Perched on the slopes of Mount Kokuzō in Arashiyama, Hōrin-ji is a peaceful Shingon temple dedicated to Kokuzō Bosatsu, the bodhisattva of wisdom and memory. Often overlooked by visitors heading to Tenryū-ji or the Bamboo Grove, this quiet sanctuary offers open-air views over the Katsura River and Kyoto’s western hills. The approach is a gentle climb past ancient stone markers and seasonal blooms, rewarding visitors with a main hall imbued with quiet gravitas and a unique connection to learning and spiritual reflection. Long associated with scholars and practitioners of esoteric Buddhism, Hōrin-ji’s annual rituals and astrological events keep it deeply woven into local tradition.