the public annually from early June to early July. Approximately 20,000 plants of about 50 varieties bloom in all their glory, including not only Western hydrangeas but also frame hydrangeas and the “seven-tiered flower,” also known as the “phantom hydrangea.” In 2026, the garden was open from May 31 to July 5, and during that period, nighttime illuminations were held on the weekends from June 13 to 28 (7:00 PM to 9:00 PM; last admission at 8:30 PM). Admission to the hydrangea garden operates on a day-and-night rotation system, and a separate fee is required for the nighttime illumination. Since the schedule and admission fees vary by year, be sure to check the official website before your visit.

○ Flowers that bloom throughout the four seasons, such as azaleas and lotus flowers

From late April through early May, the “Azalea Garden” opens to the public, featuring a colorful array of blooms such as Hirado azaleas, Kirishima azaleas, and Kurume azaleas. With 20,000 plants, it is one of the largest azalea gardens in the Kinki region. The peak blooming period is typically around Golden Week.

In July, the “Lotus Garden,” where approximately 250 pots of lotus flowers representing 100 varieties are displayed in front of the main hall, is a sight to behold. You can also see rare varieties such as the Oga lotus. Additionally, with weeping plum blossoms in February and March and rhododendrons throughout the year, Mimuroto-ji Temple is a popular destination for flower viewing all year round.

○ Unique stone statues and amulets

On the right-hand side as you climb the stairs leading to the main hall, you’ll find the “Uga-no-Kami,” a deity depicted as a guardian serpent, which is said to bestow blessings of good health, longevity, and financial fortune. There are also statues such as the “Fukutoku Rabbit,” making a stroll through the temple grounds a delightful experience. During hydrangea season, seasonal amulets such as “acrylic hydrangea amulets” are available, as well as limited-edition goshuin featuring hydrangeas and wisteria—perfect as souvenirs of your visit. Please note that goshuin issuance is temporarily suspended between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM.

○Treasure Museum

The Treasure Hall houses valuable Buddhist statues, including a statue of Amida Nyorai and a triad of Amida Nyorai dating from the Heian period. Although not normally open to the public, it is open to visitors on the 17th of every month (as opening dates are subject to change, we recommend checking the official website in advance).

■Admission Fees and Hours

Item	Contents
Visiting Hours	8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Last admission at 3:40 p.m.) / From November through March: until 4:00 p.m. (Last admission at 3:10 p.m.)
Closed to Visitors	August 11–17, December 29–31
Admission Fee (Regular Season)	Adults: 500 yen / Children: 300 yen
Admission Fee (During the blooming season for weeping plum, azalea, and hydrangea)	Adults: 1,000 yen / Children: 500 yen
Hydrangea Illumination	1,000 yen (day and night sessions, separate fee)

*Admission fees, hours, and dates are subject to change. Please check the official website (We recommend checking the latest information at https://www.mimurotoji.com/.

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■Directions & Travel Time

• Address: 21 Shigadani, Suido, Uji City, Kyoto, Japan
• Phone Number: 0774-21-2067
• Directions: About a 15-minute walk from Mimuroto Station on the Keihan Uji Line
• Official Website:https://www.mimurotoji.com/

It takes about 40 minutes by train from Kyoto Station—the gateway to Kyoto—or Gion-Shijo Station in the city center. Since the temple grounds have varying elevations, it’s best to allow at least an hour to fully enjoy your visit and stroll through the gardens; if you plan to take photos as well, setting aside about an hour and a half is recommended. The site gets particularly crowded during the hydrangea and azalea seasons, so visiting early in the morning or on weekdays is recommended. Also, since the parking lot tends to get crowded on weekends, using public transportation is recommended.

■ Summary

Although Mimurodo-ji Temple has a long history dating back to the Nara period, it is known as the “Temple of Flowers” because it is adorned with flowers throughout the year, including hydrangeas, azaleas, lotus flowers, and weeping plum blossoms.

The sight of hydrangeas blanketing the temple grounds—especially during the rainy season—is one of the most spectacular sights in all of Kyoto.

When visiting Uji, be sure to stop by Mimuroto-ji Temple along with Byodo-in Temple and Uji-kami Shrine.