Besides the World Heritag 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 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 because 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 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. Mimuroto-ji was desecrated in the late 16th century when he attacked Uji, so 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 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). Probably because the statue has a big smile on its face, touching the Ugajin would give you a smile and 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. So, the city is 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 is usually 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. Apart from the traditional sweets and matcha, light meals such as noodle dishes are served.
Just note the slope to the plum grove is steep. It isn’t wheelchair-friendly.
- In 2024, Mimuroto-ji’s Plum Grove was open from the 8th of February to the end of March from 8:30 am to 3:10 pm.
- Due to a warm 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 Season 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. Adoring the flowers up close and from a distance so you can enjoy the scenery fully.
- In 2024, Mimuroto-ji’s Azalea Garden was open from the 20th of April to the 12th of May 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 is 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, finding the 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 relationship.
- In 2024, Mimuroto-ji’s Hydrangea Garden was open from June 1st to July 7th from 8:30 am to 3:40 pm.
- The garden was lit up on weekends from the 8th to the 23rd of 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 the 8th to the 23rd of 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 are able to 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 13th of July 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 the closing time.
- The temple is closed in mid-August and from the 29th to the 31st of 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 the overtourism problem, Kyoto is 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 cherry blossoms due to the volumes, the elegant fragrance will make your visit more pleasant.
For more information, refer to our article on The Plum Blossom Spots in Kyoto!
