Hōgen-in feels like stepping into a dream: a secluded temple guarded by a striking three-story pagoda, tucked among hills and ancient trees. As the tower's shadow dances on the pond, you’ll understand why this place captivates travelers. Cherry blooms in spring, fiery maples in fall—each season tells a different story of serenity and timelessness.




















Everything you need to know about Hogon-in
Near Hōkō-ji Temple in Kyoto, the Kyoto Gion Mitsui Hotel stands out for its seamless blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern luxury. Just a 5-minute walk from the temple, it offers private access to serene gardens featuring centuries-old maple trees and Zen rock arrangements. Guests can enjoy tatami-mat rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the tranquil courtyard. The hotel also provides exclusive cultural experiences such as tea ceremony workshops and evening geisha performances in nearby Gion, making it an ideal base for authentic Kyoto immersion.
The most convenient way from Kyoto Station is to take bus No. 206 or 87 from the south exit, heading to "Hōkō-ji Mae" stop—just a 15-minute ride. Alternatively, a taxi takes about 10 minutes and costs ¥800–1,200. For eco-friendly travel, consider renting a bicycle; Kyoto has numerous public bike-sharing stations. Ride along the Biwako Canal, enjoying scenic views of historic neighborhoods and lush riverside landscapes en route to Hōkō-ji Temple—a peaceful and immersive slow travel experience perfect for exploring Kyoto’s quiet charm.
Near Hōkō-ji Temple, visitors can engage in distinctive cultural experiences deeply rooted in tradition. Join seasonal events like cherry blossom tea ceremonies or autumn red-leaf meditation retreats, led by resident monks who teach classical tea ceremony and mindfulness practices. At nearby Gion craft studios, guests can learn to make Kyo fans or washi paper lanterns, taking home handcrafted souvenirs. Some programs even include Heian-era costume rentals, allowing travelers to dress as historical nobles and photograph in the temple’s serene garden. These immersive activities emphasize inner calm, nature, and artistic harmony, offering a profound journey into Japan’s spiritual aesthetics.
While there is no official free shuttle bus service around Hōkō-ji Temple, select premium lodgings such as the Kyoto Gion Mitsui Hotel provide complimentary private transfers to the temple when HopeGoo suite accommodations (two daily departures). Many guesthouses also partner with local tour operators to arrange customized transport packages, including car rentals or guided trips to the temple at reasonable rates. It's recommended to confirm transportation options in advance through the hotel or HopeGoo platform. Alternatively, consider purchasing a Kyoto Bus One-Day Pass to ride buses No. 206 or 87 directly to "Hōkō-ji Mae" stop—affordable, eco-friendly, and highly convenient.
The garden at Hōkō-ji Temple masterfully combines dry landscape (karesansui) and stroll garden (roji) styles, designed by a renowned Edo-period landscape architect. Stone arrangements symbolize mountains, while raked white gravel evokes flowing clouds, creating a contemplative, meditative atmosphere. A highlight is the Five-Storied Pagoda reflection pond, where cherry blossoms in spring drift onto the water, blending petals with the pagoda’s shadow in a dynamic visual poem. The moss garden, covered in centuries-old liverworts, changes hues across seasons, embodying nature’s quiet vitality. Revered as a physical manifestation of Japanese wabi-sabi and mono no aware, this garden offers a profound encounter with Eastern Zen aesthetics.
See what other travelers say about Hogon-in

Staying at Floral Green Maple House in Kyoto was an absolute delight! The room was immaculately clean and surprisingly well-equipped—complete with a washing machine, stove, microwave, and even a dryer right in the bathroom. I loved being able to wash and dry my clothes on-site; it felt so convenient and homely. The staff were incredibly attentive and genuinely warm throughout the entire stay. I accidentally left my headphones behind, and instead of just waiting for me to notice, they reached out immediately and arranged to send them back to Tokyo—such a thoughtful gesture! It really made the experience stand out. Located right near Shijo Kawaramachi, everything is within walking distance, and the overall vibe is cozy yet modern. This place offers incredible value and service that feels personal and genuine. I’ll definitely be coming back and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Kyoto.

This stay at Hotel And Spa Kyoto Eminence was absolutely wonderful. The location is perfect—just a short walk from Jigoku-dani and Saikyo-ji Temple, with the convenient 80 bus stopping right nearby, making exploration effortless. While the staff are a bit older in age, their warmth, attentiveness, and professionalism more than made up for it. Every interaction felt genuine and caring. The room was spotless and cozy, and the onsen bath was serene and relaxing—exactly what I needed after a busy day exploring Kyoto. It’s rare to find such a peaceful retreat with such high service standards. Highly recommend this hidden gem for anyone seeking comfort, culture, and tranquility in the heart of Kyoto.

This is my third time staying here, and I’ve already become so familiar with the place—feels like coming home. Every morning I grab a coffee or matcha to-go before heading out, and in the evening, I unwind with another drink back at the hotel. The lobby is quiet and peaceful, perfect for catching up on emails or just relaxing without distractions. Location-wise, it’s incredibly convenient—just a short walk from the subway, with plenty of supermarkets nearby. Right across the street is KOMEDA, and there are countless restaurants and cafés within walking distance, making dining options diverse and fun. The room is spacious enough, spotlessly clean, and comes with all the essentials you’d need. I truly appreciate the thoughtful touches and overall comfort. If I ever return to Kyoto, this will be my first choice again—excellent value, great vibe, and a wonderful stay every time.

Staying at Kyoyado Usagi was an absolute delight! The room was spacious, beautifully designed with authentic Japanese aesthetics—every detail felt thoughtfully curated. The staff, especially the lady in charge, was incredibly gracious and spoke fluent English with a warm, welcoming attitude. She made our stay so much more personal and comfortable. The amenities were top-notch, and I was thrilled by the large bathtub—perfect for soaking after a long day of exploring Kyoto. Location is great too, just a short walk from major attractions like Gion and Fushimi Inari. This place offers such a unique blend of traditional charm and modern comfort. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable stay in Kyoto—definitely coming back!

Staying at Hotel Binario Saga Arashiyama was an absolute delight! Right outside the door is the JR station, making it super easy to explore Arashiyama, Gion, and other nearby attractions without needing to switch trains. The room was incredibly spacious—more than enough room for luggage, changing clothes, and even stretching out. Breakfast stood out with its unique ritual: we got to make our own Arashiyama tofu from scratch, which added a fun, hands-on touch to the morning. The large on-site bath in the lobby was perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing—soak and relax in style. Even the bathrobe in the room looked stylish and felt luxurious. Everything about this stay felt thoughtfully designed, from the location to the little details. Highly recommend for anyone looking for comfort, convenience, and a memorable experience in Kyoto.

Staying at Ranzan was an absolute delight. The hotel is perfectly located right across from Hōkō-ji Temple, making morning walks a peaceful and scenic start to the day. The breakfast buffet is generous and delicious—fresh, well-prepared, and full of local flavors. While the in-room bathroom is compact, the shared onsen-style bathhouse more than makes up for it with its relaxing atmosphere and traditional feel. Just steps away from a riverside boat departure point, autumn here is breathtaking—golden leaves reflect on the water, creating a postcard-perfect view. Whether you're soaking in the communal bath, sipping tea by the river, or simply enjoying the quiet charm of Kyoto’s seasonal beauty, this stay feels truly special. A hidden gem with exceptional value and warmth.

Staying at Oyado Nishishichijo was a delightful surprise. While the facilities aren't overly luxurious, the attention to detail truly stood out—especially the thoughtfully placed toys for children in the room, which instantly made my little one feel at home. The location is perfect for exploring Kyoto; it's just a short subway ride from major attractions and surrounded by quiet, authentic Japanese charm. Despite its simple elegance, the hotel offers excellent value for money. I’d highly recommend this place to families looking for a cozy, stress-free stay with that genuine traditional touch.

The welcome was warm and friendly. The capsule beds were stylish and well-insulated, making for a peaceful night's sleep. The kitchen is fully equipped—perfect for preparing your own meals. There are enough bathrooms, and they’re kept clean and tidy. One of the highlights? Bikes available for rent at an incredibly low price. While the hostel is located in northern Kyoto—quite far from the city center—the bus service is frequent and reliable. I explored almost everywhere by bike, which made getting around super convenient. That said, riding a bike in Kyoto requires some experience; traffic can be chaotic and unpredictable. Overall, this place offers great value, excellent comfort, and a relaxed vibe—ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want to explore independently.

Staying at Kyounoyado Hana Nishijin was an absolute delight. The traditional Japanese house is beautifully designed with attention to detail—every corner feels authentic and serene. It’s spotlessly clean, and the quiet, peaceful atmosphere made it perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring Kyoto. The staff were incredibly warm and helpful, offering thoughtful tips on local sights and nearby restaurants. We loved how close we were to Gion and Kiyomizu-dera—just a short walk or quick subway ride away. This place truly offers a unique cultural experience without sacrificing comfort. If you're looking for a genuine, intimate stay in Kyoto, this is it. I’d come back in a heartbeat.

We stayed here as a family of four—two adults and two middle schoolers. The room was surprisingly spacious, easily fitting two single beds and three floor mats with plenty of room to move around. Even the kids said they felt comfortable. Location-wise, it's super convenient—just a short walk from both the Nijo Station (JR) and the Nijo Station (Subway). If you're taking the subway, note that Exit 3 doesn’t have an elevator, so we’d recommend using Exit 2 if you’re carrying heavy luggage. Right next to Exit 3 is a small convenience store that has evening discounts—perfect for grabbing snacks or essentials. One thing to keep in mind: no toothbrushes are provided, so bring your own or pick one up at the nearby store (usually cheaper than hotel prices). Cleaning services are extra, but towels are replaced regularly and trash is taken out daily. Overall, the experience was excellent—great value for money, clean, well-located, and very family-friendly.

Staying at Sarangbang was a highlight of my trip to Kyoto! The hotel is spotlessly clean, with a cozy and well-thought-out room layout that makes the most of the space. I loved how quiet and peaceful it felt, despite being just steps away from major attractions like Gion and Kiyomizu-dera. The location is unbeatable—walking distance to everything, plus there’s a convenience store and great local eateries right outside. For the price, this place offers incredible value. It’s clear they care about guest comfort and experience. I’d absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Kyoto.

Staying at Demizu Machiya was like stepping into a peaceful time capsule. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood of Kyoto, this traditional Japanese townhouse offers an authentic glimpse into old-world Japan. The moment you walk in, the wooden beams, shoji screens, and tatami mats transport you to another era. It's incredibly peaceful—just a short subway ride from downtown, yet feels worlds away from the city buzz. The room was clean, cozy, and beautifully furnished with thoughtful touches like local snacks and tea waiting for us. The staff were warm and helpful, offering great tips on nearby temples and hidden gems. For such a unique experience, the value is unbeatable. I’d return in a heartbeat—highly recommend this gem for anyone seeking a genuine, serene stay in Kyoto.
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