Temple · Yamashina

Bishamon-do Temple 毘沙門堂門跡

A Tendai monzeki temple in Yamashina known for its painted sliding doors with shifting perspectives and a maple-carpeted stairway in autumn.

HoursMar-Nov 9:00-16:30 (last entry 16:00); Dec-Feb 9:00-16:00 (last entry 15:30)

PriceAdult: ¥1,000
High school: ¥500
Elementary/junior high: ¥300

Getting thereYamashina Station (JR / Tozai Line / Keihan), about 20 min walk

Time needed1 hour

Best timeLate November, when fallen maple leaves carpet the approach steps

Address18 Anshu Inariyama-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto 607-8003

Websitebishamon.or.jp

About

Bishamon-do is a monzeki temple tucked into the hills north of Yamashina Station. Inside, Edo-period fusuma paintings use perspective tricks so the scenes appear to change as you move. In late autumn the stone steps to the Chokushi-mon gate are covered in red leaves. The walk there follows the tree-lined Yamashina section of the Lake Biwa Canal.

Highlights

Fusuma paintings with shifting perspective
Maple leaves on the steps below the Chokushi-mon
Weeping cherry in spring
Walk along the Yamashina Canal

Tips

Photography is not allowed inside the buildings
Private cars are restricted near the temple in peak cherry and maple seasons

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-10

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Bishamon-do Temple 毘沙門堂門跡

About

Highlights

Tips

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