“It’s so hot every day that I can’t get motivated…” “I want to go somewhere cool and quiet to refresh myself during summer vacation.”
When the fierce heat of summer continues, many people feel the urge to go somewhere in search of coolness. While beaches and pools are great, if you want to be healed both physically and mentally, a “temple” wrapped in the greenery of trees and silence is the perfect choice.
In this article, we have carefully selected 5 recommended temples across Japan where you can feel the unique coolness of a Japanese summer. We have gathered spots where you can be healed by breathtaking scenery and silence, featuring the sound of wind chimes, beautiful moss gardens, and Zen meditation experiences. Why not spend a special time centering your mind at a temple this summer? Please use this guide to plan your trip.
- Let’s Go to Temples in Summer! 3 Reasons Recommended for the Hot Season
- Visiting for Summer Coolness! 5 Recommended Temples Nationwide
- 1. [Kyoto] Sanzen-in: Beautiful Blue Maples and Moss Carpets
- 2. [Kamakura] Hokoku-ji: Feeling Cool in the Rustling Bamboo Grove
- 3. [Kyoto] Shoju-in: The Wind Chime Temple Where Thousands of Chimes Play Cool Sounds
- 4. [Fukui] Eihei-ji: Purifying the Body with the Spiritual Air of Deep Mountains
- 5. [Yamagata] Risshaku-ji (Yamadera): Cicada Songs and Silence Loved by Matsuo Basho
- Clothing and Items for a Comfortable Summer Temple Visit
- Manners and Points to Note for Summer Worship
- A Message from the Guide
Let’s Go to Temples in Summer! 3 Reasons Recommended for the Hot Season
Japanese summers are known for high humidity and stifling heat, but stepping into a temple’s grounds often feels mysteriously cool. This isn’t just your imagination; it has a lot to do with the unique environment and architectural style of temples. First, let’s explain the charm of temples as a summer travel destination from three perspectives.
“Natural Coolness” Created by Lush Greenery and Moss Gardens
Many temples are located in mountains or forests, with trees that have aged over centuries growing thick and lush. The large shade created by these trees blocks direct sunlight and suppresses the rise in ground temperature. Additionally, beautifully maintained moss gardens play a significant role. Since moss retains a lot of moisture, it cools the surrounding air through the heat of vaporization as the water evaporates. Taking a deep breath in this natural cooler, surrounded by greenery unlike the concrete jungle, allows you to feel coolness from within your body.
“Summer-Exclusive Scenery” like Wind Chime Festivals and Blue Maples
A major attraction of temples in summer is the special scenery that can only be seen during this season. While cherry blossoms in spring and red leaves in autumn are wonderful, in summer, the vibrant “blue maples” (fresh green maple leaves) dye the grounds in a vivid green. The green maples shining with sunlight filtering through them deliver a sense of refreshment to the viewer. Furthermore, “Wind Chime Festivals” (Furin Matsuri) are held as summer-exclusive events at temples across the country. The sound of thousands of wind chimes ringing in the wind evokes the atmosphere of a Japanese summer and helps you forget the heat.
“Quiet Time” to Escape the Hustle and Bustle and Calm the Mind
Summer heat often causes not only physical fatigue but also mental irritability. At such times, placing yourself in the silence of a temple is the best form of healing. Temple main halls and corridors are designed to have good ventilation, and just sitting and gazing at the garden can calm your mind. Time spent away from the noise of the city, listening to the chirping of birds, the sound of the wind, and sometimes the chanting of monks, can help regulate a disturbed autonomic nervous system. By facing yourself in a quiet space, you can reset the summer fatigue accumulated in your heart.
Visiting for Summer Coolness! 5 Recommended Temples Nationwide
From here, we will introduce 5 recommended temples across Japan that you should visit on your summer trip. All of them are famous spots with refreshing landscapes and a quiet atmosphere where you can forget the summer heat.
1. [Kyoto] Sanzen-in: Beautiful Blue Maples and Moss Carpets
Located in Ohara, a short distance from downtown Kyoto, Sanzen-in is a temple of the Tendai sect known for its beauty throughout the four seasons. Especially in summer, the contrast between the green moss spreading all over the grounds and the blue maples covering overhead is magnificent. Standing among the cedar trees, the temperature feels lower than in the city, and the cool air caresses your skin. Exploring while looking for the adorable “Warabe Jizo” (child statues) in the silence offers a heartwarming moment.
Viewing Point: The Coolness of the Moss Garden Surrounding Ojo Gokuraku-in
The highlight of Sanzen-in is the Ojo Gokuraku-in Hall, which houses the National Treasure Amida Sanzon statues, and the “Yuseien” garden spreading around it. The moss garden spreading like velvet under the cedar and cypress trees is breathtakingly beautiful. Sitting on the veranda and gazing at the garden, you can feel the soft light and wind filtering through the green, gaining a peace of mind just like the Pure Land.
2. [Kamakura] Hokoku-ji: Feeling Cool in the Rustling Bamboo Grove
Hokoku-ji in the ancient capital of Kamakura is also affectionately known as the “Bamboo Temple.” The bamboo garden with about 2,000 Moso bamboo stalks spreading behind the main hall is a masterpiece. The bamboo stretching high toward the sky blocks the sunlight, creating a constantly dim and cool space. Every time the wind blows, the rustling sound of bamboo leaves echoes, allowing you to feel cool through your sense of hearing. Accessible by bus from Kamakura Station, it is also perfect as a resting spot for a summer walk in Kamakura.
Viewing Point: Matcha Experience at Kyuko-an
Inside the bamboo grove, there is a tea house called “Kyuko-an,” where you can enjoy matcha green tea and dry sweets while gazing at the bamboo garden. The slight bitterness of the matcha tasted in the quiet bamboo grove is exceptional and heals your tired body. Spending a relaxing time forgetting daily life with the sound of bamboo leaves as background music is a luxurious experience suitable for an adult summer vacation.
3. [Kyoto] Shoju-in: The Wind Chime Temple Where Thousands of Chimes Play Cool Sounds
Shoju-in, located in Ujitawara Town, Kyoto Prefecture, is a temple famous for its “Wind Chime Festival” where about 2,000 wind chimes are decorated in summer. When you enter the grounds, the cool tinkling sound echoes constantly, making you forget the heat. The wind chimes are painted with flowers and goldfish, creating a visually gorgeous and photogenic space.
Viewing Point: The Inome Window (Heart Window) and Ceiling Paintings
The highlight of Shoju-in is not just the wind chimes. The heart-shaped window “Inome Mado” in the guest hall changes its scenery with the seasons, and in summer, vibrant fresh greenery colors the heart. Also, the 160 ceiling paintings covering the ceiling of that room are a masterpiece. Lying on the tatami mats and gazing at the ceiling paintings while feeling the natural breeze coming through the window will be a blissful relaxing time.
4. [Fukui] Eihei-ji: Purifying the Body with the Spiritual Air of Deep Mountains
Eihei-ji, the head temple of the Soto sect, is located deep in the mountains of Fukui Prefecture and is a training dojo surrounded by old cedar trees over several hundred years old. A dignified atmosphere drifts through the grounds, and just taking a step inside makes you feel as if your posture naturally straightens. Even in summer, it is filled with cool air, and a world unrelated to the heat of the secular world spreads out. The sight of training monks, called “Unsui,” striving in their daily strict training also purifies the hearts of visitors.
Viewing Point: The Silence of the Corridors and Ceiling Paintings
The long corridors connecting the seven main buildings scattered on the vast grounds are polished carefully with rags every day, maintaining a beauty without a speck of dust. Walking through the open corridors, the mountain air passes through, and you can feel a sense of oneness with nature. Also, the 230 ceiling paintings in the large hall of “Sanshokaku” depict flowers, birds, wind, and moon, and are so impressive that you will forget the pain in your neck while gazing at them.
5. [Yamagata] Risshaku-ji (Yamadera): Cicada Songs and Silence Loved by Matsuo Basho
Risshaku-ji, commonly known as “Yamadera” (Mountain Temple), is a Tendai sect pilgrimage site where temple buildings are scattered on steep rocky mountains, known for the famous haiku by Matsuo Basho: “Silence, sinking into the rocks, the voice of the cicada.” In summer, just as the poem says, the chorus of cicadas echoes, but strangely, it highlights the silence. Climbing the 1,015 stone steps to the Okunoin requires stamina, but the approach in the forest has plenty of shade, and the occasional breeze feels pleasant.
Viewing Point: Summer Scenery Overlooking from Godai-do
Godai-do, located at the end of the stone steps, is the best observation spot in Yamadera. From the stage-style hall, you can overlook the idyllic rural landscape and surrounding mountains below. The wind at the summit received after climbing up while sweating is exceptional, bringing the best coolness along with a sense of accomplishment. The magnificent view woven by the summer blue sky and green mountain range will be a memory of a lifetime.
Clothing and Items for a Comfortable Summer Temple Visit
Although summer temple visits are cool, heat countermeasures are essential during travel and outdoor worship. Also, since these are sacred places, consideration for clothing and manners is necessary. Here, we explain points to enjoy temple visits comfortably and without being rude.
Keep Exposure Low! Choosing Clothes that Balance Coolness and Manners
Since temples are places of training and prayer, it is good manners to avoid clothing that exposes too much skin. Avoid camisoles, mini skirts, and short pants, and try to dress modestly. If you use long skirts or wide pants made of breathable linen or cotton materials, or innerwear with moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, you can stay cool while covering your skin. Also, since you will often walk on stone steps and gravel paths, it is important to choose comfortable sneakers or flat shoes.
Essential Items like Insect Repellent and Hydration
Temples rich in nature are also home to many insects like mosquitoes and gnats. To ensure you don’t lose focus due to insect bites during worship, use insect repellent spray in advance or carry it with you for peace of mind. Also, since the grounds are large and vending machines may be scarce, bring a water bottle and hydrate frequently. Don’t forget to prepare a parasol or hat for sun protection, and a towel or “Tenugui” (Japanese hand towel) to wipe off sweat.
Don’t Forget Your Goshuin Book! Check for Summer Limited Editions
One of the pleasures of visiting temples is collecting “Goshuin” (red ink stamps), and in summer, designs and stamps limited to this season are sometimes available. Cool-looking Goshuin featuring goldfish, morning glories, or fireworks are perfect as travel souvenirs. Popular limited edition Goshuin may run out early, so it’s good to check information in advance. Take this opportunity to bring your Goshuin book (Goshuin-cho) and receive proof of your visit.
Manners and Points to Note for Summer Worship
Finally, let’s confirm the basic manners to follow when visiting a temple. Although some places are tourist destinations, never forget that they are places of faith, and acting with respect is important.
Don’t Forget Consideration for Photography Prohibited Areas and Surroundings
While it is understandable to want to photograph beautiful gardens and Buddha statues, some temples have areas where photography is prohibited. In particular, photography inside the main hall or of Buddha statues is often not allowed, so be sure to check the local signs. Also, many places prohibit the use of tripods. Even in places where photography is allowed, be considerate so as not to hinder other worshippers, and take photos quietly.
Maintain the Silence of the Grounds and Worship Peacefully
Do not speak in a loud voice within the grounds so as not to destroy the quiet atmosphere that is the temple’s greatest charm. Especially when visiting in a group, be careful as voices tend to get louder when conversation flows. Set your mobile phone to silent mode and refrain from making calls. by putting your hands together quietly and spending time calmly, you can feel the naturally refreshing air of the temple more deeply. Let’s have consideration for those around us and cooperate in creating a space where everyone can worship pleasantly.
A Message from the Guide
Please take extra care to avoid heatstroke while visiting temples. Staying hydrated is essential.
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