A friend of mine says that Kurodani Temple is his favorite in all of Kyoto. I can see why. There is nothing spectacular about it, unless of course you like hills and cemeteries (I do!) There is a cemetery here that runs up the side of a hill overlooking the temple grounds and keeps going and going and going. This is a beautiful place to come for a walk and to explore. It is not over-produced like many temples in Kyoto are, and it's not crowded. I visited in the middle of the cherry blossom season, when the sakura was in full bloom, and there was hardly anyone here - mainly locals. And if you come in the early morning, you might be lucky enough to hear the monks chanting.
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The Hills of Kurodani Temple, Kyoto
A temple to explore and enjoy, any season of the year

Community writer

Entrance to Kurodani Temple, Kyoto

Temple sign, high above the main gate

There weren't many people there - mainly locals

There is a large beautiful cemetery

The cherry blossoms in this cemetery were very beautiful

It would be a great place for a picnic...if you could find a spot to sit down!

Prayer boards and sakura

A shady corner of the cemetery

Lotus pots under stone bridge - this must be beautiful in late July and early August when they are in full bloom

Unique statue in the cemetery that climbs the hill

Another unique statue

I was told by a local (who also happened to be a foreigner) that the hair on this statue is unique in Kyoto
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Beautiful Sakura in spring in Kyoto.
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