Hi there!
So Ohara is a village on the outskirts of Kyoto, and it’s here that you can make a visit to the Sanzen-in Temple.
Ohara can make for a good half day trip from Kyoto when you’re looking for an activity that could be considered somewhat of a city escape.
You can also extend a trip to Ohara into an all day trip by taking your time at Sanzen-in Temple surrounded by nature and Japanese gardens, and there are other temples in Ohara to visit as well.
You can also spend your time walking the small streets of the village and stop by for meals and snacks at the small restaurants along the way.
Sanzen-in Temple as part of one day Kyoto itinerary
I made a visit to Sanzen-in Temple as a part of a day trip to Kurama, Kibune, and Ohara with a one day pass:
- Kyoto station to Kurama
- Visit to Kurama-dera Temple
- Kurama to Kibune hike
- Visit to Kifune Shrine
- Kibune to Ohara bus
- Visit to Sanzen-in Temple
- Visit to Jakko-in Temple
- Ohara to Kyoto bus
More below about a visit to Sanzen-in!
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Ohara onsen
Ohara can make for an easy day trip from Kyoto as it’s easy to access by public transportation.
But if you’re looking for a bit of a unique experience when you’re in Japan, you may also consider staying a night in the quiet village of Ohara.
The accommodation options are limited, but one of your options is to stay at a Japanese-style ryokan or minshuku, which can give you feeling like it’s a traditional Japanese stay.
Staying at the Ohara onsen isn’t as popular as the Kumara onsen, but there’s still a good chance that you will love the experience.
You can learn more about the Minshuku Ohara Sanso that will be a hot springs stay.
And now…
Here’s what a visit to Sanzen-in Temple might look like!
Read about the history of the Sanzen-in Temple before you go!
Kyoto station to Sanzen-in Temple
To get to Sanzen-in Temple, you’ll first make your way to the Ohara bus station.
Being on the outskirts of Kyoto means that it does take some time to get to Ohara.
When you include waiting time and time in transit, it might take you 1-1.5 hours to get from Kyoto station to Ohara.
Consult Google Maps for the best way to get to the Ohara bus station from where you’re staying.
It will likely include a bus transfer.
See tips for getting around Kyoto by bus (even without a bus pass).
Arrive at Ohara bus station!
Walk from Ohara bus station to Sanzen-in Temple
Once you arrive at the Ohara bus station, you can once again consult Google Maps for how to get to the temple.
You’ll also likely see signs that will point you in the direction of the temple.
This will be about a 15 minute walk.
And you’ll start to see evidence that you’re getting closer to Sanzen-in Temple!
Sanzen-in Temple ticket
And then you’ll make it to the entry!
The cost of the ticket for entry to Sanzen-in Temple grounds is 700 yen (US$6).
This actually it on the expensive side when it comes to paid temple entry when compared to other top temples in Kyoto.
Sanzen-in Temple grounds
HAPPY SANZEN-IN TEMPLE VISIT!
See more about making it a day of visiting the outskirts of Kyoto: