The Beauty of OHARA – KYOTO’s Serene Temple Village | Kyoto, Japan Travel

The Beauty of OHARA – KYOTO’s Serene Temple Village | Kyoto, Japan Travel

Ohara is located in the northeastern part of Kyoto City. Nestled among mountains, this village is enveloped in seasonal colors and tranquility, offering a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The sound of flowing streams and chirping birds fills the air, creating a slow and relaxing atmosphere. Once captivated by its natural beauty, aristocrats chose this area as a retreat. Ohara has also thrived as a place for Buddhist practice, and many temples still stand today. The harmony of serenity, history, and seasonal scenery deeply soothes visitors’ hearts. Ohara’s attractions are compactly arranged, allowing you to fully enjoy the area in a single day. In this video, we introduce popular sightseeing routes, hidden spots, and local delicacies. Please enjoy the start of your journey until the end. Feel Japan offers travel ideas in Japan. Follow us and be inspired to discover the unknown wonders of Japan. If you like this video, give us a thumbs up. Your comments are also welcome. It takes about an hour by bus from Kyoto Station to reach Ohara. The green-lined approach is dotted with restaurants and souvenir shops. Some of these eateries will be introduced later. Walking along the path, you will be welcomed by a tunnel of momiji (Japanese maple), and the sunlight filtering through the trees makes the approach even more beautiful. Passing through the momiji tunnel, the main gate of Sanzen-in appears. After removing your shoes and entering, a beautiful garden greets you. Sanzen-in has a history of over 1,200 years and is one of Ohara’s most representative temples. Enjoy tea and sweets on the veranda while taking in the garden at your leisure. Outside, another garden spreads out. The bases of the trees are covered with moss, creating a magical atmosphere. Small Jizo statues are scattered throughout the garden, welcoming visitors with gentle expressions. On sunny days, sunlight filters softly through the trees, enhancing the beauty of the garden. In autumn, the leaves turn red and orange, making the scenery even more stunning. In early summer, the vast hydrangea garden blooms with many flowers. After leaving Sanzen-in, head further inside. The temple that comes into view is Shorin-in. It was a place where Buddhist studies flourished, attracting many monks. The main hall tells the history of religious debates that took place here. The hall features intricate carvings, showcasing the high level of woodcarving techniques of the time. Shorin-in has been rebuilt several times due to fire and floods, with the current main hall reconstructed in 1778. Next to Shorin-in is Jikko-in, one of its sub-temples. A small temple with two gardens. Around 120 species of plants grow here, delighting visitors. Fewer visitors make it a peaceful place to enjoy the gardens. Listening to the sounds of nature, your mind will surely feel at ease. Continue further. You will reach Hosen-in, another sub-temple of Shorin-in. It has three gardens. The most famous is the “framed garden,” where the pillars act as a frame to view the garden. Visitors can admire the natural scenery like a painting. A 700-year-old five-needle pine stands in the center. Admission includes matcha tea and sweets. You can enjoy them while viewing the garden. Looking up, you will notice many stains on the ceiling boards. These are bloodstains from warriors who committed suicide during battles. To honor them, the floorboards were moved to the ceiling and enshrined here. Return to the main path and head toward the mountains. This area is rarely visited. Along the river path beside Sanzen-in, Raigo-in quietly stands within the forest. Like Shorin-in, many monks studied here. These temples form the Ohara temple group, known as Gyozan Ohara-dera. Go further into the mountains from Raigo-in. Fewer visitors go this way, allowing you to feel the forest’s peacefulness. The path is maintained and signposted for safety. Enjoy the sounds of the river, wind, and birds. Walk along the river for about 15 minutes. You arrive at Otonashi Waterfall. It was a training site for monks. Return to the main path for lunch. Shino Shomon is a recommended restaurant along the path. The building is about 200 years old and used to be a historical museum. Enjoy dishes made with local ingredients in this traditional house. Various dishes are served on large plates with rice, soup, and salad. The seasoning is light to bring out the natural flavors. The dishes vary with the season. It is popular, so reservations are recommended. Another recommendation is Yamazaru Soba, located in front of Ohara bus stop. A sister restaurant of a very popular Ohara eatery. The buffet with local vegetables is the same as the sister store. Udon and soba can be refilled as much as you like. They serve half portions so you can try different types. Despite its location, it is still a hidden gem. Try to visit before it gets crowded. Finally, let’s introduce one more temple. Head in the opposite direction from Sanzen-in. Along the way, you will see the rural landscape. About a 20-minute walk from the bus stop. Climb the green steps, and you will reach Jakko-in. Founded in 594, it is a nunnery with about 1,400 years of history. It is known as a historic and culturally significant site. The main hall in the quiet mountains is a place to calm your mind. Looking back at the scenery of Ohara you have walked through, you can conclude your journey peacefully. Did you enjoy your visit to Ohara? Surrounded by mountains, dotted with historic temples, and experiencing the tranquil rural scenery and seasonal colors, you could feel the unique charm of Ohara. Next, be sure to see this beautiful Ohara with your own eyes. It will surely be an unforgettable experience. Thank you for watching the video until the end. Please subscribe to this channel, give us a thumbs up, and leave a comment. Various links are listed in the overview. We welcome your recommendations and requests in the comments and on the social media.

Ohara is a quiet village in the mountains of Kyoto.
It is known for its beautiful temples, seasonal scenery, and peaceful countryside.

Sanzen-in Temple
https://maps.app.goo.gl/y1BXJoYufYEnimGPA
Shōrin-in Temple
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vqdbNzP1XY3NUNLG8
Jikko-in
https://maps.app.goo.gl/P68TjxgmMsrmpkiw6
Hosen-in
https://maps.app.goo.gl/mVXH62oKfvbe67Zh9
Raigō-in Temple
https://maps.app.goo.gl/a3Y5NjVmWUziNDDk7
Otonashi waterfall
https://maps.app.goo.gl/x74ttHhrw6JbBwMGA
Jakkō-in Temple
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gwxCxHYq7LQHLqG79
Shino Shoumon
https://maps.app.goo.gl/raQcXP3LTHXAwbTg8
Yamazaru Soba
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vNTtdJJQUCYGdQ4R8

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00:00 Opening
00:14 Overview
04:04 Sanzen-in Temple
08:36 Shōrin-in Temple
11:11 Jikkō-in
12:28 Hōsen-in
15:40 Raigō-in Temple
17:29 Otonashi Falls
19:21 Local Cuisine
22:42 Jakkō-in Temple
25:09 Closing