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Kitashinagawa 5-11-1
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A person wearing a traditional kimono walks along a stone path through a lush Japanese garden towards a wooden gate with a thatched roof, surrounded by greenery and trees.
Traditional Japanese wooden building with a sloped tiled roof, wooden lattice panels, and warm sunlight illuminating the upper section. The architecture features natural wood and simple design elements.
A traditional Japanese house with a thatched roof, wooden porch, and sliding doors, surrounded by small trees and green moss in the garden.
A person wearing a traditional kimono walks along a stone path through a lush Japanese garden towards a wooden gate with a thatched roof, surrounded by greenery and trees.
Nara

Jikoin Temple

4.5 (369)Buddhist TempleTourist AttractionTea HousePlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment
Last updated Apr 26, 2026

Jikoin Temple in Nara is a haven of tranquility and a lesser-known gem that offers a unique glimpse into the Zen Buddhist tradition. Founded in 1663, this temple is celebrated for its deep connection to the art of Japanese tea ceremony, embodying the Zen philosophy of mindfulness and simplicity.

The temple's serene atmosphere is enhanced by its stunning garden, designed specifically for the contemplation and enjoyment of tea ceremony guests. The garden features a traditional stone path leading to a tea house, surrounded by meticulously maintained greenery that reflects the changing seasons, providing a backdrop that encourages reflection and peace.

Jikoin Temple is also notable for its historical architecture, including the main hall, which houses sacred statues and artifacts that have been preserved for centuries. Visitors to Jikoin can participate in tea ceremonies, offering a hands-on experience of this integral part of Japanese culture and Zen practices.

A visit to Jikoin Temple is not just a step back in time; it's an opportunity to engage with the calming practices of Zen Buddhism, enjoy the beauty of traditional Japanese aesthetics, and leave with a sense of peace and renewal.

Hours:

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 

Closed: 

No closing days

Available: 

All year

Minimum Age: 

All ages are welcome.

Fees:

6 years and over: 1,000 yen

5 years and under: free


Hours
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone
+81 743-53-3004
Website
www1.kcn.ne.jp


The area

Address
865 Koizumichō, Yamatokoriyama, Nara 639-1042, Japan

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 743-53-3004

Website

www1.kcn.ne.jp

What other travelers are saying about Jikoin Temple

Elegantly beautiful gardens and great matcha and traditional sweets. Would have had a great view over the Yamato plain back in the day, but now it’s a bit peri-urban

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Wakakusa Yamayaki

Wakakusa Yamayaki

A traditional Japanese wooden temple is shown at night with a large fiery torch, sending sparks and smoke into the air during an annual festival or ritual. Lanterns illuminate the lower level of the building.

Omizutori (Shunie)

Nearby attractions to see

A serene Japanese garden with a pond featuring water lilies, trimmed bushes, blooming flowers, rocks, and lush green trees under a bright blue sky with distant hills in the background.

Isuien Garden

Traditional Japanese temple with a tiled roof, wooden sliding doors, and paper lanterns, surrounded by manicured trees and gravel courtyard under a sunny, partly cloudy sky.

Asuka-dera Temple

Wakakusa Yamayaki

Wakakusa Yamayaki

A traditional Japanese wooden temple is shown at night with a large fiery torch, sending sparks and smoke into the air during an annual festival or ritual. Lanterns illuminate the lower level of the building.

Omizutori (Shunie)


More about Jikoin Temple from our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Jikoin Temple belongs to the Obaku school of Zen Buddhism, which is one of the three main schools of Zen in Japan.

Historically, Jikoin Temple is significant for its association with the tea ceremony and the Tokugawa family. It served as a place for meditation and tea ceremonies for samurai and nobles, including members of the Tokugawa clan.

Visitors to Jikoin Temple can admire its traditional Zen architecture, a beautifully maintained garden designed for meditation and tea ceremonies, and a collection of art and historical artifacts related to the temple's history and the tea ceremony.

Photography is allowed in certain areas of Jikoin Temple, especially the garden and outer buildings. However, photography may be restricted in more sacred areas or during special ceremonies to maintain the sanctity and privacy of the practices. It's best to ask for permission or follow posted guidelines.
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Daniel Whyte
May 24, 2019
Beautiful temple, serene atmosphere, friendly people, a quiet hideout, a heart warming cup of matcha tea. I can’t recommend this place enough
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Dima Balandin
Nov 28, 2021
We visited this temple south of Nara, a bit far to get to but SO worth it. A genuine experience like no other.
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N L
Dec 6, 2019
Beautiful garden, very well maintained. Very peaceful. Was especially impressed by the trees... Their shape, maintanence, they clearly show how much care has been put in this place for many many years. Would came back.
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Katinka Wondergem
Oct 1, 2021
One of the more beautiful temples I've been to. Although a bit small and pricey, it's worth it if you're looking for something outside the tourist path. Note: the entrance to this temple is from the south (the map can be a bit misleading)
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Oct 2, 2017
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