An enormous temple located against the background of the 36 mountain peaks of Higashiyama Mountain. Chionin Temple was founded by Honen Shonin, the founder of Jodo (Pure Land) Sect in 1175.
For all other temples, the main gate “Sanmon” is written in Chinese characters meaning “mountain gate”.However, Chion-in’s Sanmon is written in Chinese characters meaning “three gates”. This is in reference to the “Sangedatsumon” (Three Gates of Liberation)ーthe Kumon (Gate of Emptiness), Musomon (Gate of Formlessness), and Muganmon (Gate of Inaction), from which people can attain Satori (enlightenment). Apart from the magnificent gate, there are many other attractions within the temple precinct such as the Daishoro Clock Tower and the National Treasure Mieido Hall that are surely worth a visit.
