Perched atop a hill, Seiryū-ji’s Great Buddha Hall stands as a silent guardian overlooking Kyoto. Climbing the steps, you’re rewarded with panoramic views—the golden rooftops of the city dancing beneath rolling hills. This isn’t just a temple; it’s a vantage point where you can feel the pulse of the ancient capital beneath your feet.

This hotel is a perfect choice for family trips! Located in the heart of Kyoto, just a 10-minute walk to Kamigamo Shrine. It features a kids' play area and childcare services, plus a picnic area and BBQ facilities for endless fun. Enjoy a spa massage or unwind at the executive lounge. Rooms are equipped with heated floors and private balconies, and even a kitchen for home-cooked meals. Daily free continental breakfast and shuttle service make your stay even more delightful!

Discover a luxurious retreat nestled in Kyoto’s serene Rakuhoku district, surrounded by the breathtaking 36 peaks of Higashiyama. Designed by renowned architect Togo Murano, the hotel blends artistic elegance with modern comfort. Perfect for both business and leisure, it offers top-notch amenities like meeting rooms, a fitness center, and an executive lounge, alongside family-friendly services such as children’s amenities and kid-friendly meals. With easy access to transport and great value, it’s your perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.


















Everything you need to know about Seiryuji
Recommended stays include Miyako Hotel Kyoto Gion, located just a 7-minute walk from Seiryuji. This boutique hotel offers traditional Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats, heated flooring, and private onsen baths. Its central location provides easy access to nearby temples like Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari. Guests also enjoy complimentary breakfast featuring local matcha desserts and free shuttle service to major transit hubs. The quiet alley setting ensures tranquility while remaining within walking distance of Kyoto’s cultural heart.
Visitors can participate in a handmade washi paper workshop hosted by local artisans at a nearby studio, where they craft personalized lanterns or bookmarks using traditional techniques. Another highlight is a tea ceremony experience in a historic Gion teahouse, offering insight into Japan’s spiritual aesthetics. For history lovers, guided walks through Ninomaru and Sannomaru streets reveal centuries-old crafts such as lacquerware and wagashi confectionery shops. During autumn, don’t miss the night illumination festival, when stone lanterns and vermilion torii gates glow under moonlight—perfect for photography and contemplative strolls.
The most convenient route is taking the Kyoto Subway Tozai Line to Gion-Shijō Station, then transferring to bus #206 or walking approximately 15 minutes along Shijo-dori. Alternatively, ride Bus #206 directly from Kyoto Station, alighting at "Shimogamo-Kōen" or "Kiyomizu-Gojō" and walking uphill through the scenic Higashiyama district. For a more leisurely journey, rent a bike via YouBike at Kyoto Station and cycle through the Arashiyama forest path before reaching the temple. Use the Google Maps app with offline maps to navigate the narrow alleys reliably.
Yes, Hotel Gracery Kyoto Gion is ideal for families, offering spacious family suites, children’s amenities like toy corners and kid-sized yukata robes, and a daily breakfast buffet with healthy Japanese options. The hotel features a rooftop garden with views of the surrounding hills and provides free airport shuttles and city passes. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Seiryuji Temple, making it perfect for parents seeking both comfort and cultural immersion. On-site staff speak English and assist with itinerary planning, including child-safe temple visits and nearby parks.
Seiryuji Temple is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM), closed every Monday (except national holidays). Admission costs ¥500 for adults, ¥300 for students, and free for children under 12. Special events such as the autumn illuminations and spring cherry blossom festivals may have extended hours and higher ticket prices—advance HopeGoo is recommended via the official website. Photography is restricted in certain areas; please observe posted signs to respect religious traditions and preserve the sacred atmosphere.
Try the limited-edition washi paper fan crafted by local artisans, featuring intricate designs inspired by Seiryuji’s architecture and Buddhist motifs—ideal as a keepsake. Another must-buy is the Gion matcha sweets gift box, containing handmade wagashi like matcha mochi, senbei crackers, and seasonal pastries. For nature lovers, consider bamboo woven baskets or wood-carved daruma dolls, all handcrafted in the Higashiyama region. These items are sold at the local artisan market near the temple entrance, supporting sustainable community projects. Each purchase contributes to preserving Kyoto’s intangible cultural heritage.
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