The Quiet Side of Kyoto: Exploring Its Lesser-Known Temples and Gardens.

Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital, is often associated with iconic sites like Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari’s endless torii gates, and the bustling streets of Gion. But behind the popular postcards lies a softer, quieter side of the city. Beyond the crowded temples and tourist-heavy districts, Kyoto hides hundreds of tranquil sanctuaries tucked into forested hills, serene gardens that feel like living paintings, and pathways where the only sound is the rustle of bamboo leaves in the wind.

If you’re seeking a deeper, more meditative encounter with Kyoto’s spiritual and cultural essence, it’s worth venturing off the typical trail to explore these lesser-known treasures.

Honen-in: A Hidden Gem in the Forest

Just a short walk from the Philosopher’s Path, Honen-in is often missed by those flocking to the more prominent Ginkaku-ji. With moss-covered gates, stone paths, and simple wooden structures, this small temple captures Kyoto’s natural and spiritual harmony.

The approach to Honen-in feels like a transition into another world. You ascend a quiet, shaded slope, and then pass between two sculpted sand mounds that symbolize purification. Seasonal art exhibitions and occasional lectures are held here, but most days, it’s simply a space for quiet reflection.

Unlike many famous temples, Honen-in is free to enter, and its charm lies in its subtlety — no gold leaf or grand halls, just nature, time, and peace.

Shinnyodo: A Place of Silence and Autumn Splendor

Located near Yoshida Hill, Shinnyodo remains surprisingly under-visited despite its spacious grounds and beautiful architecture. Especially enchanting in autumn, when its maple trees burst into crimson and gold, Shinnyodo offers a panoramic view of Kyoto’s changing seasons without the crush of crowds.

The temple grounds include a large wooden hall, three-storied pagoda, and tranquil cemetery that blends naturally into the hillside. You’ll often find locals walking their dogs or reading on benches here — a sign that this is more than a tourist spot; it’s a part of the neighborhood’s daily rhythm.

Shinnyodo is a reminder that beauty doesn’t have to shout to be noticed.

Anraku-ji and Reikan-ji: Blossoms and Stillness in Northern Kyoto

In Kyoto’s Northern Higashiyama district, two lesser-known temples quietly coexist near the Philosopher’s Path. Anraku-ji is only open to the public during certain times of the year, mainly during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Its limited accessibility has preserved its sacred aura.

Nearby Reikan-ji, a nunnery with imperial connections, offers a unique glimpse into the lives of female monastics. Its delicate gardens, seasonal flowers, and antique furnishings create a deeply personal atmosphere. Visiting here feels more like being welcomed into someone’s home than touring a temple complex.

Both temples ask visitors to remove their shoes and move mindfully, creating an experience that slows the pace of time itself.

Shisendo: A Scholar’s Garden in the Hills

Built in the early 17th century by a retired samurai and poet, Shisendo is a sanctuary for those who appreciate quiet gardens and literary history. Tucked into the northern outskirts of the city, this temple’s main draw is its exquisite garden viewed from a simple tatami room.

The landscaping is designed for seasonal enjoyment — azaleas in spring, fiery maples in fall, and a year-round sense of cultivated calm. The chirping of “suikinkutsu” (buried water chimes) enhances the tranquil mood.

Unlike the formal grandeur of Kyoto’s major sites, Shisendo offers intimacy. Visitors often sit for long stretches, reading or writing, in harmony with the space’s original intent.

Daikaku-ji: Reflections by the Water

Located in the Saga-Arashiyama district, Daikaku-ji is often overshadowed by nearby Tenryu-ji and the famous bamboo grove. However, this temple offers something unique: a large artificial lake, Osawa Pond, that reflects the sky, clouds, and temple buildings like a living ink painting.

Originally an imperial villa, Daikaku-ji has retained a sense of courtly grace. Seasonal flower displays and traditional ceremonies are held throughout the year, including moon-viewing events that attract locals more than tourists.

The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when the light dances across the pond and the cypress trees shimmer with color.

Komyo-in: Zen Aesthetics in Minimal Form

A sub-temple of Tofuku-ji, Komyo-in is a masterclass in the art of Zen landscaping. The dry garden here, known as Hashin-tei (the Garden of Heart), was designed in the 20th century by renowned garden artist Mirei Shigemori.

Gravel patterns, moss, and carefully placed stones form a visual haiku that shifts subtly with the light. The temple is usually quiet, with only a handful of visitors at a time, allowing for undisturbed contemplation.

It’s an ideal spot for those who enjoy photography, sketching, or simply watching the shadows move across raked gravel.

Murin-an: Where Nature and Architecture Converse

Murin-an isn’t a temple, but a historic villa with one of Kyoto’s most elegant strolling gardens. Created in the late 1800s by a Meiji-era statesman, it blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with Western landscape ideas, resulting in a garden that feels both timeless and innovative.

The garden’s design uses borrowed scenery from the Higashiyama mountains, flowing water features, and strategically placed rocks to create a dynamic yet peaceful environment.

Inside the villa, tatami rooms open directly onto the garden, allowing for seamless interaction between built space and nature. Visitors are encouraged to linger, sip matcha, and lose track of time.

Practical Tips for Exploring Kyoto’s Quiet Corners

Choose weekdays or early mornings to avoid even small crowds
Use a bike or public bus to access hidden neighborhoods
Carry cash for temple entry — some don’t accept cards
Bring socks if you’ll be removing shoes frequently
Respect signs requesting silence or photography restrictions

A Different Kind of Kyoto

Kyoto is often called the heart of Japan, and while its most photographed landmarks are stunning, its true soul resides in the hidden places. These lesser-known temples and gardens are not just architectural relics; they are living spaces that continue to shape and reflect Japanese values of harmony, simplicity, and impermanence.

When you take the time to explore these quiet corners, you engage with Kyoto on its own terms — not as a checklist of sights, but as a meditative experience, full of depth and grace. It’s in these spaces that Kyoto reveals itself fully, softly, and sincerely.