Besides the World Heritage Site Byodoin, Uji has another must-visit temple, especially from spring to autumn. Mimuroto-ji (三室戸寺) is a hidden gem to international visitors in the city best known for its matcha production. It is one of Kyoto‘s most famous flower spots, as gorgeous flowers can be adored throughout the four seasons. Various unique stone statues in the precinct will also make your visit more interesting!
Table of Contents
- About Mimuroto-ji
- The Three Must-See Statues at Mimuroto-ji
- Mimuroto-ji’s Plum Grove
- The Four Seasons at Mimuroto-ji
- Mimuroto-ji’s Opening Hours, Admission Fee, and Access Information
About Mimuroto-ji
Mimuroto-ji was founded in 770 by Emperor Kōnin’s (光仁天皇) imperial request when he saw something glowing from the palace each night. A Kannon Bodhisattva statue was later found in the mountain where the temple was built. Initially, the temple’s name was written as “御室戸寺” with the “御” implying that it is related to the imperial family. Because Emperor Kōnin and the two emperors after him all used Mimuroto-ji as an imperial villa, the temple’s name was later changed to “三室戸寺”. The “三” means three.
Although the temple had its ups and downs, it was revered by royalty and aristocrats. As Mimuroto-ji was desecrated in the late 16th century when Oda Nobunaga attacked Uji, most buildings in the precinct were restored in the Edo period. The current main worship hall was rebuilt in 1814. Together with the Amidadō (阿弥陀堂), the bell tower, and the three-story pagoda, they are registered as Kyoto Prefecture‘s cultural property.
Mimuroto-ji is now the 10th temple in The 33 Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage (西国三十三所霊場).
North of the Azalea and Hydrangea Garden is Mimuroto-ji’s Japanese garden, Yoraku-en (与楽園). It was completed in 1898 and designed by Nakane Kinsaku (中根金作), a garden designer who was praised as the Kobori Enshū (小堀遠州) in the Shōwa period.
The Japanese garden is especially scenic during the fall foliage season from late November to early December.
The Three Must-See Statues at Mimuroto-ji
After passing through the vermilion-painted Sanmon gate and climbing the stone cases, you will find three large statues that we highly recommend that you worship.
Ugajin (宇賀神) Statue
Ugajin with a snake body is the first statue you will encounter on your way to the main worship hall. It is said that if you stroke the statue, you will receive blessings, such as good health (if you touch his beard), money fortune (if you touch his tail), and good luck (if you touch his ears).
As the statue has a big smile on his face, touching the Ugajin would probably also make you smile and give you a sense of peace of mind.
Fukutoku Rabbit (福徳兎) and Shōun Bull (勝運の牛)
Proceeding further towards the worship hall, there is a lucky rabbit statue. It is a huge statue, over 165cm tall. If you can make a round-shaped stone stand inside the large bowl the rabbit is holding, your wish will come true.
Fun fact: Uji was written as “菟道” in the good old days, making the city a place associated with rabbits!
Opposite the Fukutoku Rabbit is a bull statue. The statue that was named Victory gives blessing to those who touch the stone in its mouth. So, if you need help winning a tournament or contest, remember to do this simple ritual when you see the bull!
There is a peeking hall on Shōun Bull’s stomach. You can see the small wooden cow statue inside the stone statue’s body.
Mimuroto-ji’s Plum Grove
In 2020, Mimuroto-ji newly created a plum grove filled with weeping plums. It is located on a hill so that you can overlook Uji’s cityscape in addition to the 250 plum blossoms. The plum blossom season usually blooms from mid-February to late March.
When the plums are blooming, a temporary cafe stall called Hana no Chaya annex (花の茶屋annex) is set up in the plum grove. In addition to traditional sweets and matcha, light meals such as noodle dishes are served.
Just note that the slope to the plum grove is fairly steep and is not wheelchair-friendly.
- In 2024, Mimuroto-ji’s Plum Grove was opened from February 8 to the end of March from 8:30 am to 3:10 pm.
- Due to the warmer winter, the plums bloomed around 10 to 14 days earlier than usual.
- The admission fee was:
- 1,000 yen for adults
- 500 yen for children
The Four Seasons at Mimuroto-ji
Spring at Mimuroto-ji
From late April to early May, over 20,000 azaleas of different varieties bloom in Mimuroto-ji’s Azalea Garden (つつじ園). The scenery of colorful purple, pink, and white flowers filling the slope is breathtaking. Ensure that you adore the flowers up close and from a distance so that you can enjoy the full scenery.
- In 2024, Mimuroto-ji’s Azalea Garden was opened from April 20 to May 12 from 8:30 am to 3:40 pm.
- The admission fee was:
- 1,000 yen for adults
- 500 yen for children
- The admission fee was:
The temple also has over 1,000 rhododendrons. From late April to mid-May, you can get a photo of the red rhododendrons with the pagoda as a backdrop.
Mimuroto-ji’s Hydrangea Garden
The hydrangea season starts in early summer, between mid-June and early July. There are over 20,000 hydrangeas of 50 species in the Hydrangea Garden (あじさい園). During the peak hydrangea season, nighttime illumination is usually held.
Tip: In recent years, locating a heart-shaped hydrangea at Mimuroto-ji has become a popular activity. It is believed that if you find one, you will be blessed with good luck in your relationships!
- In 2024, Mimuroto-ji’s Hydrangea Garden was opened from June 1 to July 7 from 8:30 am to 3:40 pm.
- The garden was lit up on weekends from 8 to 23 June from 7 pm to 9 pm.
- The last admission was taken at 8:30 pm.
- The admission fee was:
- 1,000 yen for adults
- 500 yen for children
- The garden was lit up on weekends from 8 to 23 June from 7 pm to 9 pm.
Mimuroto-ji’s Lotus
In mid-summer, from early July to early August, you will be amazed by the number of lotuses blooming beautifully in front of the main worship hall. There are over 250 lotuses of 100 varieties! Surrounded by the stately main hall, three-storied pagoda, and bell tower, it is a photogenic spot in Mimuroto-ji filled with the Kyoto vibe!
Moreover, a Lotus Sake Party (ハス酒を楽しむ会) is usually held in mid-July. The first 300 participants can drink sake using a lotus leaf. Sake is poured onto the lotus leaf in your hand and is to be drunk using the stem.
- In 2024, the Lotus Sake Party was held on the July 13 from 9 am to noon.
- The cost was 500 yen.
Mimuroto-ji’s Opening Hours, Admission Fee, and Access Information
- Mimuroto-ji is open from:
- 8:30 am to 4:30 pm from April to October
- 8:30 am to 4 pm from November to March
- The last admission is 50 minutes before closing time.
- The temple is closed in mid-August and from the 29th to 31st December.
- The admission fee outside of the flowering and fall foliage season is:
- 500 yen for adults
- 300 yen for children
- Mimuroto-ji is a 15-minute walk from Keihan Mimuroto Station (三室戸).
- It is a 30-minute walk or 10-minute drive from JR Uji Station (宇治駅).
Discover Other Plum Blossom Spots in Kyoto
Regardless of its overtourism problem, Kyoto remains undoubtably Japan’s most popular tourist destination. If you plan to visit Kyoto in early spring, there are several spots for you to add to your itinerary to enjoy the seasonal flower, plum blossoms! While the view created by the plum flowers may be less awe-inspiring than the voluminous cherry blossoms, the elegant fragrance will make your visit more pleasant.
For more information, refer to our article on The Plum Blossom Spots in Kyoto!
