Temple · Kizugawa (Tono)
Ganseji Temple 岩船寺
Mountain temple in Kizugawa's Tono area known for hydrangeas and a vermilion three-storied pagoda that is an Important Cultural Property.
Hours8:30-17:00 (Mar-Nov); 9:00-16:00 (Dec-Feb)
PriceAdult: ¥500
Junior/high school: ¥400
Elementary: ¥200
Junior/high school: ¥400
Elementary: ¥200
Getting thereJR Kamo Station, community bus; or Nara Kotsu bus from JR/Kintetsu Nara (seasonal)
Time needed30-60 min
Best timeJune (hydrangeas); November
Address43 Iwafune Kaminomon, Kamocho, Kizugawa, Kyoto 619-1133
Websitegansenji.or.jp
About
Ganseji is said to date from 729 and sits in the quiet hills of Tono near the Nara border. Its three-storied pagoda (1442) and stone pagodas are Important Cultural Properties. Around 5,000 hydrangeas bloom in June, earning the name 'hydrangea temple'.
Highlights
- Three-storied pagoda (Important Cultural Property)
- Hydrangeas in June
- Amida Buddha (Important Cultural Property)
- Tono stone-Buddha trail to Joruriji
Tips
- Open daily; shorter hours Dec-Feb
- Seasonal temple-tour bus from JR/Kintetsu Nara
- Walk the trail to Joruriji (about 1 hour)
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-11
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