Make a Wish at the Suzumushi Temple in Kyoto

From Kyoto Station, it takes about 40 minutes by municipal bus to reach the Suzumushi Temple. Upon arriving in Kyoto, you will easily spot countless shrines and temples along the grid-patterned streets of this ancient city. But a visit to this temple in the Arashiyama district will surely make you want to come back!

Although the official name of this Zen temple is Kegonji, it is affectionately known as the Suzumushi Temple (Bell Cricket Temple).

Enjoy the Sound of Crickets Year-Round

After getting off the municipal bus at Matsuo Taisha-mae bus stop, I followed a handwritten sign and took a narrow road through the residential area.

While standing at the fork in the path and wondering which way to go, an elderly gentleman on a bicycle showed me the way to the Suzumushi Temple. After climbing a gentle slope, I arrived at the temple's entrance.

However, there was still a short way to go. There are 80 stairs to climb in total, which is said to be the same number of steps to heaven.

Simply climbing the steps one by one is apparently the first stage toward reaching inner peace. In other words, no complaining when heading up the hill!

The name "Suzumushi Temple" comes from the bell crickets that can be heard year-round. The chirping sound is actually a mating call, so the number of male and female crickets is carefully monitored. Otherwise, the crickets would wipe each other out.

Additionally, this temple is known for bringing lovers together. There's even a Jizo statue in the sanctuary. This placement is rare because Jizo statues are typically found along roadsides or beside graves. Furthermore, it is not an object of worship since the Jizo is not a deity.

However, the "Kofuku Jizo" (Jizo of Happiness) of Suzumushi Temple is worshiped for granting wishes, although visitors are allowed only one wish. On his feet are waraji straw sandals. It is said that he will visit worshippers if you recite your address.

Don't forget your home address or else the Jizo will not be able to find his way and the wish will not be granted.

A Heart-Warming Sermon

While climbing the stairs, I was wondering how loud the crickets would be chirping However, there was no sound.

Slightly disappointed, I entered the temple to listen to the Buddhist priest's "Suzumushi Sermon." The priests residing at this temple take turns preaching for about 20 minutes daily. The fee is 500 yen, and after entering a large tatami room, the crickets will start singing.

Why couldn't I hear the crickets chirping outside? The priest appeared at that moment. The sermon's theme, conducted in a soft Kyoto dialect, changes every month.

Photographs are not allowed in this room, so here is what the priest talked about.

These days, visitors to the temple do not place their hands together. They either come to the sanctuary for a walk or to take photos. However, a temple is a sacred place where the Buddha resides. Whether you believe in Buddhism or not, you should take a moment to place your hands together and show respect for the Buddha. It will also calm your mind.

This small gesture can slowly become a habit if you continue doing it. A habit can define what kind of a person you are. You do not need to visit a temple to place your hands together. For instance, putting your hands together before a meal may make you more aware of your surroundings. This kind of awareness can help you grow.

After reflecting on the sermon, I realized that I might have been easily irritated in my busy life. It also made me wonder what kind of a person I was becoming.

Looking over the cityscape of Kyoto from the Suzumushi Temple, my mind felt refreshed. Perhaps this serene feeling could be due to the calming sermon and the soothing background music of bell crickets.

Suzumushi Temple

31 Matsumurojike-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 615-8294

All pictures from Pixta