Yasaka Pagoda (Hokan-ji Temple)
Quick Facts
- Location
- Japan, Kyoto
- Category
- Church & Religious Site
- Duration
- 30-45 min
- Opening Hours
- Daily 10:00-15:00 · 10:00-15:00 with irregular closing days; some guides list 10:00-16:00 and JPY 500 while the temple-supervised page gives JPY 400, so confirm on the day
- Ticket Price
- Adult: Junior high and up JPY 400 · Free Admission: The approach and Yasaka-dori street view are free · Elementary age and under cannot enter; only floors 1-2 open, goshuin sold at the reception
- Address
- 388 Kiyomizu Yasakauecho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0827, Japan
- Coordinates
- 34.9986, 135.7792
Introduction
Yasaka Pagoda is Higashiyama's most photographed landmark, formally the five-storey pagoda of Hokan-ji, a Rinzai Zen temple of the Kennin-ji branch. Tradition dates the temple to Prince Shotoku in the Asuka period, while the present pagoda was rebuilt in 1440 by the sixth Muromachi shogun Ashikaga Yoshinori. At 46 metres it is one of Japan's tallest wooden five-storey pagodas and a national Important Cultural Property. Its central pillar is itself an anti-seismic device, the first floor enshrines the Five Wisdom Buddhas, and floors one and two are open to visitors — a rare chance to see statues, wall paintings and timber framing up close, since most famous Kyoto pagodas can only be admired from outside. Practical limits matter: interior hours are short (10:00-15:00), closing days are irregular, elementary-age children are not admitted, and guides disagree on the fee and closing time. Outside, the approach is free and open at all hours: looking up Yasaka-dori, stone paving, machiya townhouses, the colourful monkey balls of Yasaka Koshindo and the tower stack into Kyoto's classic frame, best in early morning or evening light.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
Opening Hours
| Monday | 10:00-15:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00-15:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00-15:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00-15:00 |
| Friday | 10:00-15:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00-15:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00-15:00 |
10:00-15:00 with irregular closing days; some guides list 10:00-16:00 and JPY 500 while the temple-supervised page gives JPY 400, so confirm on the day
Ticket Information
| Adult | Junior high and up JPY 400 |
|---|---|
| Free Admission | The approach and Yasaka-dori street view are free |
Elementary age and under cannot enter; only floors 1-2 open, goshuin sold at the reception
Transportation
5 min from Higashiyama-Yasui or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop; uphill along Yasaka-dori from Gion
Midway between Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka Shrine; no car park, walk the loop
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Yasaka Pagoda (Hokan-ji Temple)?
Monday: 10:00-15:00; Tuesday: 10:00-15:00; Wednesday: 10:00-15:00; Thursday: 10:00-15:00; Friday: 10:00-15:00; Saturday: 10:00-15:00; Sunday: 10:00-15:00; 10:00-15:00 with irregular closing days; some guides list 10:00-16:00 and JPY 500 while the temple-supervised page gives JPY 400, so confirm on the day
How much is the admission for Yasaka Pagoda (Hokan-ji Temple)?
Adult: Junior high and up JPY 400; Free Admission: The approach and Yasaka-dori street view are free; Elementary age and under cannot enter; only floors 1-2 open, goshuin sold at the reception
How long should I spend at Yasaka Pagoda (Hokan-ji Temple)?
A typical visit takes 30-45 min.
How do I get to Yasaka Pagoda (Hokan-ji Temple)?
Bus: 5 min from Higashiyama-Yasui or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop; uphill along Yasaka-dori from Gion
