Article summary
・ A temple that is very popular for its highly entertaining preaching
・ The recommended time zone and access method is the first bus in the morning
・ There is a Jizo who wore the only waraji in Japan
What is Suzumushi Temple?
Suzumushi Temple is a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect in Kyoto.
Highly entertaining preaching is very popular, and there are long lines every day.
This time, I will introduce the charm of Suzumushi Temple.
What is preaching?
Preaching is to preach the teachings of Buddhism.
Why is it called Suzumushi Temple?
The official name of the temple is "Myotokuzan Kegonji".
In the olden days, it was an ordinary temple, and many people worshiped as a set with the nearby "Saihoji", which is famous as a moss temple.
However, when Saihoji announced a limit on the number of worshipers in 1977, it became necessary to attract customers on its own.
Since it was conceived there, it is the breeding of bell worms.
The reason for Suzumushi is that the chief priest at that time "feels the state of Zen enlightenment in the sound of Suzumushi."
Normal bell worms only sing from August to October, but at temples, by thoroughly controlling the temperature and humidity, you can enjoy the voice of bell worms all year round.
Suzumushi is exhibited in a large room
The bell worm breeding case is arranged so as to surround a large room for listening to the preaching.
There is no photo inside the building because it is prohibited to take pictures, but if you look at thousands of bell worms nearby, it is usually unpleasant, so be careful if you are not good at it.
(It's okay if you don't approach the case yourself)
Why is preaching so popular?
On days when there are many customers, it may take more than two hours to listen to Suzumushi Temple's preaching.
The reason why the preaching is so popular is that it is very entertaining.
Applying the Buddhist way of thinking to the present age and giving a light talk while taking into account current affairs is as fun as watching a comedian.
Moreover, since the content of the preaching changes depending on the time, it is understandable that there are many repeaters.
(It seems that there was a difference in the quality of the story in the past, but nowadays it is interesting on average.)
Comes with tea confectionery
One of the teachings of Zen Buddhism is "tea ceremony".
It is like a roll call performed during training, and is also said to be the prototype of the tea ceremony.
Suzumushi Temple provides tea and sweets to worshipers according to the teachings.
(It may be dormant due to the influence of corona.)
First thing in the morning to visit
If you visit, the first thing in the morning is overwhelmingly recommended.Rather, you shouldn't go except in the morning.
(If it is a normal holiday, it will be open in the evening, but if it is a long holiday, the line may be too long and the reception may be closed)
The photo is about 8:40, and although many people are already lined up, I was able to hear the preaching in the first round.
The preaching takes about 30 minutes and can accommodate about 100 people at a time.
Official website congestion forecast
At the bottom left of the official website, there is a congestion forecast by date, so let's use it as a guide.
If it's a red "crowded" day, you'll want to arrive 30 minutes before your visit. (If you start watching at 9:00, you will arrive at 8:30)
By the way, reservations cannot be made, so there is no choice but to line up on the day.
The only rare Jizo in Japan
At Suzumushi Temple, there is a very rare Jizo wearing a waraj.
Jizo usually do not move from the same place, but the Happiness Jizo Bodhisattva at Suzumushi Temple comes to his house to fulfill his wishes.
If you look closely, you can see that you are wearing a waraj.
By the way, you can make any wishes, only one at a time.
For details, I would like you to actually experience it, but I felt that it was quite a business person because it was packed with elements that made me want to be a repeater.
The time required is 45 to 60 minutes (excluding the time to line up)
After the preaching, I will return via a small garden.
Since the garden can be visited in 5 minutes, the total time required is about 30 to 45 minutes including 60 minutes of preaching. (Excluding time to line up)
Business hours and admission fees
| Opening hours | 9: 00-17: 00 (Introduction until 16:30) | |
| Closing days | open every day of the year | |
| Admission fee | High school students and above: 500 yen, junior high school students to 4 years old: 300 yen | |
| Official Website | Usage guidance(Please check the latest information) | |
The fee is 500 yen for adults, and tea is included with the preaching, so it feels cheap.
I think most people will probably buy a 300 yen amulet. (I don't hate the strong business spirit that makes me buy on talk)
Access
| Address | 615 Matsumurojikecho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 8294-31 | |
| Phone | 075-381-3830 | |
| Electric train | 15 minutes walk from Hankyu train "Matsuo Taisha Station" | |
| bus | ・ Approximately 73 minutes from Kyoto Station to the end point by "83, 60 bound for Suzumushi Temple" ・ From Shijo Karasuma StationAbout 73 minutes to the end point by "No. 50 bound for Suzumushi Temple" ・ Approximately 63 minutes from the Arashiyama area to the end point by "73, 15 bound for Suzumushi Temple" | |
| Number of parking spaces | 60 stand | |
| Parking Fee | 500 yen / time | |
| Official Website | Access(Please check the latest information) | |
If it's the first morning, the bus is recommended.It should come on time, so there is no stress on the usual bus.
I think it's better to walk from "Matsuo Taisha Station" on the Hankyu train except in the morning.
Map
Finally
Suzumushi Temple is a temple with a very high entertainment spirit that tries to entertain worshipers.
Please visit Suzumushi Temple, which is rare in Japan.