Nestled in the hills of Uji just outside central Kyoto, Mimuroto-ji Temple (三室戸寺) is affectionately known as Kyoto’s “Flower Temple”. Famous for its sprawling gardens featuring over 20,000 seasonal hydrangeas, 20,000 vibrant azaleas, and 250 weeping plum trees, this historic 8th-century sanctuary offers a picturesque escape in every season. Beyond its breathtaking floral displays and sacred stone statues, Mimuroto-ji remains a tranquil, less-crowded alternative to Kyoto’s busier city-center temples. Whether you are visiting to find a lucky heart-shaped hydrangea in June or exploring Uji’s famous matcha culture, this complete Mimuroto-ji travel guide covers peak bloom seasons, opening hours, transport tips to avoid crowds, and nearby vegetarian-friendly dining.
All You Need to Know Before Visiting Mimuroto-ji Temple
- Mimuroto-ji Temple: Quick Visit Guide
- 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
- How to Avoid the Crowds at Mimuroto-ji (By Season & Hour)
- Recommended Uji Day Trip Itinerary Featuring Mimuroto-ji
- Where to Find Vegetarian & Vegan Food Near Mimuroto-ji
Mimuroto-ji Temple: Quick Visit Guide
- Best Known For: Kyoto’s famous “Flower Temple” featuring 20,000 hydrangeas (June), 20,000 azaleas (May), weeping plum blossoms (Feb–Mar), and lotus flowers (July).
- Location: Uji, Kyoto Prefecture (15-min walk from Keihan Mimuroto Station or 10-min taxi from JR Uji Station).
- Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 3:10 pm.
- Admission Fee: ¥1,000
- Best Time to Beat Crowds: Arrive at 8:15 am (gates open at 8:30 am) on a weekday. Avoid weekends in June.
- Dietary Tip: Temple tea stalls serve traditional sweets, but savory meals nearby often contain fish broth (dashi). Check our Uji Vegan & Vegetarian Guide for plant-based restaurants nearby!
- Closure Notice: Closed annually August 11–17 (Obon week) and December 29–31.
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 steps, 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, named Victory, gives a 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 2026, Mimuroto-ji’s Plum Grove was open from February 14 to March 22, 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 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. Be sure to admire the flowers up close and from a distance so you can enjoy the full scenery.
- In 2026, Mimuroto-ji’s Azalea Garden was open from April 11 to 26 from 8:30 am to 3:10 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 2026, Mimuroto-ji’s Hydrangea Garden was open from May 31 to July 5 from 8:30 am to 3:10 pm.
- The garden was lit up on weekends from June 13 to 28 from 7 pm to 9 pm.
- The last admission was taken at 8:30 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 2026, the Lotus Sake Party was held on July 11 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 3:10 pm.
- The admission fee is:
- 1,000 yen for adults
- 500 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).
How to Avoid the Crowds at Mimuroto-ji (By Season & Hour)
Because Mimuroto-ji is one of Kyoto’s top seasonal flower spots, visitor numbers skyrocket during peak blooming periods. On high-traffic weekends in May and June, visitor flow can become extremely bottlenecked along narrow garden slopes and around popular photo spots (such as the heart-shaped hydrangeas and lucky statues).
Understanding seasonal peaks and daily traffic trends will help you plan a far more comfortable visit.
Seasonal Crowd Expectations at Mimuroto-ji
| Period | Key Attraction / Event | Crowd Level | Notes & Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Late April – Early May | Azalea & Rhododendron Garden | Very High | Coincides with Japan’s Golden Week holiday. Expect heavy road traffic and packed parking. |
| Early June – Early July | Hydrangea Festival (Ajisai) | Peak (Highest) | The busiest time of the year. Long queues form along garden slopes and photo spots. |
| Late July – Early August | Lotus Blossoms | Moderate | Morning crowds gather since lotuses open early and close by afternoon. |
| Mid-August (Aug 11–17) | Obon Holiday | CLOSED | Temple grounds are closed annually during Obon week. |
| Late Nov – Early Dec | Autumn Foliage (Yoraku-en) | Moderate to High | Popular for fall colors, though less congested than June. |
Peak Hours vs. Best Times to Visit
- 9 am – 11 am (Rapid Influx): Crowds build quickly right after opening, and the 300-space parking lot often reaches capacity before 10:00 am.
- 12 pm – 3 pm (Daily Peak): Peak congestion across garden walkways, photo spots, and temple shops. Entry wait times are common on June weekends.
- Best Window (8:30 am Opening): Arriving at 8:15 am allows you to enter right when gates open at 8:30 am. You will enjoy 45–60 minutes of quiet photo opportunities before tour buses arrive.
- Late Afternoon Alternative: Visiting around 2:30 pm to 3 pm (last entry is 50 minutes before closing) sees far fewer crowds as morning tour groups depart.
Local Tips to Beat the Congestion
To enjoy a peaceful visit, keep these crowd-saving tips in mind:
- Visit on Weekdays: Weekend crowds during the Hydrangea and Azalea festivals can make moving through narrow garden paths difficult. Weekdays offer a noticeably calmer experience.
- Skip Driving (Take the Train): The temple’s 300-space parking lot fills up early during flower seasons, causing long traffic delays. Take the Keihan Line to Keihan Mimuroto Station and walk 15 minutes through the quiet neighborhood instead.
- Skip the Shuttle Bus Queue: The walk from Keihan Mimuroto Station takes about 15–20 minutes through a quiet residential neighborhood. Walking is often faster than waiting in the bus queue during peak flower weekends.
- Be Mindful of Summer Heat: If visiting during lotus season (July–August), go early in the morning. Not only do the flowers close by midday, but Kyoto’s summer heat can be intense along the open stone staircases.
Recommended Uji Day Trip Itinerary Featuring Mimuroto-ji
Mimuroto-ji is located on the northeastern edge of Uji, making it easy to pair with central Uji’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, tea shops, and river walk.
Here is a step-by-step half-day to full-day itinerary starting at Mimuroto-ji:
- 8:30 am – 10:30 am: Explore Mimuroto-ji Temple
Start early at Mimuroto-ji while the air is cool and crowds are light. Walk through the seasonal flower gardens, rub the Ugajin and lucky rabbit statues for good fortune, and take in the view from the weeping plum hill or main hall. - 11:00 am– 11:30 am: Walk or Take the Train to Central Uji
Walk 15 minutes back to Keihan Mimuroto Station, take the train one stop to Keihan Uji Station, and cross the iconic Uji River Bridge. - 11:30 am – 1 pm: Plant-Based Lunch & Matcha Tasting
Explore the Byodoin Omotesando shopping street. Enjoy vegan-friendly matcha noodles or a traditional tea set. (See our Uji Vegan Restaurant Guide for recommended spots nearby). - 1pm – 2:30 pm: Visit Byodoin Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Marvel at the famous Phoenix Hall (depicted on Japan’s 10-yen coin) and explore the modern underground Hoshokan Museum. - 2:30 pm – 4 pm: Ujigami Shrine & Uji River Walk
Cross the red bridges to Nakanoshima Park and visit Ujigami Shrine, recognized as Japan’s oldest surviving shrine structure. Finish with an authentic matcha parfait along the riverfront.
Where to Find Vegetarian & Vegan Food Near Mimuroto-ji
Exploring Mimuroto-ji’s extensive gardens and steep temple steps will certainly work up an appetite. While the temporary seasonal stalls inside the temple grounds (like Hana no Chaya annex) offer traditional tea and sweets, savory options are often cooked with traditional dashi (fish broth).
Fortunately, Uji has a growing number of plant-based options. You can easily find authentic matcha-infused plant-based meals, vegan ramen, and traditional Japanese sweets without fish or meat broth.
Before heading out to the temple, check out our Ultimate Guide to Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Uji to map out where to eat near the station, including fully vegan matcha tea houses and vegetarian-friendly soba shops!
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 you can add to your itinerary to enjoy the seasonal 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!
