This small quiet temple is of a classic style and is a pleasant stop after visiting the nearby Daigo-Ji. We visited in the Fall and the garden was specially beautiful. And I’ve read that the large garden of small plum trees, the “Ono garden” (小野梅庭) is very beautiful if you pick the right time in March to visit it.
Zuishin-in’s claim to fame is as a refuge for the famed 9th century poet and Heian court beauty, Ono no Komachi (小野 小町). She was renowned as much for her passionate affairs as for her ingenious poems and legendary looks, but sadly none of her relationships ended well. As she aged and her beauty faded she is said to have left the court and gone into seclusion at this temple. One of her most famous waka is carved onto a stone at the entrance. Here are some pictures from around the temple and its inner & outer gardens. There was a curious atmosphere of quietude and peace here. You could really feel something special in the air. I like to think that at the end of her days Ono no Komachi could find peace here too.
Zuishin-In Temple
Web (in Japanese): http://www.zuishinin.or.jp
Adresse : 35 Onogoryo-cho Yamashina-ku, Kyoto
By Train and Subway: From Kyoto Station to Yamashina Station from where you catch the Tozai line up to Ono Station. By Bus: You can take the Keihan bus at the Hachijoguchi Exit of Kyoto Station. Go down at the Ono stop.
Téléphone: 075-571-0025
Hours: Every day from 9 am to 4:30 pm
Price: 300 to 500 yen
