[2025 Kyoto Attraction] Travel Guide for Marishisonten-do (Updated Jun)

#summervacay Looking for a way to get out of Gion street going to the nearest subway, we stumbled upon this temple. Upon first inspection, we were surprised and found it is boar themed. There are lots of boar statues and the wooden boards or ema that has boar illustrations on them. Upon googling, we came to know this is Marishiten-do, a small temple dedicated Indian goddess of light. The shrine is really cool looking with traditional japanese aesthetic and it is said that visiting this shrine gives good luck in gambling. A peaceful and serene temple to stroll and admire. #kyotoshrines #marishitenshrine #kyoto #japan

There are many temples in Kyoto, both large and small. If this is your first time visiting Kyoto, you can’t miss the Kiyomizu Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine that we introduced earlier. But if you have been to Kyoto several times and want to explore more, you can go to the following small temples: 1️⃣ Vajra Temple 📬 〒605-0828 390 Kinen-cho, Higashiyama District, Kyoto Prefecture Yasaka Koshin-do is filled with colorful wishing monkeys with names, dates, and wishes written on them. The monkey amulet has its hands and feet tied, which represents the mind that is always on the move like a monkey can calm down and restrain its desires. It is said that if you make two wishes to the wishing monkey and give up one of them, the wish will come true. Yasaka Koshin Hall is dedicated to the "Blue Faced King Kong". The Gengshen faith believes that monkeys are messengers of God, and the three monkeys who "do not look at what is improper, do not listen to what is improper, and do not speak what is improper" are also followers of the Blue-faced Vajra. This temple is not far from Kiyomizu Temple and attracts many tourists wearing kimonos to take photos. 2️⃣Zenju Temple 📬 〒605-0811 146 Komatsucho, Higashiyama District, Kyoto Prefecture It is also known as Marichi Paradise. The wild boar is regarded as a sacred animal, guarding the Zen temple. The temple has pig fortune sticks, pig amulets and pig ema. 3️⃣Inabado-do-doji Temple 〒600-8415 728 Inabado-cho, Shimokyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture Inabado Byodoji Temple is famous for praying for health and fighting cancer, and attracts many people to pray for the health of their pets. The temple sells a variety of animal amulets. As a cat lover, I bought a six-cat amulet "Mubingshou" as a souvenir. ——— #Kingoji Temple #Zenjuan #Morichizunparadise #Inabado Pedroji Temple #Kyoto Travel #Kyoto Free Travel #Kyoto #Japan Travel #Japan Free Travel #Japan #AprilGoodDestinations2025

📍 Address: Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto Features: Buddhist sanctuary, wealth and fertility prayers, tranquil atmosphere Kyoto Marishiten Temple (also known as Marishiten) is a renowned temple located in the Sagano area of Kyoto, dedicated to the Bodhisattva Marishiten, who symbolizes wisdom and power in Japanese Buddhism. This temple has long been a sacred place for devotees to pray for wealth, wishes, and safety, with a rich history and cultural heritage. Whether you are a religious believer or a traveler interested in exploring traditional Japanese culture, this place is filled with a mysterious atmosphere. 🌟 Features and Attractions 1. Dedicated to Bodhisattva Marishiten: Marishiten is an important Bodhisattva in Esoteric Buddhism, often depicted riding a lion and holding a sword, symbolizing strength and protection. The temple enshrines Marishiten, and devotees come here to pray for protection, wisdom, and success in their careers. The atmosphere is sacred and solemn, providing comfort and strength to the soul. 2. A Sanctuary for Wealth and Fertility Prayers: Marishiten is believed to be a highly blessed deity in Japan, especially in matters of wealth and fertility. Devotees often come here to pray for good fortune, career success, family harmony, or to conceive a child. The temple attracts a large number of worshippers every year. 3. Temple Architecture and Environment: The temple's architecture is simple yet exquisite, and the surrounding natural scenery and quiet atmosphere add a sense of tranquility. The temple houses many beautiful statues and carvings, especially the majestic and sacred statue of Marishiten, which inspires awe. 4. A Hidden Gem: Compared to some popular temples, Marishiten Temple is relatively secluded with fewer tourists, making it an ideal place for meditation and contemplation. The peaceful atmosphere allows visitors to relax and reflect. 📸 Visiting Tips 1. Quiet Prayers: If you come here to pray or meditate, take a quiet walk around the temple, light an incense stick, and silently pray with your hands clasped. It's an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find inner peace. 2. Photography: Although the temple is not large, the surrounding natural scenery and architecture are perfect for photography. The soft light during dawn or dusk makes the scenery even more enchanting. Pay attention to the intricate carvings, which are of great artistic value. 3. Viewing the Statues: The statues of Marishiten are majestic and solemn, a highlight of the temple. Whether you are interested in Buddhist culture or curious about art, you will find elements to appreciate here. 🎫 Visitor Information Opening Hours: • Open daily, recommended to visit in the morning or at dusk for the softest light. Transportation: • You can take a bus or train to Saga-Arashiyama Station, and walk about 10-15 minutes to reach Marishiten Temple. 🎯 Summary Kyoto Marishiten Temple is a place filled with sacred and tranquil atmosphere. For devotees, it is a sanctuary for wealth, fertility, and safety prayers; for travelers, it is an ideal place to relax and experience traditional Japanese Buddhist culture. If you are traveling in Kyoto, this is undoubtedly a place worth visiting, leaving unforgettable impressions whether you are experiencing the depth of Buddhism or admiring the temple's beautiful scenery.