Horinji Temple (Daruma-dera)

Which temple in Kyoto do you think is famous for Daruma dolls? Daruma dolls are often placed in Zen temples, but the most famous Daruma temple is Horinji.

Horinji Temple, also known as Daruma-dera, is a Rinzai Zen temple of the Myoshinji school located in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto. It enshrines Shakyamuni Buddha as its principal deity and was founded in 1727, boasting a history of nearly 300 years. The temple is particularly famous for its collection of approximately 8,000 Daruma dolls donated from all over Japan.

Kyoto City Official Travel Guide

There is another temple named Horinji in Arashiyama, but Daruma-dera is a completely different temple.

Daruma-dera’s “Okiagari Daruma Hall,” built to commemorate post-war reconstruction, is well-known. This hall houses numerous Daruma dolls offered by people whose wishes have been fulfilled. The annual “Daruma Memorial” held in February attracts many visitors.

Within the temple grounds are the dry landscape gardens “Jūgyū no Niwa” and “Mujin Niwa,” designed by renowned Kyoto gardener Ryūji Okuda. “Jūgyū no Niwa” features stone arrangements symbolizing the stages of Zen enlightenment, while “Mujin Niwa” is known for its moss garden.

Moreover, this temple has strong ties to the film industry, with the “Kinema Hall” enshrining memorial tablets of 800 Japanese film industry figures. This makes it an intriguing destination for movie enthusiasts as well.

Daruma-dera is conveniently accessible from JR Sanin Line’s Enmachi Station, just a 5-minute walk away, or a short walk from the Nishinokyo Enmachi bus stop. With its unique cultural and historical background, Hōrin-ji Temple is an appealing spot for tourists visiting Kyoto.

Nearby spots of Daruma-dera Temple

Jizoin Temple, with its rare camellia tree, is a short walk away. The unique Amida Nyorai statue at this temple is usually closed to the public.

Jizoin Temple (Tsubaki dera)

Many tourists use Enmachi Station when heading to Kinkakuji Temple, and Daruma-dera is a short walk from Enmachi Station. Daruma-dera is just a short walk from Enmachi Station, making it an easy stopover during your visit to Kinkakuji.

Kinkaku-ji Golden Pagoda (金閣寺)