Overview
Anyo-ji is a temple of the Seizan Zenrin-ji branch of the Jodo (Pure Land) sect, located in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City. Its mountain name is Hachiyo-zan, and it enshrines Amida Nyorai as its principal image. Fondly known by the nickname Sakarenge-ji, or Reversed-Lotus Temple, it preserves an evocative alternate name even while sitting in the heart of the city. Belonging to the Seizan Zenrin-ji branch famed for Eikan-do, it offers a quiet place of Amida devotion and a moment of calm amid the bustle of downtown Kyoto.
Highlights
- ●A downtown temple enshrining Amida Nyorai of the Seizan Zenrin-ji branch of Jodo Buddhism
- ●Preserves the unusual nickname Sakarenge-ji, the Reversed-Lotus Temple
- ●The mountain name Hachiyo-zan, evoking the petals of the lotus
- ●An easy-to-reach location from central Kyoto such as Shijo and Karasuma
History
Anyo-ji belongs to the Seizan Zenrin-ji branch of the Jodo sect, enshrines Amida Nyorai, and bears the mountain name Hachiyo-zan. This branch is a nembutsu school that reveres Eikan-do Zenrin-ji as its head temple. The temple carries the unusual nickname Sakarenge-ji (Reversed-Lotus Temple), a name said to derive from a legend connected to the temple. For details of its founding and heritage, please consult official information or on-site guidance.
Access
The temple lies in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, at roughly 35.01 degrees north and 135.77 degrees east, in the central urban area of Kyoto. This is a district well served by subway and city buses, and it is easy to reach on foot or with a short trip from the lively Shijo, Karasuma, and Kawaramachi areas. As some surrounding blocks have narrow lanes, public transport is the more convenient choice. Please confirm visiting availability and hours through official information.
Best season
Being in the heart of the city, the temple is easy to visit throughout the year. In the cherry-blossom and fresh-green days of spring, and the autumn foliage season, you can combine your visit with a stroll among nearby landmarks. Eikan-do, head temple of the Seizan Zenrin-ji branch, is renowned for its autumn colors, making fall an especially rewarding time to tour the temples and shrines of the city.
Map
35.0058, 135.7673 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Offer a prayer to Amida Nyorai at Anyo-ji in central Nakagyo Ward
- 2Reflect on the legend behind the Sakarenge-ji, Reversed-Lotus, nickname
- 3Enjoy walking and shopping around Shijo, Karasuma, and Kawaramachi
- 4Continue to Eikan-do and other temples of the Seizan Zenrin-ji branch famed for autumn foliage
Did you know?
💡 The temple's nickname Sakarenge-ji, or Reversed-Lotus Temple, is a distinctive name connected to the lotus flower and is remembered fondly by visitors. Its mountain name Hachiyo-zan, meaning Eight-Petal Mountain, likewise evokes the Buddhist imagery of lotus petals.
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