basic information

Ohara is a rural town in northern Kyoto City, about one hour north of Kyoto Station. Ohara's main attraction is Sanzen-in Temple.

Sanzen-in's principal object of worship, a golden statue of the Amida Buddha, is displayed in the Ojo-Gokuraku-in, the temple's much photographed wooden building in the moss covered garden. Sanzen-in is particularly attractive (but also crowded) during the autumn leaf season, which usually peaks in mid November.

The pleasant road from the Ohara bus stop to Sanzen-in leads along a small river and is lined by numerous souvenir shops. Among the local specialties offered are various pickles, including "Ice Kyuri", Japanese cucumbers mildly pickled in seaweed flavored ice water.

Another famous temple in Ohara is Jakko-in. The temple was destroyed in an arson attack in the year 2000, but reconstruction works on the temple have been completed in 2005. It is said that the temple was founded by Shotoku Taishi in the seventh century.

Since 2004, Ohara has its own hot spring water, pumped to the surface from a depth of more than one kilometer. The water can be enjoyed at two local ryokan, Ohara no Sato and Ohara Sanso, not far from Jakko-in. If you do not stay at the ryokan, you can use the baths in combination with a snack or meal (advance reservations recommended).

Reconstructed Jakko-in Temple

"Ice Cucumbers"

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how to get there

From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line to its terminal station Kokusaikaikan Station (20 minutes, 260 Yen). From there take Kyoto Bus number 19 (bound for Ohara or Kodeishi) to Ohara (20 minutes, 340 Yen, two buses per hour).

Alternatively, take Kyoto Bus number 17 (bound for Ohara) directly from Kyoto Station to Ohara (60 minutes, 580 Yen, three buses per hour). This bus also stops at Shijo-Kawaramachi in the city center (45 minutes, 510 Yen to Ohara).

How to get to and around Kyoto

hours and fees

Sanzen-in
Hours:	8:30 to 17:00 (until 16:30 from December through February) Admission closes 30 minutes before closing time
Closed:	No closing days
Admission:	700 yen

news and reports

	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 15, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 12, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 7, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 4, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 1, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report March 30, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report March 25, 2009

travel community

Popularity of Ohara:
Users who have been to Kyoto: 1926
Users who have been to Ohara: 84

36th of 46 most visited sights in Kyoto.
212th of 554 most visited sights nationwide.

Ratings for Ohara:

japan-guide.com Rating:		outstanding
User Rating (by 42 users):	87/100	recommended

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hotels & ryokan

Guest Inn Chita A small traditional inn run by a very kind staff. From 3500yen per guest. 10 min from Kyoto Station. Renewed in 2006. Backpackers Hostel K's House Kyoto Voted No.1 hostel in Asia by Hostelworld customers. 9 mins walk from JR Kyoto station Bed from 2,500 yen. Gion Hatanaka A real Japanese inn in a quiet area of Gion, famous for Geisha. 15min walk to Kiyomizu-dera. 5min to Yasaka-jinja.

tours and packages

Kyoto Tours Various tours and travel packages for Kyoto and surroundings.

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