The temple is run by Shorenin. They have an observatory deck where you have a view of Kyoto, from Mt. Kurama to even Osaka's skyscrapers. The access is not so great. There are 3 ways to get there: hiking up a mountain (approximately 45 mins), getting a taxi, or taking a bus (run every hour or so). Recommend to check the bus schedule beforehand if you plan to use it.

This beautiful mountaintop temple area has incredible views of Kyoto from its two large observation areas. The observation deck is enormous and provides sweeping views of the city below. The second observation area is a tiered seating-type structure. The grounds are also beautiful with an impressive temple and landscaped gardens. We were lucky enough to visit when the sakura were in full bloom. Overall definitely worth the admission fee.

📿🛐 A wonderful temple. It is quite of a hike to go there but it is really worth the way. Like a little pilgrimage to find it and it feels good. You can also take the bus, but Inthink it kinda ruin the experience. Price is the average for the temples around here (500yen per person) but it is very special and unique, so it is worth the money. ✅Stunning views of Kyoto and nature ✅Wonderful garden ✅Beautiful interior of the temple ✅Not crowded AT ALL (february 2023) A great alternative to the typical Kiyomizu, Yasaka, Fushimi Inari, etc.

A wonderful temple with an amazing view of Kyoto. A local gem, so not too many tourists as yet. However with their deck can probably fit quite a lot. The temple itself is quite spacious. There is also some beautiful gardens and greenery to enjoy especially when it is hot.

My favorite city view of Kyoto! Also nice history and a beautiful zen garden as a bonus. This is the trick with this place~ go to chion-in temple and take a short hike up the hill. You’ll start by one of Japan’s biggest bells. And continue up the mountain. It’ll feel like an adventure! But don’t worry, as long as you take the widest path you’ll find your way. After the temple, you can continue on the road until you get another beautiful view- this time it’ll be free. I continued down a hiking path and you’ll end up at Kiyomizu-dera temple. It was a wonderful day and the hike plus this temple felt like a hidden gem!

Best view of the city ever. You'll get a full 270 degree panoramic sight of kyoto. You can go here via Bus or walk your way up from kiyomizu-dera temple. Not many people go here. There's also a garden you can walk.

Very beautiful, especially the rock garden, however as of April 1, 2022, the sakura are only about 25 percent bloomed, so you may consider waiting a few more days if you can.

Kyoto's panoramic tapestry is opulent and awe-inspiring, a vista infused with the crisp air I longed to inhale and embrace. Beneath the Kyoto sky, I sense echoes of ancient ancestors, their dreams lingering in the air. The labor of millions, sculpting enduring magnificence, now stands resilient and priceless. The architectural marvels, still captivating today, leave an indelible impression. Grateful and blessed, I took the chance to witness this living legacy unfold before my eyes.

For the ticket cost of 600yen, plus whatever method of travel you use to get there, you receive a stunning, city-wide view of Kyoto, its parks and mountains, shrines, and even the not so distant city of Osaka. Well worth the trip for the view alone, but the Shogunzaka Mound also features a small temple and a lovely garden to meander through. Pro tip: while the initial platform view is breathtaking, allowing you to see Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Botanical Garden, and more, there is also a raised platform that is up a set of red stairs, down the path a bit. This raised view allows you to see Kyoto Tower, the south side of the river, and the skyscrapers of Osaka in the hazy distance.

visited in 2018 and 2020. it's good scenery to see half part of Kyoto view from observations deck. the trail is also easy and short if takes hiking trails from Chion-in temple. Even, the trail road it's little bit confusing.

This is a fantastic, unfortunately difficult to reach, temple in Kyoto. It is affiliated with the Shorenin in Higashiyama, and the same priest and staff manages both. They are both part of the imperial temple, the highest tanking Buddhist temple in Kyoto since the head priest is a member of the imperial family. The views from the observation deck are just amazing, and you can see all of Kyoto, all the way to Arashiyama. It’s perfect for viewing the Okuribi during the end of summer. This is also the site on which Emperor Kenmu stood and, looking out over the valley, decided to move the capital of Japan here to start a new era. According to the head priest, the view is impressive enough that it has been used for a few marriage proposals over the years. Apparently, they were also all successful!

Amazingly beautiful views. We did the hike starting at the bottom temple, past the bell up to the dojo. Was truly worth the trek

Definitely worth visiting this Temple. Getting to the temple is a bit of a mission but it's worth it because you get amazing views of Kyoto. You can also do a hike from Chuo-in Temple to get to Shogun-zuka. There is a fee to enter the temple and get to the viewing deck. 500 yen for the fee.

Stellar view of the city!!! If you visit on a sunny day, you can see all the way to Osaka. It looks like this eerie apocalyptic wall way off in the distance. Reminded me of the maze runner. Mountains were awesome. Walked up here from chion-in temple. Beware of monkeys

Great views and a very nice 25 minute hike up the mountain. The temple and park are very peaceful. Higher up with better views than kiyomizu dera temple and we had the place basically to ourselves.