{"id":2343,"date":"2023-05-18T21:01:08","date_gmt":"2023-05-18T12:01:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kyotreat.jp\/?p=2343"},"modified":"2026-09-27T20:33:01","modified_gmt":"2026-09-27T11:33:01","slug":"the-post-2343","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kyotreat.jp\/en\/post-2343\/","title":{"rendered":"A Comprehensive Guide to the Charms of Mimuroto-ji Temple, the \"Hydrangea Temple\" in Uji, Kyoto | Admission Fees, Access, and Estimated Visit Time"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 \u201cHydrangea Temple,\u201d 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 \u201cTemple of Flowers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Table of Contents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u25a0<\/strong>About Mimurodo-ji Temple<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u25a0<\/strong>The History of Mimurodo-ji Temple<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u25a0<\/strong>Highlights of Mimurodo-ji Temple<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u25a0<\/strong>Admission Fees and Hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u25a0<\/strong>Directions and Travel Time<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u25a0<\/strong>summary<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u25a0What Is Mimurodo-ji Temple?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Photo: KYOTREAT Editorial Department<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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 \u201cYorakuen,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u25a0The History of Mimuroto-ji Temple
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The history of Mimurodo-ji dates back to the Nara period. According to temple tradition, around the first year of the H\u014dki era (770), Emperor K\u014dnin 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 K\u014dnin moved his imperial residence to this location, enshrined this Kannon statue as the principal object of worship, and named the temple \u201cOmuroto-ji\u201d\u2014marking its founding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Later, because the three emperors\u2014K\u014dnin, Kazan, and Shirakawa\u2014established summer palaces in this area, the temple came to be known as \u201cMimurod\u014d-ji.\u201d 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 \u201cKannon of Protection Against Fire.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u25a0Highlights of Mimurodo-ji Temple<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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

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\u25cb The hydrangeas are a spectacular sight, with approximately 20,000 plants.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of Mimuroto-ji Temple\u2019s most iconic attractions is the \u201cHydrangea Garden,\u201d 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 \u201cseven-tiered flower,\u201d also known as the \u201cphantom hydrangea.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u25cb Flowers that bloom throughout the four seasons, such as azaleas and lotus flowers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Photo: KYOTREAT Editorial Department<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From late April through early May, the \u201cAzalea Garden\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In July, the \u201cLotus Garden,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u25cb Unique stone statues and amulets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the right-hand side as you climb the stairs leading to the main hall, you\u2019ll find the \u201cUga-no-Kami,\u201d 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 \u201cFukutoku Rabbit,\u201d making a stroll through the temple grounds a delightful experience. During hydrangea season, seasonal amulets such as \u201cacrylic hydrangea amulets\u201d are available, as well as limited-edition goshuin featuring hydrangeas and wisteria\u2014perfect as souvenirs of your visit. Please note that goshuin issuance is temporarily suspended between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u25cbTreasure Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u25a0Admission Fees and Hours
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Item<\/th>Contents<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Visiting Hours<\/td>8:30 a.m.\u20134:30 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.)<\/td><\/tr>
Closed to Visitors<\/td>August 11\u201317, December 29\u201331<\/td><\/tr>
Admission Fee (Regular Season)<\/td>Adults: 500 yen \/ Children: 300 yen<\/td><\/tr>
Admission Fee (During the blooming season for weeping plum, azalea, and hydrangea)<\/td>Adults: 1,000 yen \/ Children: 500 yen<\/td><\/tr>
Hydrangea Illumination<\/td>1,000 yen (day and night sessions, separate fee)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

*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\/.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u25a0Directions & Travel Time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n