Yoshimine-dera is famous for its breathtaking natural surroundings. It's located on a side of a mountain, giving you incredible vistas of Kyoto and the neighboring mountains surrounded by magnificent trees and beautiful flowers.

You can reach this Temple using public transport, but the last bus to the temple typically departs at around 2 p.m.

The thing in this Temple that amazed me the most was Yuryu no Matsu pine tree - a unique pine tree located on the temple grounds. This tree is also known as the Gliding Dragon Pine Tree and it is said to resemble a dragon flying through the sky. It is only 2 meters tall, but spreads out over 40 meters wide and designated as a national natural monument.

Yoshimine-dera was founded in 1029 by the monk Gensan, who is said to have been guided to the site by the God. The temple was originally home to 52 buildings, most of which unfortunately were destroyed during the War in the 15th century. The temple was rebuilt in the 17th century, and today it features a number of important cultural assets, including a wooden statue of Kannon (one of the most popular and beloved deities in Japan, where she is often depicted as a woman with a gentle expression and multiple arms, a symbol of compassion, wisdom, and protection) carved by Gensan himself.

I highly recommend to visit this place, but please be aware that there are no restaurants or shops nearby.